(ph. Koelnmesse)

The reopening of trade fairs in presence, after the season of the strictest lockdown, marks the return to old habits, which we thought a bit obsolete but now realise how important they were: meeting in person, talking, seeing products and establishing that empathy that through e-mail and videocalls is difficult to find again.

Already the unexpected success of participation in the first post-pandemic Milan Fair, the Salone del Mobile “Special Event”, showed the desire of the public and operators to participate live.

So let’s go back to the FSB in Cologne, the most important international event for the sports facilities sector (or rather, literally: International Trade Fair for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities, the very sectors of our publications, starting with Tsport), albeit with all the limitations and cautions that the health situation still requires.

There may be fewer exhibitors than usual, and the aisles and stands will be less crowded: but the desire to be there and meet each other, at a time when the ferment of a recovery that must be pursued and cultivated at all costs is everywhere, means that this event marks the starting point for a new era.

And after a still cautious and measured FSB 2021, we will look forward to a fully-fledged FSB 2023.