The Government of The Netherlands has announced revised regulations covering international travel and attendance at events, clearing the way for travellers from outside the EU to attend UTECH Europe, the world-leading polyurethanes exhibition and conference taking place at the MECC in Maastricht, from 16 to 18 November 2021.
From 22 September onwards, vaccinated travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom or other very ‘high-risk’ areas no longer need to go into quarantine. This makes it much easier for travellers from outside the EU to visit UTECH Europe. Proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result are required to enter the Netherlands.
Before entering the MECC, all attendees to UTECH Europe will simply need to show either:
- proof of full vaccination
- or negative PCR or recent antigen test
- or proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months
EU citizens can show the NL DCC app to verify their vaccination or negative test. Citizens from outside the EU can bring in their own documentation showing proof of vaccination or recent test. UK citizens can show the NHS COVID Pass via the NHS app. The same rules apply to all attendees including visitors, exhibitors, speakers, contractors and suppliers for the duration of the event, including build up and breakdown.
Rapid-result antigen tests will be available at the MECC and in various locations throughout Maastricht, if needed.
There will be no requirement for social distancing, and everyone will be able to move freely in the exhibition and conference.
“We are delighted to learn of the latest changes to travel arrangements applying to visitors to UTECH Europe from outside the EU. Our exhibitors, speakers, delegates and visitors can now plan with confidence for a successful event in November,” said Debbie Hershfield, UTECH Europe Trade Show Director.
UTECH Europe is uniquely placed as the only truly international exhibition and conference for the polyurethanes industry. Unique to Europe is the sheer breadth of the applications of polyurethanes technology from automotive interiors, medical devices, textiles, furniture and footwear through to insulation, adhesives and coatings. The exhibition attracts major name exhibitors from across the global polyurethane industry including industry leaders such as: BASF, BorsodChem ZRT, C.O.I.M, Covestro, Huntsman and Repsol, as well as systems houses, equipment suppliers, technical consultancies, and test laboratories.
The comprehensive three-day UTECH Europe 2021 conference programme features a keynote presentation from Marco Volpato, CEO of Cannon Group, and will cover all areas of the polyurethanes industry including markets, sustainability, the latest developments in polyurethane science, innovation, legislation, and regulation, as well as flexible foams, PU composites, energy efficient rigid foams, 3D printing, nano materials and CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers).
The second keynote presentation will be delivered by Christopher Metz, vice president, isocyanates, PO & glycols EMEA at BASF. Metz is also president of ISOPA. In his role as ISOPA president, Metz will give a welcome address from the trade association outlining the many opportunities and some challenges facing the polyurethane sector in the coming years.
The winners of the UTECH Europe Awards 2021 will be announced at the event. Presentations to new Hall of Fame inductees and the Rising Star Award winners will be made at a ceremony at 1.15pm on 16 November. The Innovation Awards will showcase the best polyurethane application and materials/processing developments in recent years. Shortlisted finalists, including Covestro and Huntsman, Recticel and Vita Group among others, will all feature in a special gallery area on the exhibition show floor. The winners will be revealed at 1.15pm on 17November.
You can find a video unveil of the UTECH Europe Awards finalists at: https://www.utecheurope.eu/finalists-reveal
To stay up-to-date with the latest information and details for UTECH Europe 2021, please visit the event website: www.utecheurope.eu
Video preview of UTECH Europe 2021: https://youtu.be/ILa1FYM27hU
Upcoming UTECH Events Calendar
UTECH Europe, MECC, Maastricht, The Netherlands, 16-18 November 2021 https://www.utecheurope.eu
UTECH Middle East/Africa & Polyurethane Expo, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE, 22-24 February 2022 https://mefpu.com
UTECH Southeast Asia, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 26-28 April 2022 www.utechseasia.com
UTECH Las Americas, Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City, Mexico, 24-26 May 2022 www.utechlasamericas.com
UTECH Asia/PU China, Poly World Trade Centre Expo, Guangzhou, China, 5-7 September 2022 https://www.puchina.eu