Easyfairs has opened the doors in Germany to its first major live event since the coronavirus outbreak. Messe Essen played host, 9-10 September to two days of All About Automation, an exhibition held under strict health and safety protocols which were successfully audited by @SGS.
The live show allowed exhibitors and visitors to conduct personal, direct discussions on the tradeshow floor.
In the exhibitor survey conducted on site, 96% of the exhibitors stated that they had been comprehensively informed, prepared and subjectively felt safe. In response to the question, 'To what extent did the necessary regulations (mask, distance, hygiene) negatively influence the course of discussions', 41% said 'hardly', 51% 'moderately' and 8% 'very'. Organisers said that exhibitors were unanimous in their opinion that web meeting could not replace personal contact and intensive discussions.
A total of 119 exhibitors took part in Essen this year, 18% fewer than last year. The number of visitors was 30% lower than at All About Automation in Essen 2017, which had a comparable number of exhibitors to this year's event. Many companies currently still do not allow their employees to visit exhibitions.
Tanja Waglöhner, MD of the show organiser untitled exhibitions GmbH told EW: "The coronavirus pandemic will accompany us for a long time to come and limit our lives. It is essential to strictly adhere to the hygiene and protection regulations. But we must and can also get back to normal life and realise under the new regulations what is important for the industry".
All About Automation offers information for decision-makers about field-tested components and systems of industrial automation and about practical solutions for digital transformation.
Manufacturers, distributors and service providers networked with users mainly from North Rhine Westphalia at the show. Organisers said: “The highly specific tradefair relies on a regional visitor catchment area, the tradefair layout is clear, and people meet at eye level.”
Photos courtesy Easyfairs/Messe Essen
