In order to set the course for a "strong future", Deutsche Messe is strategically adapting its Hannover Messe to the digital transformation of the industry. This includes brand management, the theme setting and the trade fair layout. "The global recognition of Hannover Messe is unique," explains Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG. "We will continue to strengthen the brand and therefore integrate and merge the previous sub-brands into the Hannover Messe umbrella brand. We are also creating room for growth with the new site allocation. Our clear goal: a strong Hannover Messe that continues to drive the industrial transformation and grow - both in terms of exhibitors and visitors."

Seven core segments in rotation

The Hannover Messe site plan from 2020. © WBM

In concrete terms, this means that the flagship fairs are a thing of the past. As with other trade fairs, there are no longer individual trade fairs under the Hannover Messe brand name, but seven core segments:

Future Lab: Halls 21 and 24 will in future focus on research and development, start-ups, emerging technologies, innovation culture and the future of work. In a press conference on the realignment of Hannover Messe, Köckler described this area as the one that will come closest to the "character of Cebit". "We are creating a hotspot for innovation in the north-west of the exhibition grounds. Start-ups meet research institutes. Industrial companies meet young talents and lateral thinkers. The Future Lab provides an insight into the industry of the day after tomorrow," says Köckler.

Engineered Parts & Solutions: The name stands for trend topics such as lightweight construction and additive manufacturing, surface technology, material-specific components, joining technologies and engineering services. They will take place annually in Halls 19, 20, 22 and 23.

Automation, Motion & Drives: From 2020, trade visitors will find this exhibition area in Halls 2 to 13. As usual, it covers the topics of factory, process and energy automation as well as drive and fluid technology, robotics, industrial sensor technology and image processing, power transmission, transformers, energy management, logistics automation and warehouse technology. With its location in the east and south of the exhibition grounds, the theme area forms a kind of framework.

Energy Solutions: From next year, everything in Halls 11, 12, 13 and 27 will revolve around the supply of industrial plants and connected mobility infrastructure with a focus on electrical energy. Topics here include logistics IT, digital platforms and cloud solutions, IT security, augmented & virtual reality, energy management solutions, artificial intelligence and 5G infrastructure.

Digital ecosystems: Enterprise software and networking technologies play a central role in the digital transformation. These include software such as PLM and MES, but also logistics IT, digital platforms and cloud solutions, IT security, augmented & virtual reality, energy management solutions, artificial intelligence and 5G infrastructure - also topics at Cebit. In order to do justice to the central role of technologies, the theme area will also be located in the center of the exhibition grounds in Halls 14 to 17 in the future.

Logistics: In even-numbered years, conveyor and storage technology, warehouse and factory equipment, industrial trucks and accessories, driverless transport systems, packaging and logistics services will be located in Halls 2, 3 and 4. Unlike in the past, however, logistics topics will play a role at every Hannover Messe, and logistics automation and digital logistics in particular will also be on show in the other exhibition areas.

Compressed Air & Vacuum: As the name suggests, compressed air and vacuum technology can be found here, alternating with the Logistics area. From 201 in Hall 26.

The site is therefore divided into six themed areas every two years.

The "Future Lab", "Engineered Parts & Solutions", "Logistics", "Automation, Motion & Drives", "Energy Solutions" and "Digital Ecosystems" will take place in the even years.

In the odd-numbered years, there is space for the topics "Future Lab", "Engineered Parts & Solutions", "Compressed Air & Vacuum", "Automation, Motion & Drives", "Energy Solutions" and "Digital Ecosystems".

Exhibitor Advisory Board sees positive development

Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board (left), Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. © WBM

The Exhibitors' Advisory Board of Hannover Messe supports the further development and has helped drive it to a certain extent, above all Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, Chairman of the Exhibitors' Advisory Board: "The measures for the consistent further development of Hannover Messe are 100 percent supported by the members of the Exhibitors' Advisory Board. This means that Hannover Messe is and will remain the showcase for the innovative strength of Germany as an industrial location - even in the age of digital and industrial transformation."