Boot Düsseldorf has been postponed; the massive show will move from its original dates of Jan. 23-31 and is now slated to take place April 17-25.

Messe Düsseldorf — organizers and owners of the fairgrounds where the show is held — said that with Covid-19 numbers remaining high across the EU, there was no chance an event of its magnitude could be held.

Organizers consulted with partners and exhibitors and decided to announce the new dates as early as possible to give those exhibiting ample time to plan for the logistics of transporting vessels and other products.

“In consultation with our boot advisory board and the associations we have selected the new dates in April carefully,” said Messe Düsseldorf president and CEO Wolfram Diener in a statement. Diener and others have said the new dates are based on projections that the Covid-19 situation will get better.

“Statements from numerous experts have led us to believe that it is highly probable the situation will improve in almost all European countries by spring 2021 on account of the measures currently in place,” Diener said. “The exhibitors can now focus on the new dates and continue their preparations. We will concentrate from now on to prepare the best possible and successful platform for the boating and water sports business.”

Robert Marx, president of boot Düsseldorf agreed with the decision.

“After the extension of lockdown measures this is an important step to ensure we can hold boot Düsseldorf as a commercial success…I welcome the move allowing us to now plan for these dates and that with boot 2021, we will organize the first boot show in Europe for more than half a year.”