The special edition is being planned in a hybrid format, which also makes it accessible to professional visitors across Europe who are currently unable to travel to Düsseldorf. As an extra service, selected digital expert presentations and trend talks will be sent out to registered participants via a separate link before and after the event. An outdoor-only, limited catering offer will also be provided, in line with all mandatory physical distancing guidelines. Those visiting the Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf, will benefit from "generous layout reflected in the planning of the halls": as well as the three-metre-wide aisles, there will also be at least one metre of space between the individual booths. Visitors should arrange fixed appointments with the participating showrooms and brands in advance

Manfred Junkert, General Manager of the HDS/L German Federal Association of the Footwear and Leather Goods Industry, and Prof. Dr Siegfried Jacobs, Deputy General Manager of BTE Handelsverband Textil (the German Textile Trade Association), shared their view of the situation: during these unprecedented times, "the industry urgently needs some semblance of normality in the form of face-to-face meetings and direct contact with new products and collections". They also agree that, as well as being able to order product ranges with later delivery dates, the feeling of being able to resume business again – albeit still with restrictions – is vital from a mental perspective. “Live, face-to-face encounters take communication to a whole new level compared with digital meetings”, concluded Manfred Junkert.