The 7th edition of the annual event dedicated to the built environment will return as a hybrid meet later in November. Pictured: ABS 2019
The Architecture & Building Services (ABS) 2021 trade fair, originally planned for 30 June to 2 July, will be postponed to November in light of Singapore's Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures to quell a recent spike in Covid-19 community cases.
Event organiser, Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS), said the wellbeing of all stakeholders remains top priority, and that the decision to postpone the event was made after consulting the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
ABS 2021 will occupy some 11,620sqm of gross exhibition space at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands when it opens later this year.
Seven concurrent trade shows will run under the ABS 2021 umbrella: The 7th ArchXpo 2021; the 8th International Facility Management Expo (iFaME) 2021; the 7th Lighting Asia 2021; the 19th Safety & Security Asia 2021; the 17th Fire & Disaster Asia 2021; the 7th Work Safe Asia 2021; and the inaugural Design Asia 2021.
Themed ‘Design Solutions for The Built Environment’, 2021's show will be a hybrid event, integrating virtual elements into the seven trade shows, 10 conferences, together with workshops and master classes on-site. Sellers and buyers will also connect over digital exhibition booths via a real-time interactive platform.
Commenting on the six-month delay, Edward Liu, managing director of CEMS said he remains hopeful that "the situation would have improved by then, and it would be more conducive for conducting our premier exhibitions and conferences, without compromising public health".
He added: “Singapore remains a first-choice hub for international conferences and exhibitions and its standing is beyond question and beyond doubt".
Andrew Phua, Singapore Tourism Board's executive director of exhibitions and conferences, said: “We understand CEMS’ decision to postpone the event. ABS 2021 is a significant platform for the building industry, and we remain committed to working closely with them towards a safe, trusted and innovative event in November. In these uncertain times, it is encouraging to see event organisers like CEMS continue to adapt and transform their business for the new Covid-environment.”