US exhibitors at IFMA say it’s got to be business as usual

A press statement from KölnMesse said IFMA’s supporting programme has been altered due to Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on America.

"Due to the recent tragic events in the United States and after consultation with the U.S. exhibitors, who especially now do not wish to give up their business activities, KölnMesse has made…modifications to the IFMA Cologne supporting programme," said

Karin Pollerhoff, press officer at KölnMesse GmbH, the organiser/owner of IFMA.

The opening party has been cancelled.

"Upon the request of U.S. exhibitors in particular, a sector meeting will be held instead in the Rheinterrassen," said Pollerhoff.

The IFMA-Bike Challenge and all competitions will go ahead as planned.

"The cyclists present, especially the US athletes, wish to participate in the various disciplines."

A meeting is being held later today to decide whether or not the VIVA concert, due to take place on Saturday 15th September, will still go ahead.

"The IFMA Advisory Board supports the decisions made, as the US participants have made the request not to engage in anything that could appear as though they were giving into terrorism," said Pollerhof.