Despite insisting in April that the IFA 2021 technology fair would be, "a full-scale, real-life event", organisers of the show have announced it will now be cancelled due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Berlin-based show, which was due to take place from 3rd-7th September, is Europe's biggest tech fair and showcases kit across a range of consumer electronics categories from a wide range of manufacturers including LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony.
IFA is unique in that after the press and trade days have passed, the general public get admittance – most tech shows are strictly industry-only affairs. This year's show was also due to see the debut of the first-ever Tech Up for Women Conference and Berlin Photo Week.
Speaking about the cancellation, Martin Ecknig, the CEO of Messe Berlin, said: "We did not take this decision lightly. IFA Berlin is arguably the most important event of the year for brands and retailers alike. IFA Berlin connects our industry with trade visitors, media and real consumers like no other event. However, the health and safety of everybody has to be absolutely paramount."
Plans are now being made for next year's IFA, which will be held as a full-scale live event (we hope) at the Berlin exhibition grounds from 2nd to 6th September 2022.
See all the highlights from IFA 2020
