The Electronica trade fair set for November in Munich has been cancelled and will be replaced with an online version including an industrial IoT conference.

Organiser Messe München blamed increasingly stricter travel restrictions in Europe for the decision. It hopes the digital format will give exhibitors the opportunity to book digital trade fair booths.

Under the new name Electronica Virtual, it will also provide additional ways to interact and network. A large portion of the conference and supporting programme will be available digitally.

“Even though an in-person trade fair could have been conducted with the help of our safety and hygiene concept, the latest developments related to travel restrictions in many countries forced us to rethink our plans,” said Falk Senger, managing director of Messe München. “We are adapting these plans to this dynamic situation and are now focusing solely on our virtual format. International exhibitors and visitors are the heart of Electronica. In light of current Covid-19 conditions, we would not have been able to meet the expectations with an in-person trade fair.”

Kurt Sievers, CEO of NXP Semiconductors and the chair of the Electronica Advisory Board, added: “After re-evaluating the situation, I consider the decision of Messe München to be very appropriate and responsible. We are pleased that, with Electronica Virtual, a concept is now offered for 2020 that allows exhibitors to reach their international customers, even in the continuing difficult pandemic period. Via this digital platform, exhibitors can present their innovations, learn about industry trends and efficiently network with customers and suppliers.”

The virtual format aims to provide the electronics industry with a platform for global industry discussions. It will include virtual trade fair booths, which will let exhibitors communicate with their international customers and plug their products. The digital conference and supporting programme will include individual talks and panel discussions on trend topics such as industrial IoT, automotive, embedded systems, 5G, medical electronics and smart energy.

“The electronics industry and the solutions it provides are one of the major driving forces behind digitalisation,” said Christoph Stoppok, head of components, mobility and systems at the German Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers’ Association. “Let’s put the industry’s ingenuity to use and get together this year at a virtual fair. This is exactly the right time to foster a dialogue in the industry and generate economic momentum once again.”