The fair at the time of ... the virus

In light of the recent developments related to the spread of the Novel Corona Virus in Italy and after a discussion with the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Municipality of Bologna, on February 24 BolognaFiere Cosmoprof SpA made official the decision to postpone Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna from March to June. These are the new dates: COSMOPACK and COSMO | PERFUMERY & COSMETICS from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 June, COSMO | HAIR NAIL & BEAUTY SALON from Friday 12 to Monday 15 June.

A difficult but necessary decision, explains Enrico Zannini (General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof SpA), taken however with the firm will to ensure the best possible business conditions for the industrial sector of world cosmetics.

In fact, let's not forget that a fair like Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna "moves" 3,000 exhibitors and 265,000 operators overall, to which the organizers intend to offer, as a tradition for 53 years now, a profitable (and serene) platform of encounter.
On the spur of the moment we also asked Zannini for some additional information. And here are his answers.
                                                                   
In addition to the very understandable "institutional" justifications, would you like to talk about the practical problems that you are called upon to solve between now and June?
Our commitment at the moment is to reassure our companies and operators on the most operational of aspects, facing all the practical issues related to their presence during the event. At the same time, we have to communicate the new dates of the event and promote the presence of our visitors in Bologna in June.
 
On what basis, following discussion with the institutions, were the new dates chosen? I imagine that, in addition to the availability of the fair facilities, you took a look at the international events calendar.  
It was not an easy choice. We had to tackle the availability of the fair facilities, but we also had to consider the already planned calendar of international events, respecting the events in the same sector. Lastly, we had to consider the specific activities and needs related to each sector. The dates singled out, from 11 to 15 June, represent the best possible compromise.
 
Can you confirm that nothing changes in the concept of the event which - I still presume - also goes for the allocation of spaces?
Of course, our program does not undergo substantial changes and we are also reconfirming all the exhibition spaces. Our event will once again be a key moment for the entire cosmetics industry, featuring the main innovations and trends that will characterize the market in the near future. (To this purpose, got to related articles CosmoFactory 2020 and the program “ The gardens of Cosmoprof”).                                                               

What was the exhibitors' reaction? Can you already make a first assessment?
I take this opportunity to thank our exhibitors, who have stood alongside us in this complicated moment, they have supported us in our activities and they have understood how difficult it was for us to make this choice. Most of the companies have accepted our decision, which reassures us.