FIBO announces October dates for postponed 2020 show

The organisers of Germany's FIBO, international fitness and wellness trade show, have advised that the event will now be held in October.

Originally planned to run from 2nd to 5th April 2020, the rescheduled event will now be held from 1st to 4th October 2020. (Editor's note: As of 28th May 2020, these dates have been reduced to 1st to 3rd October).

The event was postponed last week as a result of concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus, with health authorities in the city of Cologne having recommended not to hold any trade fairs with high international participation for the time being. 

Announcing the chnage, FIBO Director, Silke Frank stated "with the new date in autumn we are responding to the wish of many exhibitors to offer an alter-native date in the current business year."

"We are therefore very pleased to have found a date and space solution in the talks with Koelnmesse Ausstellungen at short notice."  

FIBO will now take place in a new hall, occupying the southern parts of the Cologne Exhibition Centre, with access via the east, west and south entrances.

The European Health & Fitness Forum (EHFF) will take place on 30th September, the day before FIBO opens.

IHRSA 2020 withdrawls
It has also been reported that major exhibitors Life Fitness, Precor, Keiser and Freemotion have withdrawn from the 2020 International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association exhibition, due to be held from 18th 21st March in San Diego, California, USA.

The company’s are understood to have put a hold on travel due to concerns related to the Coronavirus, which would affect their attendance at the event.

Announcing their decision, Life Fitness advised “while we sincerely appreciate the additional steps IHRSA is taking to make the show safe for all attendees, the health and safety of our employees and their families will always be our top priority. We are exploring alternative ways to bring our brand and product experiences to our customers at another time this year."

In addition to the cancellation by these vendors, fitness club operators including Retro Fitness, World Gym and WellBiz have put restrictions on company travel, meaning their employees won’t be attending IHRSA.

Click here for details on FIBO in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Article updated 28th May 2020 to reflect the event's changed dates.