The premiere of this trade fair, one which is devoted to the digitization of SMEs, was originally planned for March 2020, but had to be postponed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the accompanying protocols. The multiple digital events staged in the meantime, such as TWENTY2Xvirtuals and PowerWeeks, generated a great deal of interest, but were not an adequate substitute for a real, physical tradeshow. The series of TWENTY2X events was to culminate in an on-site event where IT companies, as well as political representatives and researchers, would be able to exchange ideas with SME users and representatives from public administration – a goal which is currently impossible to realize.

Even if TWENTY2X will not be taking place, the topic of digitization will continue to be a key component of the Deutsche Messe events portfolio . The digital transformation of business and society in all its various forms, for all the different target groups involved, will remain a key feature at the Hannover Exhibition Center, running well into the future.