While uncertainty is still looming over the world, several important global events that were scheduled for 2020 have now been slotted for the coming year. Moving forward with a conscious approach, organisers are making sure that their events adopt the highest standards of safety; and are also making use of high-end technology to bolster the operations.
The global community is optimistic and ready to come back stronger with new developments, innovations, ideas, and knowledge.
CES 2021
Deemed as one of the world’s most influential technology events and gadget shows, CES (Consumer Electronics Show), will be held in an all-digital format in 2021. The event is scheduled to take place from January 11-14, and will see participation from the global tech community, sharing new updates on the latest technology development, new products along with industry leaders sharing insights on a virtual platform.
Watch out for some cool startups and well-known global brands who will launch their latest products at the event. In addition to this, CES 2021 will provide an engaging platform for companies both small and large to launch products, build brands, and form partnerships.
Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors and Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD are two keynote speakers at CES 2021.
Microsoft has confirmed to be the event’s digital partner. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation says, “We are excited to partner with the Consumer Technology Association, applying our technology, partner ecosystem, and learning to help deliver the first-ever, all-digital CES in 2021.” ces.tech
ITB India
Coming April 2021, ITB India, a global trade show will virtually bring together international exhibitors and industry peers from different sectors of travel, MICE, leisure, corporates and technology.
ITB India 2021 will be an all-virtual event due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions around the world. It will be held from April 7 to
April 9, 2021, and will be hosted on the ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community) platform.
The live event will welcome over 400 Indian and southeast Asian buyers from MICE, corporate, and leisure sectors.
Katrina Leung, managing director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB India says “We had high hopes that we could combine a live and a virtual event for the very first ITB India. Unfortunately, the travel restrictions in place and the economic uncertainty resulting from the worldwide pandemic have become too unpredictable to proceed with the show as a hybrid event as originally planned. As much as we would have wished to bring the industry together face-to-face, I firmly believe our highest priority should be the health and safety of our attendees and personnel.”
ITB India attendees can expect the following:
- Business Matching: Live platform to exchange business contacts and schedule virtual appointments.
- Conference: An impressive line-up of key industry speakers with thought-providing insights or showcase of innovative technology and solutions.
- Supplier Directory – A comprehensive view of all suppliers, such as company profiles, product resources, and downloadable articles.
- On-demand Videos – All attendees will be entitled to exclusive videos from virtual events or industry contributors. itb-india.com
Tokyo 2020
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021. Likewise, the Paralympic Games will be held from August 24 until September 5, 2021.
An interesting aspect to note is that several venues from the 1964 Tokyo Games will be reused this time.
From archery, artistic swimming and athletics to fencing, marathon swimming and Taekwondo, the world will once again be at the edge of their seat rooting for its favourite sport, participating country or the global community in general. Skateboarding, as a sport, will make its debut in the games.
Sustainability and innovation will remain at heart of the games. Autonomous driving, advanced 3D mapping, mobility assistance robots, drone light show and breakthrough timing tech will be utilised. While showcasing cutting-edge technology, the games will also contribute towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 and International Olympic Committee Executive Board are also looking at ways for simplification and optimisation of games that fit for a post Corona world.
Review of specifications of temporary overlays and other equipment at venues, reduction of service levels, optimisation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay operations and encouraging stakeholders to optimise their delegation working in Tokyo are being considered. tokyo2020.org
Expo 2020 Dubai
October 2021 onwards, all eyes will be on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as Dubai will play host to the much-awaited Expo 2020 that will be carried out until March 31, 2022.
For six months straight, the region, under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, will celebrate “culture, collaboration and innovation” with 190 participating countries and millions of visitors from across the globe.
Hundreds of pavilions will showcase interactive exhibits, live entertainment, exquisite meeting spaces and offbeat hangouts. Discover a “new India” at the India Pavilion; visit the nature-inspired Azerbaijan Pavilion; understand the future of aviation at the Emirates Pavilion and enjoy an immersive greenery experience at the Singapore Pavilion among others.
Brace yourself for some mesmerising events that have been lined-up. These include live performances by world-famous stars, comedy greats and local talents; digital theatre and dance routines, acrobats, poetry slams, fashion shows and roaming entertainers; a make-your-own-robot workshop for young visitors; and virtual and augmented reality activities.
Al Wasl Opera, eye-catching installations, artistic creations, workshops and performances along with numerous arts and culture programmes will further elevate the vibrant atmosphere of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Adding to this are the innovative culinary offerings that you can indulge in. Relish old classics, new favourites, street bites and gourmet delights from over 200 outlets. Local restaurants and budding culinary enthusiasts will be introduced to a global audience. To promote sustainability and wellness, a food ethos has been developed as well. expo2020dubai.com
Note: The event details have been compiled as per the data available as of November 2020.
