Germany: Firm Plans to Host the aquanale & FSB Trade Fair Duo in Cologne – First Program Details Announced
The double trade fair format aquanale (International Trade Fair for Sauna.Pool.Ambience) and FSB (International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities) is scheduled to take place in the halls of Koelnmesse from 26 to 29 October 2021. This will be the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that the professionals of the respective sectors will meet again in person.
Admittedly, the event will be a different one for both exhibitors and visitors than it was two years ago, as Matthias Pollmann, Division Manager of Koelnmesse, confirmed during yesterday’s press conference. Nevertheless, he said, Koelnmesse is firmly convinced that it will be able to host the trade fair duo as an in-person event this fall. The concept, which has been adapted to the current pandemic protection requirements, includes wider aisles between the exhibitors‘ stands. An app will also be used to direct the flow of visitors. Participation in the trade show and its accompanying program will only be possible with a pre-registration online – a contactless solution that will also serve to track contacts, if necessary. Many of the main German exhibitors at both trade shows have expressed their trust in the concept and already booked their exhibition space. Companies from other European countries are still reluctant due to unforeseeable travel restrictions. As Koelnmesse states, participants are offered particularly flexible general conditions this year.
For aquanale, Koelnmesse is once again cooperating with the European Waterpark Association (EWA), among others, whose “EWA Village“ with renowend exhibitors such as Aquarena and Klafs will be located in Hall Eight this year. Within the framework of the fair, the EWA will also hold its general meeting and present the “EWA Awards“ on 28 October.
In addition, the swimming pool and sauna trade fair will once again be the platform for the International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum of the IAKS – International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities – which will provide a broad seminar and lecture program for bath operators and manufacturers in the industry. The “27th IAKS Congress” will take place within the framework of FSB. The motto this year is “Developing healthy and sustainable communities“. A central topic in open space and sports facility design is sustainability, especially with regard to the processing and handling of microplastics in artificial turf pitches. (eap)
