The National Education Exhibition (NOT), which was due to take place from 30 November to 4 December 2021 at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, has been cancelled. Even though the exhibition meets the conditions for a so-called 'transit event ', it has been decided, in consultation with the education sector, exhibitors and education unions, not to go ahead with the event. The rising number of infections is also hitting education hard and many schools are now focusing exclusively on strictly necessary work. The next edition of the NOT will take place from 24 January to 28 January 2023.
Albert Arp, CEO of the Royal Jaarbeurs: "Right now, of course, we were keen to organise NOT, but in the course of this week it became clear that continuing was becoming increasingly difficult. On the one hand, we see the need in the sector for exchanging knowledge and experiences, and gaining inspiration. But in the current situation, it feels less and less sensible for the sector to come together, even though NOT is a flow-through event and can be organised within all applicable safety standards. Reason for deciding to push the NOT forward to January 2023."
There is broad support in the sector for the decision. Paul Rosenmöller, chairman of the VO-raad: "However unfortunate, we understand this decision very well. Infections are on the rise, also in schools, and that is why it is important that teaching staff restrict themselves as much as possible to the primary process, providing education."
The decision not to go ahead with the NOT will not impact other flow-through events planned by other organisers at the Jaarbeurs, such as the Buitenlandbeurs and the Studiekeuzebeurs Midden. Both events target a different audience than teachers, lecturers and childcare professionals. Conferences and meetings can also go ahead as usual with some adjustments.
