Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH assumes for the time being that “Formnext” can take place in Frankfurt on the planned date of 10 to 13 November 2020. At the same time, the trade fair organiser is working flat out on a concept for health protection and a digital supplement to the world’s leading trade fair for additive manufacturing and modern industrial production.

“We are still convinced of the unique character and the advantages of a presence trade fair,” says Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President “Formnext”, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “And even if digital exchange will never be able to replace personal contact, it does offer more possibilities than was conceivable just a few weeks ago”. This is why “Formnext” wants to focus more strongly on digital perspectives: this should also enable exhibitors to present products and solutions digitally to an international trade audience. Concepts and platforms are currently being developed for this purpose, and Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH intends to provide information about them in the coming weeks.

Another reason for a hopeful outlook for November is the resolutions passed by the German federal and state governments on 6 May 2020, according to which trade fairs no longer fall under the category of major events that pose a particular health risk. “This is very good news not only for the trade fair industry, but for the economy as a whole,” said Wenzler. “After all, trade fairs are an important motor for innovation and value creation in industry, especially after months of economic stagnation in many sectors and areas”.

Since the health of exhibitors, visitors and employees remains a top priority, concepts are currently being developed in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt to provide a high level of health protection. These include, for example, a reduction in the number of people, high standards of hygiene and possibilities for tracking contacts. These concepts are currently being coordinated with the relevant authorities and subsequently implemented accordingly.

In addition to health protection, other important aspects have also been taken into account in the design of “Formnext” 2020. Among others, the economic environment, the economic situation in the AM industry and the development of travel opportunities in Europe and the world are taken into account. “After all, even in these challenging times we want to organize a trade fair that takes the best possible account of the situation and the needs of the participants and the market,” Wenzler explains.