Initially planned for April 2022, discussions with exhibitors and other interested parties led to the recognition that the April dates involved too many uncertainties in view of the global pandemic. The prevailing opinion was that it is currently difficult to assess whether worldwide travel would be allowed and unhindered. This was particularly pertinent to global exhibitors, and companies expecting visitors from across the globe. Due to the high costs involved in stand construction, logistics and accommodation, the bauma organisers were advised to postpone the show as an attraction of the trade show is to bring together the global construction industry and to be a hub, which would no longer be the case if travel was restricted.

With this decision, exhibitors and visitors now have clarity and a secure basis for planning their attendance. Klaus Dittrich, chairman and CEO of Messe München explains: “The decision to postpone bauma was not an easy one for us, of course. But we had to make it now, before the exhibitors start planning their participation in the trade show and make corresponding investments. Unfortunately, despite the vaccination campaign that has been launched around the world, it is not yet possible to predict when the pandemic will be largely under control and unlimited worldwide travel will be possible again. This makes participation difficult to plan and calculate for both exhibitors and visitors. Under these circumstances, we would not have been able to fulfil our central promise that bauma, the world's leading trade fair, represents the entire spectrum of the industry and generate international reach like no other comparable event. After all, bauma’s last edition welcomed participants from over 200 countries around the world. Hence, the decision is consistent and logical.”

Joachim Schmid, managing director of the Construction Equipment and Plant Engineering Association of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), supports the decision and welcomes that Messe München has followed the industry's request: “The decision is tough, but it gives all parties the planning basis they need. The industry will now do everything it can for a strong bauma in October 2022. Even without a health crisis, companies need to overcome challenges such as digitalisation, autonomous construction sites and sustainability, and stay abreast of changes to avoid falling behind. For this, they need bauma as an innovation barometer and networking platform. In next year’s October, we will all meet again in Munich.”

Regardless of the postponement, the technical and organisational planning for bauma 2022 continues. The core of bauma 2022 will be the ‘face to face’ event, augmented and expanded by digital offerings. “This allows customers from all over the world to participate in bauma, even if they can't or don't want to travel to Munich,” explains Klaus Dittrich. Detailed answers to all questions on the postponement of bauma can be found at: www.bauma.de. Exhibitors who have already registered will also receive further information there.