When the trade fair calendar is completely shaken up anyway because of the Corona pandemic, this is an ideal starting point to put events to the test. That’s what the “Xylexpo” trade fair team has now done. And they are not only shaking up the tried and tested timing in May, which in principle alternates with “Ligna” and was always in the “Ligna”-free year, but also the bundling of thematic areas. This is why not only will a postponed “Xylexpo” be launched from 12 to 15 October 2022, but the whole thing will become a trade fair double with the 33rd “Bi-Mu”, a trade fair for machine tools, robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, digital and supporting technologies, running in parallel. The venue remains the “Fiera Milano-Rho” exhibition centre.

The closing of ranks between the two established trade fairs is made possible by a partnership agreement between the organising associations Ucimu-Sistemi per produrre – the association of Italian manufacturers of machine tools, robots and automation – and Acimall. According to the Italians, both trade fairs complement each other perfectly, especially with regard to the development with increasingly sustainable and efficient methods of producing in accordance with the principles of Industry 4.0.

In the past, both fairs have taken place every two years, which is to remain the case in the future. They will then run in October in every even year as independent, complementary industry platforms at the large exhibition centre in Milan. However, visitors can easily experience both fairs with their ticket.

The Italians are hoping for many synergies from this bundling: On the one hand, the circle of potential visitors is likely to expand, on the other hand, the traditional interested parties from the furniture industry can expect a significantly expanded spectrum with “a view beyond the end of one’s nose”. An accompanying programme with presentations, seminars and conferences on technical, technological and economic topics relevant to both sectors is also planned.

“This project is much more than the sum of two established and popular exhibitions,” says Barbara Colombo, president of Ucimu-Sistemi per produrre. “We believe that the merger of ‘Bi-Mu’ and ‘Xylexpo’ will help the industry represented in both fairs to show the best of their skills and potential. Under these conditions, we believe that the event will be a point of attraction for the global manufacturing industry, with strong radiance in Italy and abroad, to the benefit of all companies that choose to participate.”

According to Luigi De Vito, President of Acimall, “…an increasingly busy exhibition calendar, complicated by the relocation of many events due to the pandemic, but also by new technologies and ever-increasing international competition, requires a profound and accurate revision of the previous exhibition concept. It must no longer be ‘just’ a place where demand and supply meet. The cooperation between ‘Xylexpo’ and ‘Bi-Mu’ should develop into an innovative platform that focuses on high-end technology and profitable interactions. And ultimately a successful and eventful event that appeals to users, exhibitors, institutions and diverse stakeholders alike.”

Commenting on the concept of the new double show, Luca Palermo, Managing Director of Fiera Milano-Rho, said, “We are proud that ‘Bi-Mu’ and ‘Xylexpo’ – both outstanding events for Italy and the world in their respective sectors – have been on our show calendar for over fifty years. It is a testament to the quality of our site and the services offered by Fiera Milano. I believe that the decision to combine these fairs will bring further benefits to organisers and exhibitors. For our part, we are ready to examine all the details of the new project together.”