With the coronavirus pandemic playing havoc this year with the international manufacturing show calendar, METAV organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), is launching its METAV Web Sessions – entitled "Let's talk about innovation" – which will take place from 15 to 19 June 2020 and will provide an on-line platform for the metalworking industry to keep abreast of the latest innovations in production technology.

VDW executive director Dr Wilfried Schäfer, said: "METAV 2020 has had to be postponed until March 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and so we are offering visitors and exhibitors an alternative in the form of the METAV Web Sessions.”

“The biggest challenge for 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.”

The METAV Web Sessions will 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 at Germany-based Gühring KG, said: "The VDW's i>METAV Web Sessions are turning challenges into opportunities. They are highlighting new solutions, which we at Gühring are keen to explore. We are looking forward to shaping such a virtual trade fair and to discover what possibilities it has to offer.”

Over five days, nearly 90 companies will be giving specialist talks from 9am to 5pm and topics up for discussion will include: 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.

Stephanie Simon, trade fairs project officer and organiser of the event, said: "The i>METAV Web Sessions are now fully booked. Just as at METAV itself, visitors to the site will be able to compare and contrast what the suppliers are offering and, of course, ask questions and discuss technologies with the production experts.

"We are 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 and simulations."

Ms Simon is convinced that the corona 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 Germany-based Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG, said: "We see the i>METAV Web Sessions as a good way of making and staying in contact with interested parties and customers. We are looking forward to seeing what response and feedback we get. The i>METAV Web Sessions will represent a good addition to the marketing mix in the future."

Mr Schäfer concluded: “Indeed, digital events are currently enjoying a boom. Together with our partner, IndustryArena, we have very quickly succeeded in developing an effective platform for the week-long i>METAV Web Sessions and in staging digital versions of a large number of presentations.”

For further informaton visit the Web site www.metav-websessions.com.