A STATEMENT FROM REED EXHIBITIONS – ORGANISERS OF AIRCRAFT INTERIORS EXPO (AIX), WORLD TRAVEL CATERING & ONBOARD SERVICES EXPO (WTCE) AND PASSENGER EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE (PEC):
02 April 2020:
Due to the escalation of COVID-19 globally, Reed Exhibitions has today announced that the next edition of Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) and the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) will now take place from 12-15 April 2021.
Speaking about the announcement, Katie Murphy, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions, said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this crisis. After closely monitoring the evolving situation and having listened to our customers and carefully considered the options available to us, we are postponing AIX, WTCE and PEC to April 2021.
“We are in unprecedented times and we’re witnessing first-hand the challenging impact of COVID-19 on airlines and the wider industry, from both a professional and personal perspective. Initially, we were optimistic that our events would run later this year, however, in light of the ongoing uncertainty in the industry and the immense pressure our customers are experiencing, we have concluded that the best option is to postpone AIX, WTCE and PEC until 2021.
We understand how important it is for the industry to stay connected during this time. While we are disappointed we can’t meet face-to-face this year, we are working with our partners to keep the AIX, WTCE and PEC community connected over the coming months. Details will be announced shortly.
“We once again thank all of our exhibitors, visitors and partners for their patience and support, and we look forward to returning to Hamburg next year.”
18 March 2020:
A message to our customers
In this unprecedented time for the industry we wanted to reassure you that we are continually speaking with our customers and listening to your feedback on the re-scheduling of the Aircraft Interiors Expo, World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo and Passenger Experience Conference.
The situation is changing daily, as are government announcements, both for the industry and for us and the way we live our lives. We want to make sure that we make the most informed decision possible before announcing any new dates. A decision we may have felt was wise last week may no longer be appropriate this week, due to the pace of the spread of COVID-19 and the challenging impact it is having around the world. We are taking all of this into consideration and want to be able to support the industry in the best way possible.
We are considering all options and hope to send an announcement in the coming weeks on the events that best reflects the needs of our customers.
Thank you for your patience and best wishes to you all during this difficult time.
Polly Magraw
Exhibition Director
Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo
05 March 2020:
Reed Exhibitions has today announced that Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) and the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) which was planned to take place at the Hamburg Messe, Germany from 30 March to 2 April 2020, will be postponed following the escalation of COVID-19 in Europe.
Speaking about the announcement, Katie Murphy, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions, said: “The health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and staff is our number one priority. In close coordination with all partners involved, we will promptly announce an alternative date for the events.
“We have been closely monitoring the situation and notices issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as the German Federal Government and Hamburg local authorities. While it is disappointing to postpone the events, given the ongoing developments related to COVID-19, we believe it is the best course of action for all involved.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We trust that postponing the events will provide the international passenger experience industry the opportunity to achieve their business objectives later in the year and we are working to have confirmed dates as soon as possible. We thank our exhibitors, partners, suppliers and visitors for their support.”
When will AIX and WTCE take place?
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) will return to the Hamburg Messe from 13-15 April 2021, following their postponement for 2020. Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) will take place the day before on Monday 12th April 2021.
Can I be reimbursed for my visitor/PEC/Industry Networking party ticket if I can no longer attend with the new dates?
Passenger Experience Conference: Your 2020 ticket will be refunded in full. The 2021 Passenger Experience Conference programme will be available in November 2020, we hope you can join us next year.
Paid visitor: You will receive a full refund for your 2020 ticket. We appreciate your patience during this time while we deal with a large number of requests.
Industry Networking Party: You will receive a full refund for your 2020 ticket. We appreciate your patience during this time while we deal with a large number of requests.
Will my registration still be valid?
Your registration for the 2020 events will be cancelled. We hope you can join us next year.
What if I already booked travel and hotel accommodation for the previous event dates?
You will have to contact the respective tour operator, airline and hotel you made your booking with and check your travel insurance.
Who do I contact for further questions?
Our customer services team is at your disposal for all further questions.