Under the shadow of COVID-19 Pandemic, one of the most famous design fairs of the world, Salone del Mobile may opt for the digital version amid rising concerns over the rescheduled timing in September, reports SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
The organisers have already met with the Italian govt for a series of assurances to make the event happen on its scheduled date, i.e., 5-10 Sept.
Read more: SR News Update: Salone del Mobile.Milano 2021 Postponed Until September Due to Corona
In a statement released by the fair organisers, Claudio Luti, President, Salone del Mobile said, "Everyone wants to go to the Salone for business but also to rediscover that socialisation which has been lacking so much in these very hard and painful months of the pandemic. But it is essential that the institutions give us precise answers. We are waiting for certainties from the government."
"We will only be able to confirm [the fair] if the DPCM on 6 April gives a green light for fairs to take place," he added.
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The statement has urged the authorities for clarity on the vaccination programme, health passports and the resumption of international flights, as well as the holding of trade fairs, which are currently banned.
"It is essential we get a certain date for the restarting of trade fairs in the next DPCM, but also a definition of the vaccine plan and a realistic timetable to achieve levels of vaccination that will allow Italy to be considered a safe country to welcome foreign visitors," he said.
It is one of the most important furniture fair in the world that attracts close to 300,000 people to Milan.
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Traditionally held in April, the 2020 fair was cancelled due to the pandemic while the 2021 event was postponed until September in the hope that Covid-19 restrictions would have been lifted by then.
Hundreds of fringe events collectively known as the "fuorisalone" have been planned for September to coincide with the rescheduled Salone del Mobile. It is expected that these will go ahead even if the main fair is cancelled.
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Talking about the digital version, in an interview, Mr. Luti said, "After months of analysis and comparisons – which saw both the internal structure and the best professionals in the sector work closely together – we are developing a new digital platform capable of supporting the event and the companies that will take part in it," he said.
"The new digital platform will create a potentially infinite space and extend it beyond the fair season."
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