This year’s Automechanika Frankfurt, on 14 to 16 September, will be unlike any other with its once-only ‘Digital Plus’ format. In addition to a compact physical exhibition, Automechanika’s primary focus is on offering all participants the opportunity to network and present their companies digitally. The new offer, which is currently being introduced to the industry, reduces trade fair preparations to a minimum.
Organisers have decided to change course regarding preparations for the first-ever hybrid Automechanika, at least for the physical exhibition. Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt: “As a result of the continuing difficulties posed by the pandemic, we will not be able to satisfy our customers’ expectations for a leading international trade fair this September. Not only does the event require official approvals, but it also must be possible to travel internationally. Yet this does not change the automotive industry’s need for a platform where they can do business this year – and our customers and industry associations agree. That is why we decided to modify our concept for this year’s Automechanika: in keeping with the ‘plug-and-play’ principle, we are offering opportunities to exhibit and network in person on the exhibition grounds while keeping preparations, risks and costs to a minimum.”
The new concept offers companies a range of presentation formats from which to choose, as well as various networking lounges where in-person business encounters can take place in accordance with the applicable coronavirus protection measures. Companies that are unable to travel to Frankfurt due to travel restrictions can present their products on a digital platform, where they will also be able to meet and network with visitors digitally.
For the first time, exhibitors will have the chance to live stream their latest products and innovations and all participants benefit from digital matchmaking and the scheduling tools, as well as facilities for live chats and 1:1 video calls. Most of the videos, as well as the exhibitors’ product information and company profiles, will remain online even after the event has finished.
The exhibition will be centred around the Festhalle in the eastern part of the exhibition grounds. An innovation show, networking area and product promenade are also planned. Visitors can also look forward to a captivating supporting programme focusing on the latest topics and trends. Olaf Mußhoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt said: “Even before COVID-19, there had been a lot of pressure on the car industry to change – to increase investment in digitalisation, in supply chains that are resilient and intelligent, and to develop further. Now the pandemic has made these concerns even more urgent, and I am already looking forward to all the fascinating presentations and discussions that will be taking place at Automechanika Academy in which visitors can participate on location and online via live stream.”
The new ‘Future Mobility Park’ – an innovative test and experience circuit located outdoors at the heart of the exhibition grounds – is a showcase for solutions for tomorrow’s mobility.
Right next door in the Festhalle, Hypermotion will be taking place at the same time as Automechanika, which will be the first time that users and developers from the fields of mobility and logistics are brought together with the automotive aftermarket. This creates valuable synergies for the participants of both events, because the automotive industry is a leader in the mobility industry. Danilo Kirschner, Director of Hypermotion Frankfurt said: “There are fascinating technological interfaces between these two events, including alternative drive systems, lightweight materials and construction, IoT systems, the creation and optimisation of resilient international supply chains, and much else besides.”