At the present time, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH still expects Formnext to go ahead in Frankfurt as scheduled from
10 - 13 November 2020. The exhibition organizer is working with all possible urgency on a concept for safeguarding the health of attendees and a supplementary digital program for the world’s leading trade show for additive manufacturing and modern industrial production.
“We remain convinced of the unique value and advantages of a physical exhibition,” explains Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “And although digital interaction will never be able to replace face-to-face contact, it does offer more scope than previously thought possible only a few weeks ago.” For this reason, Formnext intends to take a closer look at digital options: For instance, exhibitors will also be given the opportunity to present products and solutions digitally to the international trade audience. Concepts and platforms are currently being developed for this purpose with further details from Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH to follow in the coming weeks.
The rulings of the Federal Government and the Federal States of Germany, dated 6 May 2020, stating that trade shows are no longer considered to fall under the category of major events that pose a particular health risk, also give cause for optimism for November.
“This is great news not only for the trade show industry, but for the entire economy,” says Wenzler. “Trade shows are an important driver of innovation and value creation in industry, especially after months of economic standstill in many industries and sectors.”
The health of exhibitors, visitors and employees naturally remains a top priority. Together with Messe Frankfurt, therefore, concepts are currently being developed to ensure the highest standards of health protection. These include, for example, reducing visitor density, guaranteeing high hygiene standards and introducing contact tracing. These concepts are currently being coordinated with the responsible authorities and will be duly implemented in due course.
In addition to health protection, Formnext 2020 is being designed in consideration of a number of other important factors, such as the wider economic environment, the economic situation in the AM sector, and developments in the European and global travel industry. “Ultimately, even in these challenging times, we want to organize a trade show that is as responsive as possible to the current situation and the needs of participants and the market,” explains Wenzler.
Background information on Formnext
Formnext is the leading trade fair for Additive Manufacturing and the next generation of intelligent manufacturing solutions. It focuses on the efficient realization of parts and products, from their design to serial production. Formnext shows the future of innovative manufacturing. Formnext is organized by Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. (formnext.com)
About Mesago Messe Frankfurt
Mesago, founded in 1982 and located in Stuttgart, specializes in exhibitions and conferences on various topics of technology. The company belongs to the Messe Frankfurt Group. Mesago operates internationally and is not tied to a specific venue. With 160 members of staff Mesago organizes events for the benefit of more than 3,300 exhibitors and over 110,000 trade visitors, conference delegates and speakers from all over the world. Numerous trade associations, publishing houses, scientific institutes and universities work with Mesago closely as advisers, co-organizers and partners. (mesago.com)
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,600 employees* at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €733 million*. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
*preliminary figures 2019
Background information on TCT (Content Partner)
Established in 1992, TCT Group’s mission is to accelerate design-to-manufacturing innovation. Through global trade shows, conferences, magazines, websites and digital products TCT delivers business-critical insights on the technologies that help manufacturers make better products, more quickly and cost-effectively. Through the TCT Awards TCT celebrates the most innovative products and applications across the design-to-manufacturing process chain. The TCT Group is owned by Rapid News Publications Ltd, part of Rapid News Group. (thetctgroup.com)
Background information on the Working Group Additive Manufacturing (Honorary Sponsor)
Within the Working Group Additive Manufacturing, about 150 companies and research institutes collaborate under the direction of the German industry federation VDMA. Here, plant engineers; component and material suppliers; industrial companies that work with metals and plastics; service providers in software, manufacturing, and processing; and numerous researchers all work toward the same goal: the industrialization of additive manufacturing techniques. (am.vdma.org)