Specialist program with smart formats and strong interaction

"If top-class speakers, companies and visitors want to work together to provide impetus for the future of the metalworking industry, it takes more than a projector and a stage. With the specialist program at Intec and Z, Leipziger Messe offers contemporary formats that inspire and enable in-depth discussion of content at exactly the level that the players and listeners want," explains Ulrike Lange, Project Director of Intec and Z.

Forum.interactive is the central platform that is located directly at the trade fair and offers speakers and visitors what they have been looking for: Less traditional presentations and more interaction and smart formats. Science slams, fishbowl talks, Q&A sessions and espresso talks enable professional exchange at eye level in smaller, productive groups and tickle fresh impulses out of everyone who is looking to the future of the metalworking industry. On Wednesday - the Innovation Day - space will be created to discuss political and economic framework conditions, the threat of sanctions and strategic partnerships under the title "Turning point - also in mechanical engineering". Automation will be examined from all angles with VEMASinnovativ and grinding technology together with the FDPW. The last day at FORUM.interactive will provide an opportunity to meet up with young professionals, including guided tours.

In five different sessions, the technology forum "Additive manufacturing - what's next?" is dedicated to the challenges of a now established technology in interaction with conventional manufacturing processes in various industrial application areas. It combines an exhibition of exhibits with a topic-specific expert panel. The industry can expect a strong start from the keynote speech by Volkswagen AG, in which Dr. Frank von Lacroix will offer insights "From prototypes to production in the automotive industry". Prof. Dr. med. Dirk Winkler from the Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurosurgery at Leipzig University Hospital will explain how far 3D printing and spatial computing will take personalized surgery in the future. The TU Bergakademie Freiberg, TU Chemnitz, Fraunhofer IWS and the companies 3D-Metall Theobald, Gefertec, Alstom Transport Deutschland, SLV Halle, ALOtec Dresden, Oscar PLT, toolcraft , Nordmetall and Knowhow Wilhelms will also contribute their perspectives on the future of additive manufacturing.

hy.tec is a platform dedicated exclusively to production technology for electrolysers and fuel cells. With this additional topic area, Leipziger Messe is creating an incomparable forum for experts and decision-makers who are specifically concerned with the production of key technologies for the hydrogen economy and the energy transition. The special feature is that operators, plant manufacturers and a strong supplier industry are brought together to jointly develop solutions for the challenges of series production.

The international forum "Welcome to Saxony" in cooperation with the Saxony Economic Development Corporation offers Saxon companies valuable insights into international markets and the current prospects and challenges in mechanical and plant engineering. Participants receive up-to-date market information and can discuss potential projects and export opportunities directly with international partners.

The supporting program of Intec and Z also has a lot to offer. The established Contact Business Meetings ensure efficiency in initiating bilateral talks. The Industry Young Talent Day offers school pupils and students guided tours and individual discussions between potential employers and future specialists. At the Industry Evening on March 12, 2025, 800 to 1,000 guests will come together in the Congress Hall at Leipzig Zoo to network and celebrate.