AntwerpXL has been postponed from December 2021 to 4 – 6 October 2022.
As the industry was gearing up for AntwerpXL 2021, which was expected to take place on the 7-9 December 2021, the event has unfortunately been delayed until 4-6 October 2022. It will be held at the Antwerp Expo in Antwerp, Belgium.
The decision has been made in consultation with the community due to the announcement on Covid restrictions by the Government in Belgium last week. The situation looks likely to continue for the weeks ahead, directly impacting Easyfairs’ ability to serve the industry in the best possible way.
The return of in person events helped to boost a positive outlook for the industry, but the postponement has shown that effects of the pandemic are not over yet. In person events allow people the opportunity to connect and network, they allow the industry to come together. However, health and safety come first, it is important that the event takes place when everyone can feel comfortable and safe. Hopefully next year, people will be able to enjoy and experience the event to its full potential. Although the delay is a shame for the industry, people can look forward to and continue to network with XL Connect.
XL Connect, AntwerpXL’s 1-2-1 meetings programme, will continue to facilitate networking online from 7 – 9 December 2021. Those looking to connect with industry peers and enable business can still do so by registering for the 2021 event. Once registered you will receive your personal link and more information on how to book your meetings on this networking platform.
Sophie McKimm, Event Manager of AntwerpXL, says, “After the success of the inaugural event, we know how valuable holding an event in person is to the industry. In an industry survey, over 82% of respondents choose a live exhibition similar to previous years as their preferred format for a future event, once safe to do so. We are confident that, with the new dates we will achieve great success!”
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp, says, “We were all looking forward to meeting each other live again at this Christmas edition. After all, the breakbulk community relies strongly on interpersonal relationships and the COVID situation has been testing us for a long time now. As difficult as this decision was, it is best for everyone’s safety. Easyfairs can count on our continued support to reunite the breakbulk community in Antwerp on 4 – 6 October 2022.”
This is the second time the event has been postponed due to the pandemic. AntwerpXL was initially set to take place in March 2021.
AntwerpXL has released its first Trends Report ahead of its return. The report, which surveyed the opinions of senior decision makers from a range of business types across the breakbulk supply chain, includes a deep dive into the perceptions around challenges including market volatility, competition and declining profitability, as well as opportunities including investments in renewables, green shipping and offshore oil and gas.
To read the full article see our December-January issue available in the new year.
Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Trade Magazine
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]
