"Industrial companies have to implement in a few months what would otherwise have taken years," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messen AG. "This requires a platform where challenges can be discussed, solutions presented and networks expanded. This is exactly what the Hannover Messe Digital Edition does. This means that the world's leading trade fair for industry will remain the central platform for innovations and solutions relating to the industrial transformation, even in times of coronavirus."

The Hannover Messe Digital Edition is based on the "Expo, Conference and Networking" pillars and is tailored to the needs of visitors. "We create the greatest added value for our exhibitors by focusing the platform on maximum benefit for their customers," adds Köckler.

Expo: space for innovations

In the Expo area, visitors have direct access to the exhibitors' comprehensive product overviews. Via best-case applications, video tutorials. Live streaming or via video chat, they can find out about specific solutions for optimizing their processes and enter into a direct exchange with the exhibiting companies.

Conference: space for inspiration

The virtual conference program of the digital Hannover Messe starts on Monday, 12 April 2021 with a focus on economic policy issues: What effect does Corona have on globalization? What role does Europe play in the concert of world powers? What will change in terms of transatlantic relations after the Trump era? German Chancellor Angela Merkel will open the Hannover Messe Digital Edition.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the focus will be on technological innovations and solutions: What role does AI play in industry? How do I generate added value from my data? What potential does hydrogen offer for industry? In the conference area, visitors can be inspired by the ideas and visions of the speakers and derive concrete measures for their companies. Speakers include AI legend Toby Walsh, Eugene Kaspersky, founder of the IT security company Kaspersky Lab, and Claudia Kempfert from the German Institute for Economic Research.

Under the motto Reset.Rethink.Restart, the WomenPower career congress will be held on Friday, April 16. The program includes workshops, panel discussions and new networking solutions.

Networking: space for interaction

All visitors to the Hannover Messe Digital Edition can make direct contact with exhibitors, speakers and other visitors. The personalized entry page with corresponding dashboard provides support. The companies, top speakers and participants relevant to the respective visitor are displayed there. A direct contact request can be made at the click of a button so that they can then exchange information via chat or video call.

Hannover Messe Digital Edition is the knowledge and networking platform for industry, energy and logistics. Under the guiding theme of "Industrial Transformation", thought leaders will present their technologies and ideas for the factories, energy systems and supply chains of the future. The top topics include digital platforms, Industry 4.0, IT security,_CO2-neutral production, AI, lightweight construction and Logistics 4.0. The partner country for 2021 is Indonesia.