Next March will see METAV 2022, the international trade fair for metalworking technologies, is set to open its doors again in Düsseldorf from 8-11 March after a four-year break brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Martin Göbel (pictured), head of trade fairs at the METAV organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing our exhibitors and visitors again. A large proportion of the current 250 or so exhibitors from more than 20 countries have remained loyal to us since 2020. This is despite the postponement of the event as METAV reloaded and its subsequent renaming as METAV digital. It is also encouraging that around one-fifth of the exhibitors signed up so far are new to the event.

“Exhibitors and visitors can once again have the confidence to attend trade shows which have begun to return this autumn. Rising vaccination rates, the 3G regulation and Messe Düsseldorf’s experience with its PROTaction hygiene concept will enable safe trade show participation at METAV.

“Despite the higher infection rates at present, it should be noted that there is no indication that taking part in trade fairs presents a higher risk of infection. Because of the strict hygiene regulations in place they can be regarded as safe environments.”

Mr Göbel (pictured left)continued: "Our experience during the Covid crisis has convinced us that there is little future for trade fairs which are run exclusively as face-to-face events. They must also include digital aspects and offer complementary formats."

Markus Horn, managing director of Paul Horn GmbH in Tübingen, said: “We support the hybridisation of trade shows as long as the main focus is still on physical presence, but with digital aspects providing added value for visitors. Presentations and special events can reach target audiences that are not able to attend the show in person.”

‘METAV Highlight Weeks’ are planned in the run-up to METAV 2022. They will start in February 2022 with a week of web sessions on specific topics. Exhibitors will be allocated half-hour slots to present their technologies and solutions — 20min of digital presentation followed by 10min of discussion.

During the second phase of theH ighlight Weeks, lasting until the official opening of the event, the VDW will promote exhibitors and trade fair highlights every day in the form of elevator pitches on all METAV social media channels — LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and IndustryArena.

Mr Göbel concluded: “This will extend the market reach of METAV 2022 and give it maximum visibility. All exhibitors will be invited to participate.”