JUNE-JULY 2018 Nov-Dec 2017 - Copy | Page 71

POST SHOW REPORT-EMO EMO sets the pace for the future of manufacturing A veritable hotbed for business success; a fantastic window onto the global market; a pacesetter for the future of manufacturing − those are just a few of the ways in which participating exhibitors have described the outcome of EMO Hannover 2017 I t was the definitive exhibition for machine tool makers worldwide and a pacesetter for the future of production technology. EMO had a major impact on business activity. In a survey EMO visitors indicated their intent to invest a total of over 20 billion euros in production technology over the course of the next 24 months. Deals worth 8 billion euros were sealed during the one-week event. EMO slogan fully reflects the vibe of the times The show’s chosen motto of Connecting systems for intelligent production proved to be right on the mark, effectively pulling in the crowds, especially from abroad. In this spirit, most exhibitors were − many for the first time in such grand style – touting connectivity solutions, data analysis applications and innovative services. The emphasis was on systems capable of interconnecting multiple partners, cloud-based machine monitoring solutions, simulation soft- ware, augmented reality for machine maintenance, blockchain technology for secure data transfer, new business models and much more. Foreign industry professionals were particularly keen on attending to EMO www.ghmediabusiness.com Alongside digitization and connectivity, additive manufacturing was also very high on the agenda for a great many EMO visitors. Overseas exhibitors clearly see EMO Hannover as a stepping stone to international markets. Sharp upswing in visitors playing a major role in purchasing decisions The increasing global drawing power of EMO was matched by the decision- mak ing caliber of its attendees. Many exhibitors enthusiastically spoke of the in-depth, high-caliber nature of the talks in which they engaged with customers and prospects from around the world. According to the EMO visitor survey, nearly 60 percent of the show’s attendees were of managerial status, while more than half were found to play a decisive role in their organizations’ purchasing decisions. EMO also highly valued as a hub for dialogue and networking The show’s supporting program provided even more insight into today’s – and tomorrow’s – manufacturing technology trends. A rich array of conferences, seminars and special displays put the spotlight on key topics like industry 4.0, future production scenarios, additive manufacturing, intelligent tools, machine safety, training for factory workers and promising markets from India to the U.S. and Mexico, and everywhere in between. The supporting program was a major magnet for anyone keen on grasping and gearing up for tomorrow’s realities. A big bang, right from the start After four years of waiting for the gates to open on the next EMO Hannover, expectations were running high. The event got off to a special start with none other than German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier taking part in the open-ing-day festivities. President Steinmeier’s guided tour around the complex included a stop at Haimer –a company based in Igenhausen, Germany. 71 SAVE THE DATE The next EMO Hannover will be staged from 16 to 21 September 2019 Production pros from around the world turn to EMO for orientation on the shape of things to come Hannover to get a grip on the future of manufacturing. More than half of the show’s total of approx. 130,000 attendees came from abroad, with 70 percent of these foreign visitors originating from European countries. Attendance from Asia, in particular, was found to have risen sharply.