Dear exhibitors, partners and visitors,
It is with a heavy heart and with great regret that we have to inform you today that this year's Leipzig Book Fair, which was planned for 12 to 15 March, will not take place. The same applies to Manga-Comic-Con and Lesefest Leipzig reads.
The decision was taken by the Leipzig Fair in close consultation with the City of Leipzig and is greatly regretted by all concerned.
The Leipzig Health Authority followed the request of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Economics, according to which traceability of contact persons at major events must be guaranteed. Among other things, it decreed that every trade fair participant had to provide written proof that he or she did not come from defined risk areas or had had contact with persons from risk areas. This cannot be guaranteed in view of the approximately 2,500 exhibitors and around 280,000 expected visitors. The health of our exhibitors, visitors, guests, partners and employees is our top priority. The city of Leipzig and Leipziger Messe have therefore decided to cancel the event.
We therefore ask for your understanding. We have never had to make such a difficult decision in the last seven decades of the Leipzig Book Fair. It is bitter for us and for the entire book industry. We thank all exhibitors, partners and visitors who remain loyal to us.
But we are also looking forward to the Leipzig Book Fair from 18 to 21 March 2021: we look forward to continuing our good and trusting cooperation with you in the future.
Best regards
Oliver Zille
Director of the Leipzig Book Fair
Kerstin Heydecke
Team leader trade fair management