MATEXPO goes full steam ahead for a 'normal' edition in September 2021

Johan Verhelst, chairman of MATEXPO: 'Organising a trade fair in these times is no easy task. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our loyal but also new exhibitors, just about every cm² of the available space has now been rented out. This indicates a great need to participate in fairs again, to see clients, to network. We also see this in the registrations of visitors. A few weeks ago it came online and it immediately boomed! Everyone is very much looking forward to it.'

Do questions also come into MATEXPO as to whether such a fair can be organized "normally" in the current circumstances?

Gregory Olszewski, MATEXPO director: 'What is normal? We've had to adjust so many times over the past year. And we have come to consider many things "normal. Yet things are completely different now. The vaccination campaign that is almost at cruising speed is a real boost. Look at the countries that are already further along. People are systematically moving toward "business as usual. And that is exactly what we also expect at MATEXPO.

Will there be no measures at all during MATEXPO, then?

Olszewski: "That's hard to predict. We will of course adapt and we will apply any measures that are in place at the time. The fair takes place mainly outside and it is also possible to open all the gates of the halls. That way we will create an outdoor climate for the indoor stands as well. In the meantime, after all, it has become clear that outdoor air is the best guarantee of a safe environment. In any case, we do not expect any drastic restrictions in terms of visitor numbers. And we have also already proven with Techni-Mat in October that we are able to organize a successful trade fair in challenging conditions. Exhibitors and visitors can sleep on both ears: it will be an unforgettable edition!'

Due to the cancellation of several international spring trade fairs, MATEXPO, with more than 300 exhibitors, 135,000m² and some 40,000 expected visitors, is just about the only and immediately most important meeting point for the sector this year throughout Europe. This makes MATEXPO more than ever the place to be of Sept. 8 to 12 at Kortrijk Xpo.