As a result of the ongoing uncertainty facing the world in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the continuing ban on gatherings of large numbers of people in Switzerland, the INDEX™20 Organisers, PALEXPO and EDANA, have been reviewing the best course of action.
In particular, the Organisers acknowledge that the latest developments of the worldwide COVID-19 situation are not yet leading to a normalised situation (e.g. extension of confinement periods, no visibility concerning the reopening of international borders and/or international transportation, increasing expert opinions anticipating a negative evolution, etc.).
The safety of all INDEX™20 attendees remains the Organisers’ paramount concern. Whilst PALEXPO and EDANA sincerely hope that the ravages of the virus will have abated by the end of the year, the Organisers are unable to guarantee that the very significant on-going disruptions will have been resolved by October 2020.
PALEXPO and EDANA consider it is their duty to ensure that the industry’s leading nonwovens event takes place under the best possible conditions. As such, the protection of exhibitors and visitors is the Organisers’ primary concern, in order for all attendees to meet, network and conduct new business together, as they have in past editions.
As a result, also taking into account various exchanges with the INDEX™20 stakeholders, it appears that there are obvious imperative reasons to postpone INDEX™20 and the Organisers have no other choice than to reschedule INDEX™20 once again.
Consequently, INDEX™20 will be postponed to 7 – 10 September 2021.
More than ever before, the world increasingly recognizes the vital role played by nonwovens in protecting citizens around the globe from infection and disease. The prevailing situation has thrown into relief the sheer diversity of innovation which the nonwovens industry and its suppliers are capable of, no matter how great the challenge. It is an industry which PALEXPO and EDANA are proud to serve.
In the interim, the Organisers strongly recommend that everyone continues to follow the sound advice of the national health authorities to protect, as much as possible, all people around the world, from COVID-19, and the Organisers look forward to warmly welcoming all the attendees to Geneva in September 2021.
PALEXPO and EDANA remain available for any further information that may be required.
