Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting crisis, SPACE 2020, which was scheduled for 15 to 18 September at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, in France, will not go forward as planned.
Given the uncertain situation and the state of health emergency that has now been extended for several more months, we believed it was important to take this decision earlier than initially intended.
The infection control measures will most likely still be required in September, and it would be nearly impossible to strictly comply with these measures at SPACE, due to the large numbers of people at the Expo. It would be extremely difficult to achieve physical distancing at the stands, in queues, conference areas, restaurants and receptions.
Every year, SPACE brings together more than 1,400 exhibitors, a third of whom are international, and more than 100,000 visitors, including more than 14,000 from 120 different countries. Clearly, our international participants will be unable to attend due to the worldwide travel restrictions which are in place until further notice.
In view of the uncertain situation, we felt it was important to avoid the financial risk to our community.
SPACE is a much-anticipated event for the agricultural sector and makes an important contribution to the farming industry, which is vital for all citizens. Today’s focus on all the links in the food supply chain is proof of the importance of agriculture in our economy and the health of our regions.
It is therefore in full knowledge of the importance of all these issues and the consequences for our participants and partners, but above all driven by the concern to avoid uncontrollable risks for our participants that we have taken the decision not to go forward with SPACE 2020.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s SPACE, which will take place from 14 to 17 September 2021, at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, in France.
We remain fully mobilized and at your disposal.
Keep taking care of yourself.
SPACE team
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
