Pressrelease / 28-Feb-2020

IT-TRANS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION POSTPONED

Coronavirus: recent developments led organisers to postpone

With safety the number one priority, UITP (the International Association of Public Transport) and Messe Karlsruhe have made the decision to postpone the IT-TRANS

“We have followed the situation throughout each day and have listened closely to the information and advice coming from the local authorities. The safety and wellbeing of all our exhibitors, delegates and visitors is always our top priority, therefore we believe this is the correct decision for all involved and we appreciate your understanding and support.” said Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP and Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of Messe Karlsruhe.

The event

The IT-TRANS event, the largest of its kind dedicated to digitalisation in public transport, was due to be held in Karlsruhe, Germany (3-5 March 2020). The Taxi- and Ridehailing Conference would have taken place at the same time as IT-TRANS, which has now also been postponed. The new date shall be communicated in due time.

Background

The queries and health concerns of IT-TRANS participants have increased significantly this week, as media reports have been growing more alarming.

Worldwide, an increasing number of countries or local authorities are considering imposing or tightening restrictions on international travel, or on the organization of large events.

In addition, a growing number of important EU based companies have imposed business travel restrictions or even bans on their employees.

Meanwhile, well-known exhibitors, important speakers, some conference topics and also some of the supporting associations withdrew from their participation in the event.

In light of the these extreme circumstances, we have concluded today that we can no longer ensure the safe and serene environment expected by our stakeholders, and have therefore decided with regret but determination to postpone the event.

More information will be provided in the coming days as we move forward.

For updates, we encourage you to stay connected to the dedicated IT-TRANS event website and social media feed.

For more general information, also consult relevant information channels made available by the relevant authorities, such as :

https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html#c17363