Everything was in place for the 22nd interpack: on 7 May 2020, exactly five years ago to the day, the trade fair gates were due to open in Düsseldorf. Then came corona - and nothing was the same again. Together with interpack Director Thomas Dohse, we take a look back at these dramatic weeks - and ahead: to 7 May 2026, because exactly one year from today, the trade fair gates of the 23rd interpack will open; once again in Düsseldorf, of course.
The all-important news came on a Friday the 13th (March 2020): „Coronavirus: interpack 2020 is postponed“, it was announced. The message from the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia hit the industry like a punch in the face. At first, exhibitors were extremely displeased. And yet, that was clear to everyone: There was no alternative to the decision. „Messe Düsseldorf is postponing the world's leading international trade fair interpack. It will now take place from 25 February to 3 March 2021.“, was said at the time.
In doing so, Messe Düsseldorf was only following the recommendation of the Federal Government's crisis management team to take the principles of the Robert Koch Institute into account when assessing the risk of major events. Due to this recommendation and the significant increase in the number of people infected with the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf reassessed the situation. In addition the general decree of the state capital Düsseldorf of 11 March 2020, according to which large events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time were generally prohibited. This was the turning point - the start of the trade fair on 7 May 2020 was no longer possible.
7 May 2025, five years later - reason enough for a commentary review by interpack Director Thomas Dohse, Happy ending included:
„interpack 2020 should have started exactly five years ago today. Everything was ready and the entire packaging world was looking forward to the world's leading trade fair. Instead, silence reigned at the Düsseldorf exhibition centre on 7 May 2020. The coronavirus pandemic had slowed the pace of the entire world, unsettled our industry and made face-to-face meetings impossible. Initially, we worked flat out to organise a postponement to February 2021 - and but even this alternative date could not be realised. In close consultation with associations, advisory boards and exhibitors, we finally suspended the event and returned to the regular schedule in May 2023.
That was by far the biggest challenge in my more than 25 years at Messe Düsseldorf and has caused me many a sleepless night.
A lot has changed since then. We work more digitally, more flexibly and have also re-evaluated trade fair formats. But one thing quickly became clear: there is no substitute for personal contact. Especially in the capital goods sector, the trade fair experience with all senses counts: Touching products, seeing machines in action, having spontaneous conversations, building trust.
And so it is a nice coincidence that the upcoming interpack will start on 7 May 2026. The trade fair is fully booked, The industry is full of expectation and anticipation. The focus will once again be on pioneering innovations, new partnerships and bold ideas - everything that drives our industry: The will to create and expertise for the future.“
