The year 2020 is over and so is the first purely virtual “SPS”. A total of 9,121 visitors were active on the SPS Connect platform by Dec. 31, 2020, chatting with 239 exhibitors, holding 4,296 business meetings and learning about the latest products in the automation industry. In 2021, however, this should again be able to take place in person from 23 to 25 November in Nuremberg.

After the cancellation of the physical “SPS” at the end of August last year, organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH focused on the exchange between automation suppliers and users with its concept of a digital alternative, supported by an AI-supported matchmaking function. This resulted in a total of 22,216 connections and 837,486 recommendations.

The event was enhanced by a program of presentations that addressed current industry topics and invited participants to participate in discussion panels. Dr. Josef Waltl, Principal Group Program Manager – Industrial IoT/Manufacturing, Microsoft Deutschland GmbH, confirms: “The technical presentations and the “SPS Connect” portal were the highlight of “SPS Connect”. Software and the application of innovative technologies in industry, such as Artificial Intelligence have struck a chord with many participants and also exhibitors. This could also be an interesting digital companion for the “normal” trade fair, which is always a highlight for us in our fiscal year.”

The number of participants at “SPS Connect” showed that an exchange within the industry, even if it can only take place digitally, is very important. For 2021, however, organizer Mesago is again planning a physical trade fair: “The feedback for ‘SPS’ 2021 in November has been very positive. At the moment, we are above last year’s space and exhibitor numbers despite the ongoing pandemic at the same time. This confirms the great importance of the trade fair for the automation industry and that even a year like 2020 does not significantly change this,” reports Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President “SPS” at Mesago. As the organizer explains, a multifaceted package of measures is in place on site to protect the health of all participants, as has already been planned for a physical trade fair in 2020. “We are driving on sight,” says Schulz-Metzner. “At regular intervals, we will evaluate the situation as well as the progressing vaccination success during the year and derive adjustments if necessary.”

In addition, a complementary digital offering is planned for “SPS” 2021.