Ligna 2021 cancelled due to pandemic, next event in 2023

The organiser took the decision due to the continuing high level of infection worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the slow national and international progress on vaccination and continuing travel restrictions.

Deutsche Messe, together with co-organiser VDMA Woodworking Machinery, promised a digital networking and content platform this autumn.

“Uncertainties in the wake of the pandemic still remain very high worldwide. In close consultation with the VDMA, we have therefore decided to cancel LIGNA as a physical event in 2021“, said Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG.

“In order to offer the industry a platform for innovations, knowledge exchange and networking, alternatively we will set up a digital networking and content platform that will be launched at the end of September.

“We are also planning the Rosenheim LIGNA.Conference in early summer 2022. For both event formats, we are incorporating the many new insights and positive experiences from the recently hosted HANNOVER MESSE Digital Edition.”

Dr Bernhard Dirr, managing director of VDMA Woodworking Machinery said the cancellation was a “difficult decision”.

“At LIGNA, we have to take into account that entire machine parks are designed, set up and presented in live operation with a long lead time and a great deal of effort. This requires many months of trade show planning.

“This is the reason, why we have now been forced to make a decision on holding LIGNA in the fall in order to give our customers the necessary planning security.”

Another postponement, he added, made no sense in view of the innovation cycles of the companies.