IFA 2021 will be held in person: Berlin’s big tech event mimics MWC and announces plans to return in person. The technology sector wants to meet again. Just as the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which still intends to be held in person despite some cancellations, it is now the IFA in Berlin, the big technology event in autumn, which announces the return to the in-person format.
IFA 2021 will take place from September 3-7 and will be a “full-scale” event. While last year, due to the pandemic, the IFA was held mainly through virtual events, this year the organization explains its plans to try to hold the technology event in person.
IFA Berlin announces intention to go physical in September
The Berlin event, heavily focused on consumer electronics and home appliances, is preparing to be held at its usual venue, the Messe Berlin. Last year they explain that a small edition was held at the venue, but this year they intend to hold exhibitions and conferences.
As the IFA organizers explain, the companies that will be exhibiting have shown a high level of interest, and more than 80% of the exhibitors are already booked.
The type of message coincides with that expressed by MWC officials. “The message we hear from our industry is loud and clear: ‘Technology is back in Berlin’ and is ready to meet retailers, media and consumers – safely, but in real life,” explains Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin.
Jens Heithecker, CEO of IFA, points to the big global vaccination effort that is gaining momentum and starting to bear fruit as one of the justifications for the celebration. “We do not expect IFA Berlin 2021 to set new records. However, the trend is clear: IFA is set for a full-scale comeback,” notes the executive. A comeback “with every precaution to ensure everyone’s health.” It remains to be seen which companies decide to sign up and how many attendees return to Berlin. A great technology event that in its last full edition, that of 2019, gathered more than 238,000 visitors.
