Upcoming: The IAA Mobility in Munich

The IAA will be held in Munich in 2021 despite the Coronavirus

After 70 years in Frankfurt am Main, the IAA Mobility 2021 (Sept. 7-12) goes to Munich for the first time, despite the ongoing Corona pandemic. This means IAA has arrived in a region with a high reputation in the automotive industry: BMW and Audi are at home as well as numerous suppliers to the industry. A new location for the IAA that is evident and a test in which Bavaria has to prove itself.

With a decentralized concept, the IAA as an established automotive trade show is to become a cross-sector platform for mobility in Munich. With the help of its motto "What will move us next?", the event wants to find out where the future is going to lead. What focal points will develop, and what synergies will link the automotive sector with other industries? A few weeks ago, Audi announced to install its last combustion engine in 2026 and will focus only on electromobility from then on. Will this year's IAA bring further announcements like this? In any case, the IAA's concept this year explicitly focuses not only on cars but also on e-bikes, e-scooters, and public transport. The automotive industry is reaching out and testing new territories.

The decentralized event concept includes not only the exhibition center in Riem but also downtown Munich and the Olympic Park thus also poses challenges for visitor and guest management - and not just because of Corona. On the one hand, the concept equalizes the masses visiting the IAA; on the other hand, all locations must be prepared and handled corona-compliantly. All visitors to the IAA are subject to mandatory testing or must prove their status as recovered or vaccinated.

Obligatory testing and proof of vaccination: IAA in times of Coronavirus

‍At the last cabinet meeting on July 20, 2021, it was decided that trade fairs in Bavaria are allowed to reopen with special precautions. The organizers have to make sure that guests are vaccinated, recovered or tested. Distance rules still apply; also, the mask obligation remains. The exhibition center relies on state-of-the-art ventilation systems. And many of the IAA's events are planned to take place outdoors. All visitors will, of course, be able to disinfect their hands regularly and corona tests will also be available on-site. Digital registration and check-in systems will help manage visitor data and guarantee reliable visitor management compliance with current regulations. Thus, digital tools bring their advantages to bear, especially during the corona pandemic.

Since all visitors to the IAA must provide their contact details, each ticket is registered by name, so each visitor can only buy a single ticket. The numerous events that are scheduled around the IAA and managed externally are forced to create traceable structures to comply with corona regulations and to be able to offer safe events to visitors and exhibitors alike.

The IAA also relies on a virtual backup in corona times

This year's visitors, who can not be on-site due to coronavirus because they are not yet tested or vaccinated or are unable to travel, have the opportunity to follow the IAA live and virtually. The IAA Virtual Ticket allows them to attend IAA anywhere globally, regardless of recovered, tested, or vaccinated. Many formats of the IAA, including the industry conference and the dialogues will be broadcast in the virtual spaces. Exhibitors can also present themselves and their topics virtually.

Corona has revolutionized virtual formats. We see this at the IAA as well. Online visitors to the IAA are also invited to actively participate, discuss, create their own content and contribute. You can find more information about the virtual IAA here.