Let’s talk about innovation

"METAV 2020 has had to be postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and so now we want to offer visitors and exhibitors an alternative in the form of the METAV Web Sessions," said VDW Executive Director, Dr. Wilfried Schäfer.

In good time before the rescheduled METAV in March next year, the METAV Web Sessions will provide a platform which allows users from the metalworking industry to keep abreast of the latest innovations in production technology.

Describing the situation, Schäfer said: "The biggest challenge for the companies now will be knowing how to ramp up production again after the lockdown, how to stabilise their sales and return their delivery system to full working order in a short space of time,".

This is why so many METAV exhibitors accepted the VDW's invitation so quickly, he explained: "The METAV Web Sessions provide an opportunity for companies to reconnect with their customers and to show how their products can help in the restructuring of production."

Jasmin Herter, spokesperson from Gühring KG in Albstadt, Germany, said: "The VDW's METAV Web Sessions are turning challenges into opportunities. They are highlighting new solutions, which we at Gühring are keen to explore. We're looking forward to shaping such a virtual trade fair and to discovering what possibilities it has to offer."

Over five days, nearly 90 companies will be giving specialist talks from 9:00 to 17:00 in the following topic areas: Digitalisation, Precision Tools, Machine Tools and Systems, Software, Measurement Systems and Quality Assurance, Additive Manufacturing, Components and Systems, Medical Technology and Services, in German and partly in English.

"The METAV Web Sessions are now fully booked," said Stephanie Simon, Trade Fairs Project Officer and Organiser of the event. Just as at the METAV itself, visitors will be able to compare and contrast what the suppliers are offering and, of course, ask questions and discuss with the production experts, she continued: "We're really looking forward to all the exciting and inspiring presentations. The exhibitors will be able to work with many different formats - from PowerPoint presentations to photos, videos, simulations and much more, besides," said Simon. She is convinced that the coronavirus crisis also offers an opportunity to explore new web formats that could complement actual trade fairs in the future.

Udo Hipp, Head of Marketing at Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG in Gosheim, Germany, takes a similar view: "We see the METAV Web Sessions as a good way of making and staying in contact with interested parties and customers. We're looking forward to seeing what response and feedback we get. The Web Sessions will certainly represent a good addition to the marketing mix in the future."

Indeed, digital events are currently enjoying a boom. "Together with our partner, IndustryArena, and the highly motivated team, we've very quickly succeeded in developing an effective platform for the week long METAV Web Sessions and in staging digital versions of a large number of presentations," said Schäfer. He added that the METAV Web Sessions have already become the top digital event in the metalworking industry in terms of exhibitor numbers and the breadth of topics.

The website has now gone online. All those interested can view the complete programme and register there.