Exhibitions started to participate in the economic sanctions on Russia around the world after the attack on Ukraine by Russia. Messe Frankfurt, one of the biggest trade fair organizers of the sector, announced that they have decided not to admit the exhibitors from Russia and Belarus to their trade fairs until further notice, in view of the dramatic situation in Ukraine. It was stated that this applies to all countries of the Messe Frankfurt Group that have joined the sanction measures.
In addition, it is reported that all visitor marketing activities in Russia and Belarus are also suspended until further notice. Messe Frankfurt announced last week that they have decided to suspend its events in Russia until further notice.
Messe Frankfurt opens their exhibition ground to Ukrainian refugees
A first aid centre with emergency accommodation for refugees from Ukraine is being built at Messe Frankfurt from the end of this week. A contract to this effect was concluded with the city at short notice and without red tape for this purpose. There will be the first port of call where everything necessary will be provided in Hall 1 on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds until the people can be placed in longer-term accommodation throughout Hesse. The emergency shelter will initially be set up in Hall 1.1 and can also be extended to the second level, Hall 1.2 if required.
The shelter is run by the German Red Cross (DRK) and the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) while Messe Frankfurt is responsible for the construction and other services within the accommodation. Fairconstruction, a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, is helping to equip two sports halls for refugees in Frankfurt with stand construction materials in addition to the corresponding preparations for the infrastructure on the exhibition grounds.
The Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt responsible for the exhibition grounds Uwe Behm said that they have quickly and unbureaucratically set up emergency accommodation on their exhibition grounds in Hall 1, as immediate assistance is required. Behm disclosed; “This has become the first point of contact or intermediate station to provide people who have had to flee Ukraine with everything they need until they can be placed in longer-term accommodation”.
Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt Peter Feldmann said that the people fleeing to them from Ukraine need their help and that they must be able to trust that their declarations of solidarity are not just lip service. Feldmann stated; “That is why the first aid centre that we are setting up at short notice at our trade fair is so important. Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan city that has become a second home for many refugees in its history. Let’s show the people from Ukraine that they are welcome here”.