Hannover, Germany. Virtual is not enough. This becomes more and more apparent, even though the many digital formats are a suitable way to stay in touch during the current pandemic situation. Corona has temporarily paralyzed the trade fair business. But just now it gets obvious: Trade fairs are missed. Luckily, LABVOLUTION can take place next year at the beginning of May, when the critical winter months are over and a vaccine has become more realistic. "The few real encounters these days show us: Nothing can replace direct exchange," says Bernd Heinold, LABVOLUTION project director of the Deutsche Messe AG team. "The need for direct contact and personal conversation will be even greater in spring 2021. Therefore, LABVOLUTION in May will be at a very good time".

At LABVOLUTION, decision-makers, experts and young talents from the world of analytics meet. Companies are very interested in being able to present and explain their own solutions live and on site for both research and development laboratories and for routine and quality control laboratories. This involves equipment, software and materials. But the focus is also on the people working in the laboratory. Knowledge transfer and job opportunities are central interests of the trade fair visitors, along with innovations in the exhibition. LABVOLUTION 2021 will focus on digitization, sustainability and the learnings from the pandemic.

In the new normal, security has top priority

By May 2021, the pandemic will not yet be over. The so-called new normal includes safety and hygiene standards. Already now, LABVOLUTION is prepared for this. An extensive catalogue of infection prevention measures regulates the design of trade fair stands as well as matters of catering and logistics.

In addition, Deutsche Messe has also upgraded in all aspects of hygiene, safety distances and contact tracking during trade fairs. "At LABVOLUTION we will be offering the greatest possible safety," says Heinold. "By setting clear guidelines, we will create an atmosphere where participants can concentrate on their actual goal: Show and discover new solutions, initiate business and expand their own knowledge".

Short journey - safe planning

An additional advantage of LABVOLUTION is its primary focus on the German and European market. International travel restrictions will therefore be less important for the fair.

In many companies, the decision-making processes have changed due to the current situation and need more time. LABVOLUTION reacts to this by extending the early booking discount until the end of October. Companies deciding to participate in Hannover by then will pay less for their booth space.

In addition, intensive preparations are also underway in terms of content for a successful trade fair in May 2021. The Science Symposium at LABVOLUTION will focus on current approaches to vaccines, the use of artificial intelligence in pandemics, as well as sustainability and resource conservation. Experiences from the pandemic will also be the main item on the agenda of smartLAB, the special show for the intelligent laboratory of the future. Among other things, it is planned to show a mobile test container for corona analysis, where attendees can get tested. The LIMS & Software Area will also again be addressing the topic of digitization and networking. Getting to know and trying out applications in detail - that's what the Lab USER Dialogue is all about. And last but not least, the LABVOLUTION AWARD will be presented for the second time. The call for applications will follow shortly.