“As the lockdown has been extended until the end of January 2021, the hybrid version of Gallery FASHION & Shoes will no longer be able to take place as a physical event at the Areal Böhler. We informed our exhibitors about this on 8 January 2021: the format will now only be held digitally but will run for longer: from the 28^th of January tuntil the 15^th of February 2021. The COVID-19 regulations also make it impossible to go ahead with the Showroom Concept as planned”, stated Ulrike Kähler, Managing Director of Igedo Company.

Back in mid-December 2020, an accompanying digital version was announced by Igedo, the organisers of the event, that will enable exhibitors to use the 3D booths, aiming to give the "same look and feel as Gallery FASHION & Shoes" and to come into virtual contact with professional visitors and buyers.

“The digital version will also be an inspiring place where people can get together: especially because of the conference zone with live webinars and pre-recorded media events like the DMI Fashion Day and trend presentations. The exhibitor area offers flexible options that enable exhibitors to personalise the 3D tradeshow booths with their brand logo, product presentations, image brochures and presentation films as well as graphic tools for displaying business-related facts and figures. Contact with sales reps will be via text or video chat". As the current situation stands, Igedo Company is scheduling the next physical Gallery SHOES & Fashion to take place from the 7^th to the 9^th of March 2021. “But as all plans for events around Europe are up in the air and dependent on many factors and restrictions, we have to remain open to the possibility that those dates will have to be postponed, although that is not something we can foresee at this point in time”, added Ulrike Kähler.