Organisers of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este have decided to move the Lake Como motoring heritage event from May to October. The Salone del Mobile trade fair will not go ahead this year, however; after initially being postponed from April to June, it is now scheduled for April 2021.
Announcing the change of dates, Concorso said in a press release, “In light of current events and growing measures to contain the coronavirus, not to mention our duty of care towards our guests and staff, it is with a heavy heart that the organisation team has decided not to proceed with this year’s edition on the planned dates (22 to 24 May).
“Instead, we plan to hold the event from 16 to 18 October 2020. We will continue to monitor the development of the spread of the coronavirus and expect a final confirmation this June.”
The Salone del Mobile board decided to suspend the MIlan event until 13 to 18 April 2021. “The situation that led to the original change of date from April to June, announced on 25 February, has fundamentally changed. Although we were determined to keep to the June date, to allow the annual event to take place as planned, the present, unprecedented circumstances and medium-term uncertainties now mean that this year’s Salone can no longer go ahead.”
Celebrating the Salone’s 60th anniversary, the 2021 edition will, for the first time, bring together all the biennial exhibitions in conjunction with the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, Workplace3.0, S.Project and SaloneSatellite. This means that EuroCucina, FTK–Technology For the Kitchen and the International Bathroom Exhibition will also take place next year, together with Euroluce, which was already scheduled for 2021.
“This single, great sector-wide trade fair will represent a fresh opportunity to pull together to revitalise our businesses, the entire supply chain that works in synergy with the Salone – and Milan.”
Returning to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este… the organisers said the event enjoyed a long-standing reputation as one of the most sophisticated and exclusive events of its kind. “Our aim is to always meet this aspiration. However, current circumstances make it impossible for us to guarantee the calibre of event that you have come to expect this coming May.
“Our early cancellation for May will hopefully make planning easier for our many overseas guests, knowing they have longer lead times for logistics, travel arrangements, etc. Until then, thank you for your understanding and we take this opportunity to wish all our loyal participants, visitors and friends of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este all the very best, and most importantly good health.”
Dating to 1929, the classic and vintage car concourse is held on the grounds and parkland of Grand Hotel Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, where guests and visitors can admire around 50 historic automobiles.