A number of high-profile industry events, exhibitions and trade shows have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was recently announced that Forexpo, the European exhibition for forestry and logging, has been delayed until 2021. Initially scheduled from June 17 to 19, 2020 at Landes de Gascogne in Mimizan, France, the quadrennial event will now take place on June 16, 17 and 18, 2021 at the same venue.

KWF, Europe’s largest forest technology event, will also be postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled to take place from 1–4 July 2020, the 18th KWF-Tagung will now take place from 30 June through 3 July, 2021. The venue in Schwarzenborn, Germany is unchanged. Tickets and booked exhibition stands remain valid.

The Institute of Chartered Foresters’ (ICF) Trees, People and the Built Environment 4 conference has been delayed until February 2021. Originally due to take place at the University of Birmingham on 22–23 April, it will now take place at the same venue on February 3–4, 2021.

A statement from the ICF said: “In light of recent advice from the government and WHO, the University of Birmingham has cancelled all events due to be held on their premises. We can only apologise for any inconvenience caused but I’m sure you understand this decision – the well-being of our members, delegates and speakers must take priority.”

Wood-Mizer’s annual two-day Spring Scottish Open House event, set for 24–25 April in Tayside, has sadly been called off.

This year’s Arb Show, due to take place on 15–16 May, was cancelled. In an email to exhibitors, events coordinator Sophie Chappell said: “We know how disappointing this news will be for many involved, from our exhibitors who have been busy preparing for the event, to the thousands of visitors who look forward to it each year.”

This year’s Royal Highland Show, which was scheduled for 18–21 June at Ingliston near Edinburgh, was another high-profile cancellation. Commenting on the decision, RHASS chairman Bill Gray said: “It is with deep regret and huge personal disappointment that I confirm the cancellation of the 2020 Royal Highland Show. Plans for the 180th Show are at an advanced stage but given recent and ongoing developments, the directors and I have taken the only course of action open to us.”

Plant machinery exhibition PLANTWORX, due to take place in 2021, has been postponed until 2022.