Friedhelm Merz Verlag, the Bonn-based event company that runs Spiel, have said they are still planning to have the show even as parts of Germany extend their ban on large events into October, including the Berlin Marathon and Oktoberfest in Munich.
The company said the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has had a ban on large events through August, but has not announced any directions for events after that date.
Spiel, scheduled for October 22-25 in Essen, Germany, is one of the largest public tabletop gaming gatherings, and plays an important role as an international trade show.
Friedhelm Merz Verlag said they will continue to monitor the situation, taking into account the recommendations of authorities. They said exhibitors would be refunded stand fees if Spiel wasn’t allowed to take place.
“As no one can say for sure how the situation will develop at the moment, nor how the country or city will decide on major events in October 2020, we are continuing our preparations for SPIEL without any changes. Of course we are doing this with a sense of proportion. Should the situation change, we will inform you as soon as possible,” the company wrote.