WIESBADEN, GERMANY and BOLOGNA, ITALY — After postponing Interzoo 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of Interzoo and Zoomark International have announced new dates for both events in 2021 and 2022.

Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH (WZF), the organizer of Interzoo, has scheduled the biennial event for June 1-4, 2021 in Nuremburg, and BolognaFiere, S.p.A., the organizer of Zoomark International, has slated the trade show for May 9-12, 2022 in Bologna.

Both organizers said they have postponed both events by one year with hopes of “finding a minimally invasive solution” and helping minimize economic damage to the industry as many pet businesses are expected to face long-term repercussions of COVID-19.

“After a global crisis, a global trade fair is needed to provide the industry with a positive impulse,” said Dr. Rowena Arzt, director of exhibitions for WZF GmbH. “Trade shows are a crucial instrument in enhancing the rehabilitation process in the aftermath of a crisis and act as catalysts for industries and national economies.”

Norbert Holthenrich, president of the German Pet Trade and Industry Association (Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe e.V., ZZF), the honorary sponsor of INTERZOO, added, “In the aftermath of a crisis such as the one we are currently facing, it is our obligation as [an] association and trade fair organizer to support the industry in recovering economically.

“Our exhibitors state that a biennial rhythm for an event with the magnitude of INTERZOO is simply ideal and should therefore be maintained,” Holthenrich said. “We are optimistic that postponing both trade fairs by one year holds solid benefits for the industry at large.”

Antonio Bruzzone, general manager of BolognaFiere, said, “Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the calendar of international trade fairs have to be substantially altered, and today more than ever, fair organizers are striving to offer the business world new tools and increasingly incisive support for kick-starting business, working in close collaboration with institutions, companies and trade associations.

“…We are convinced that the emergency we are currently facing can provide new stimuli for business and that over the next two years the economy will re-stabilize, rewarding in particular the most innovative companies,” Bruzzone added.

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