Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
We are writing March 24, 2020. As I am busy writing an article, I hear the sound of incoming mail. The mail window is open and out of the corner of my eye I take a quick look to see who is ringing the bell. I'm startled. "The TKD is definitely off!!!" headlines the subject line. Mail from magazine manager Frank Wekking. A kind of belly rub takes hold of me at lightning speed.
With a heavy heart, I dial the number of Frits Kuijper, organizer of the TKD. Knowing how much effort he has put into setting up the perfect trade fair, I expect to get a completely upset Kuijper on the line. Nothing could be further from the truth, however...
Cheerful, Kuijper tells me: "It is no different. We too fall prey to the measures that have to be taken to deal with the Coronavirus. Of course I saw this coming, but until the very end I held out hope that the entire country would be out of the woods sooner. There you are, with a totally sold-out TKD in terms of exhibitors. With an unparalleled plan to give visitors more than they came for. Whether I worried that the whole fair would go belly up? Definitely. But... in the run-up to the TKD I also got to know the mentality in the GWW sector. It is straightforward and quite 'hands on'. So I quickly started emailing, calling and visiting every exhibitor. The outcome of all the consultations has been heartening. 100% of the participants have said they will go with me to next year, June 2021. I can tell you that that does do something to you, that togetherness and willingness to drag each other through the misery. If you didn't already understand why the industry is so incredibly strong, now you understand. One for all, all for one!"
Kuijper keeps talking about the unique DNA of the TKD, which is identical to the DNA of the exhibitors. "We are going to make it a postponed party next year. With the promised atmosphere, emotion and experience, with new contact and sales moments for everyone. Fortunately, all the work has not been in vain. Until then, we'll make sure we stay in touch. By the time the fair then actually takes place, the bonds between us will only have grown stronger. Staying ahead is the motto. The most important thing is that we all stay healthy and come out of this nasty nightmare alive," Kuijper said.
When we have left the Coronavirus behind, we are in a different world, is the expectation. A world in which the society we live in has experienced firsthand the importance of working together. Helping each other, giving each other something. Kuijper also sees the symbolic value of the TKD reflected in this: "A diligent industry does not mean that we are tough on each other. The men and women in the industry have their hearts in the right place, and at times like this, the proof is provided. In times of need, one gets to know one's friends."
