There have been numerous corona-related trade fair cancellations this year, with many organizers relying on a digital alternative program. However, the organizers of the SPS in Nuremberg are sending positive signals that the trade fair will be held in Nuremberg in November. "The Bavarian state government has adopted the protection and hygiene concept for trade fairs in Bavaria and the SPS 2020 will take place in Nuremberg on the planned date from November 24 to 26, 2020. Numerous exhibitors have confirmed their participation and are preparing for the autumn trade fair," announced organizer Mesago, adding that compared to the same time last year, the exhibition space and the current number of exhibitors are only slightly below the previous year despite the corona pandemic.

Visiting the exhibition with compulsory masks
The well-being of all those involved is the top priority when holding the exhibition. Together with Nürnberg Messe, a comprehensive concept was therefore developed that takes organizational, hygiene and medical measures into account. "The top priority is the safety and health of all exhibitors, visitors, service partners and employees," explained Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt.

The organizational processes around the trade fair will be designed in such a way that a minimum distance of 1.5 meters can be maintained at all times. Other measures include the obligation to wear a face covering inside the trade fair, an adapted catering concept and sufficient space in the entrance and waiting areas in the halls. There will be no ticket sales on site; visitors must register in advance via the ticket store.

Digital supplement
In addition to the face-to-face event, SPS 2020 will also develop digitally. This will offer users who are unable to travel or can only be on site for one day the opportunity to participate. In addition to digital product presentations, this also includes the availability of contact persons. This enables a quick and comprehensive exchange between exhibitors and trade visitors in the digital environment. The virtual matchmaking also offers the option of a search function and communication with exhibitors. The live and on-demand transmission of numerous program items from the supporting program is also included.

"Personal exchange at the end of the year"
"What trade fairs are for the economy, automation is for the industry - one of the most important drivers. The SPS is a permanent fixture in the diaries of automation specialists and we are all very much looking forward to the personal exchange at the end of the year in Nuremberg," summarizes Schulz-Metzner.

Christian Wolf, Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board and Managing Director of Turck, adds: "Digital communication has been dominating our activities for months. This is an ideal tool, especially in times when many of our customers are also working from home. Despite the many possibilities that this approach opens up for us, there is one point that is somewhat neglected: the direct exchange with the customer. These direct discussions are very important to us. They help us to build or deepen long-standing relationships and position ourselves as a global partner in order to develop optimal solutions for our customers' digital transformation and challenges. In my view, there is therefore no substitute for a personal meeting at a trade fair such as SPS in order to achieve the optimum business result for the customer and Turck. I am confident that with the safety concept that has now been approved, we can look forward to a trade fair highlight in November that will be different from previous trade fairs, but will take the entire industry one step further."

On the event website sps-messe.de, the organizer regularly publishes updates about the trade fair and corona measures on site. Interested parties can also find comprehensive information about visiting the event there. as