HANNOVER MESSE: “Perfect moment for comeback event”

Exhibitors and organizers of the first HANNOVER MESSE after two years of the COVID pandemic draw a thoroughly positive balance sheet. HANNOVER MESSE demonstrated how the process of industrial transformation is progressing, and that industry has the answers to the dual challenge of climate protection and energy security. At the same time, it became clear that trade fairs, as a concrete networking venue for face-to-face contact, will remain a key business and innovation driver in the years to come.

“The comeback of HANNOVER MESSE came at just the right time,” declared Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe. “In the face of disrupted supply chains, rising energy prices, inflation and climate change, it was all the more important to meet again face-to-face in the exhibition halls after two years marked by a pandemic, to take in the latest technology trends and get a window to the future. After four days at the tradeshow, industry, politics and research are all sending a clear signal from Hannover: Pandemics and wars must not and will not slow down the process of industrial transformation – to the contrary, we must move even faster to achieve the process of digitization and sustainability,” he added.

Economic Forum 2022 – After the turn of the millennium – how can we make the transition to a climate-neutral future? Dr. Robert Habeck MdB, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection
© Deutsche Messe Hannover

Economic Forum 2022 – After the turn of the millennium – how can we make the transition to a climate-neutral future? Dr. Robert Habeck MdB, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection
© Deutsche Messe Hannover
German Economics Minister Robert Habeck summed up the situation after a tour of the tradeshow on Tuesday: “Just taking in all the technologies on display here into account, we have the solution to all our current crises. What we see here at the trade fair is the reflection of the major problems of our time with concrete answers – which is a fascinating development.”

Round about 75 000 visitors networked with 2500 exhibitors on ways and means of making their value chains fit for the future. “Exhibitors’ expectations at this special HANNOVER MESSE were fully met. Which was also reflected in the overwhelming intention to return again for HANNOVER MESSE 2023. Nearly all exhibitors have already announced that they will be back next year. I would like to thank all the people who have been so courageous with us in making this trade fair happen again, despite all the uncertainties of the last few weeks,” explained Köckler. 

The best moments in video

This assessment was seconded by ZVEI President and Chairman of the Hannover Messe Exhibitors’ Advisory Board Dr. Gunther Kegel, who explained: “The relaunch of Hannover Messe has been a great success and has come at exactly the right time. It is irreplaceable for the dialog between politics and industry, especially in changing political and social times like these. On the basis of their innovations, the companies in the electrical and digital industries have shown they can be relied on in the transformation toward a climate-neutral industrial society.”

“It is important that politicians now keep their word and provide the appropriate framework conditions so that the momentum of the trade fair can be translated into concrete action. We are looking forward next year to welcoming even more guests from abroad,” Kegel continued.

“With its thematic focus on energy, security of supply and industrial trans-formation, HANNOVER MESSE 2022 has impressively demonstrated that we need such a leading flagship fair – more than ever after two years of pandemic,” declared VDMA Executive Director Thilo Brodtmann. “In an environment that was more challenging than ever, the exhibits showed there is no substitute for personal contact. This applies to the relationship between companies and their clients or the next generation, but also to high-level discussions with politicians, for which Hannover Messe represents the ideal venue.”

Brodtmann continued, "Just having German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Economics and Climate Minister Robert Habeck, as well as Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger pledge their support for the concerns of industrial SMEs in Hannover means a great deal in times like these. That's why we’re confident that, again next year, when guests will hopefully be able to travel from even further away, that Hannover Messe will continue to regain its traditional size and scope."

Tradeshow attendees learned how they could use automation and digitization to reduce energy consumption in their factories and production facilities. How they could power their production using electricity from hydrogen or how they can build resilience into their supply chains. From large-scale solutions such as the digitization of development and production processes in automotive manufacturing, to algae as a substitute for plastic, to the targeted use of software to record and reduce the C02 footprint, HANNOVER MESSE offered a broad picture of the technological options for the industry of today and tomorrow.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and many of the decision-makers from politics and business warned against turning away from globalization. Nevertheless, a readjustment was necessary. The idea of “friend-shoring” was the buzzword at the fair. What was meant was building up production and business in countries that maintained a similar value system. Like the partner country Portugal, which presented itself during the fair as a highly attractive and dynamic location for investment and partnerships.

In addition to the 75 000 attendees on the exhibition grounds, another 15 000 visitors attended the event digitally. They followed the conference program, took advantage of the digital product presentations and conducted conversations via chat or video call. As Köckler put it: “We succeeded in bringing together the best of the real and digital worlds. Nevertheless, it has once again been confirmed: When thousands of visitors meet thousands of exhibitors, this is only possible in a direct, face-to-face setting. The magic of a fair cannot be digitally reproduced.”

The next HANNOVER MESSE takes place from 17 to 21 April 2023.

www.hannovermesse.de/en

Related articles:

No HANNOVER MESSE in 2020

HANNOVER MESSE cannot take place this year due to the increasingly critical situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hannover region has issued a decree that prohibits the staging of the...

more

HANNOVER MESSE 2022: Focus on digitalization and decarbonization

Following a two-year absence, in 2022 it is once again time: HANNOVER MESSE will run 25 to 29 April as a physical fair – supplemented by a comprehensive range of digital services for exhibitors and...

more

HANNOVER MESSE 2022 rescheduled for beginning of June

HANNOVER MESSE will take place in 2022 from May 30 to June 2 not in April as previously planned. Deutsche Messe AG is thus reacting to the current pandemic situation and creating planning security for...

more

HANNOVER MESSE Digital Edition: Innovation, Networking and Orientation

The corona pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of industry. At the same time, it has exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains. In the midst of unprecedented upheaval, industry faces a...

more

TOP NEWS: HANNOVER MESSE POSTPONED

HANNOVER MESSE 2020 has been postponed to the week of 13 to 17 July 2020. Deutsche Messe AG is thus responding to global developments related to the Coronavirus. The health of exhibitors, visitors,...

more