![John Newcomb: “Our conference theme [for next year], ‘European Unity in a Digital Age’, will have even greater relevance when we meet in 2021”](https://s45048.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BMF-CEO-John-Newcomb.jpg.optimal.jpg "John Newcomb: “Our conference theme [for next year], ‘European Unity in a Digital Age’, will have even greater relevance when we meet in 2021”")
The 2020 Ufemat Congress, which brings together builders’ merchants, building materials suppliers and trade bodies from across Europe, and was set to take place in London in October, has been postponed due to COVID-19.
The decision was taken by Ufemat secretary general, Marnix Van Hoe and Ufemat’s current president, John Newcomb, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), which is hosting the event.
Ufemat’s conference programme is now scheduled to take place in London on April 15-17, 2021. Meanwhile, Ufemat’s 2020 annual general meeting will be held as a virtual event in the autumn, the date has yet to be confirmed.
Making the announcement, BMF CEO and Ufemat president, John Newcomb, said: “The safety of delegates and exhibitors is our first priority and, regrettably, the continuing COVID-19 crisis has left us with no option but to cancel arrangements for the Ufemat conference in October.
“Ufemat members are also focused on combatting COVID-19 and supporting the building materials supply chain in their respective countries at this time. However, our conference theme, ‘European Unity in a Digital Age’, will have even greater relevance when we meet in 2021. We are already seeing merchants fast-track the introduction of digital ordering in response to social distancing measures. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support.”
