The collocated events were originally slated to be held May 12-14, 2020, in Atlanta. After the pandemic began, the shows were postponed until October, but regulations including travel restrictions and quarantine procedures prompted Messe Frankfurt to change its plans. In July, the in-person editions were postponed until their next editions in 2021 and 2022.
“In lieu of a physical tradeshow in 2020, we still wanted to offer our exhibitors a platform for exposure, and our visitors the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and technologies hitting the technical textiles and sewn products industries,” said group show director Kristy Meade.
Instead of a digital trade show held all at once, the organizers announced a monthly webinar series running from October to April. Using the original Symposium programming for the May live events, they translated the agenda into virtual sessions. Messe Frankfurt also added speakers and subjects in response to current industry topics across