The time has come next week: METAV digital will be kicking off under the motto "Networking simply threefold". Almost 80 exhibitors from six countries will be there. It is the first exclusively digital event for the metalworking industry organized by the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), Frankfurt am Main.
Dr. Wilfried Schäfer"From 23 to 26 March, we will be concentrating exclusively on generating leads on the World Wide Web at www.metav-digital.de," says Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW. "That's where our exhibitors are still feeling the pinch the most: a lack of customer contact and very limited opportunities to generate business," Schäfer continues. There are three points of contact for trade visitors at the METAV digital to get in touch with the companies, find out more, ask questions, discuss and simply network. With matchmaking, 3D exhibition stands and around 35 specialist presentations on products and solutions for manufacturing, they will be offered a varied program. They can concentrate fully on what the exhibitors have to offer them.
Making 3D METAV an experience
They are currently preparing digitally for the METAV, setting up their stand and planning their communication during the trade fair. "Because it's more important than at any face-to-face trade fair to captivate visitors, surprise them and thus bind them to your own offer," says Schäfer from the VDW. Many tools are available digitally at the METAV for this purpose, such as moving product images, 3D product images, product or process films, supplemented by product information, media libraries, press releases, job advertisements or other helpful downloads. "Trade visitors can definitely be surprised by the creative presentation and the offerings of the METAV exhibitors," says Schäfer, promoting a visit to the METAV.
umati demonstrator brings data connectivity to life
A highlight alongside the exhibitors' stands is the umati joint stand. Twelve partners (Deutsche Telekom IoT, Emco, IFW Hannover, IT-Engineering, ISW Stuttgart, Kapp, Heller, Okuma, Orchestra, Profiroll, Vollmer, Xetics) will be presenting how the standardized data interface for machine communication works in practice. The centerpiece is the umati demonstrator. It consists of a data hub to which machines are connected live, as well as a dedicated dashboard. "umati thrives on users experiencing OPC UA-based data connectivity first-hand," says Dr. Alexander Broos, Head of Research and Technology at the VDW. "That's why the virtual trade fair stands and real machines are connected via umati's own dashboard. The data can be viewed live via the respective link symbol on the exhibition stands. This allows trade fair visitors to follow the machining process without delay," says Broos, describing the presentation. Interested parties can move between the umati main stand and the partner stands, where they can obtain detailed information from the manufacturers. They can get in touch with contact persons and exchange contact details in the business card portal.
The umati presentation will be rounded off by a series of web sessions on Thursday, March 25, 2021, from 3:00 pm and on Friday, March 26, 2021, from 10:00 am. There will also be "Meet the Experts" discussion rounds offered via the umati central stand.
Reaching teachers and trainers with digital presentations
The Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering will also be represented digitally in the virtual walk-through halls of the METAV with its numerous offers for companies and vocational schools. The focus will be on the learning platform MLS (Mobile Learning in Smart Factories). Around 180 trainers and 270 teachers have already qualified in the latest Industry 4.0 technologies as part of the NRWgoes.digital project with MLS. "In this way, the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering is promoting the transfer of knowledge from research, teaching and industry to vocational training and supporting the future-oriented training of young professionals," says André Wilms, Site Manager of the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering in Bielefeld. Visitors, primarily teachers and trainers, can find out what phase the qualification offensive is currently in, what the technology highlights of the qualification are and at which schools the additional qualification "Digital Manufacturing Processes" is already being implemented at the virtual trade fair stand of the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering.
Web sessions are an established format
So far, the VDW has successfully organized over 170 web sessions since June last year. The concept has proved its worth and works perfectly for both speakers and participants. That's why METAV digital is offering exhibitors the Web Sessions as an additional stage alongside the 3D exhibition stands. Visitors can expect a tight program with around 35 presentations over the four days of the fair. These will cover automation and handling, services, digitalization, components and accessories, precision tools, software, control systems and sensors, machine tools and systems, and umati. After each 20-minute presentation, participants will have ten minutes to ask questions and discuss topics. They can also make appointments afterwards and contact the speakers bilaterally.
"There is no easier and more efficient way for manufacturing experts to keep up to date with the latest production solutions than by visiting METAV digital," says Schäfer from the VDW, summarizing the advantage for METAV visitors. "Our aim is to provide as real a trade fair experience as possible online and thus convey the benefits of a face-to-face event to our customers, visitors and exhibitors alike," he concludes.
