Messe Stuttgart is postponing the next edition of the R+T – the leading world trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems – to 21 to 25 February 2022. This decision was based on the intensive discussions between the project managers and all partners, supporter associations, the Trade Fair Advisory Board and leading manufacturers. During the last few weeks an intensive and, at times, personal survey of national and international exhibitors was also conducted. This survey also produced a clear result. “From the very first day, we focused on close and transparent communication with everyone involved. The intensive discussions and the exhibitor survey clearly show that R+T cannot be reliably staged at present with its accustomed quality, especially on account of the high internationality and the extremely long preparation phase,” said Roland Bleinroth, President and CEO of Messe Stuttgart. “R+T is much more than just a trade fair! The exchanges with colleagues, intensive technical discussions, numerous networking events and accompanying events make R+T a large family gathering every three years. However, all this cannot be guaranteed under the present conditions. Although it was not easy for us to make this decision after two and half years of planning, preparation and commitment, it is the only correct one at present,” added Sebastian Schmid, Department Director Technology at Messe Stuttgart. “By postponing R+T to 2022, we primarily want to give our exhibitors and partners the greatest possible planning security. In February 2022 manufacturers will again be able to access the entire R+T network which they know and are accustomed to. We are pleased that we and the industry have found a solution in order to repeat the previous success of the leading world trade fair.”
New digital R+T format in 2021.
However, the postponement of R+T also opens up new opportunities and doors for the industry. “In the originally scheduled event period, i.e. 22 to 26 February 2021, all our exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their developed innovations and new products to trade visitors all over the world during the digital R+T,” said Sebastian Schmid.
The centrepiece of this digital format will be the R+T Innovation Award which will be staged according to the original plans as a live event. Key topics such as handicraft, the smart home and architecture will also be examined. The programme will be supplemented by hybrid, industry-specific technical talks and different matchmaking services. The presented contents will also be available online after the digital R+T for another 365 days up to the next R+T and will be regularly updated. “In the next few weeks we will finalise the concept for the digital R+T and will start the first implementations directly. We will also take all the important steps to ensure a successful R+T in 2022. We can hardly wait to welcome all our exhibitors and visitors in person again in Stuttgart from 21 to 25 February 2022,” said a delighted Sebastian Schmid.
