More than 2,000 registered participants used Intec/Z connect 2021 to find out about new developments in the metalworking and supplier industry and to expand their network. An average time spent at the event of over four hours per participant clearly shows that the digital platform has struck a chord with the industry.

The opening event of Intec/Z connect 2021 with Minister President Michael Kretschmer, Saxony's Economics Minister Martin Dulig and the President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Reimund Neugebauer, as guests was a strong start. "Intec/Z connect 2021 was a complete success. The great interest from the industry and the very good number of participants confirm that our two-day digital event was exactly the right event format in these times," says Markus Geisenberger, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe. "In a short space of time, we have established a virtual platform with which we were able to convince the participants. This shows that we can do digital and are very well prepared for future requirements in the virtual sector. However, trade fairs in person will remain the linchpin. This has also been reflected by our customers."

The participants of the virtual event also drew a positive conclusion: in the official survey, nine out of ten respondents praised the high quality of the specialist forums. In addition, nine out of ten respondents stated that they were satisfied with the virtual expo at Intec/Z connect 2021.

"Our industrial trade fairs Intec and Z are firmly anchored in the industry. This has been proven once again: We were able to be successful with Intec/Z connect 2021 because our customers have gone along with the digital path with commitment in the current situation," explains Project Director Kersten Bunke, who has been in charge of Z since 2000 and Intec since 2007 and is retiring at the end of April. "I am proud of the positive development of the trade fair network - and I would like to thank our partners, customers and companions for their trusting cooperation. I will continue to follow the development of Intec and Z with great optimism in the future."

Good response to the online congress program

The Intec/Z connect 2021 online congress impressed participants with a top-class and thematically varied program. In around 60 presentations over the two days of the event, renowned experts passed on their knowledge of the industry's top topics to the specialist audience. The opening event was followed by the very well-attended keynote speeches, in which participants received important first-hand information from industry insiders on the major challenges facing the industry - including the production of tomorrow and the transformation of the supplier industry. The presentations in the forums "Trends in manufacturing technology and the supplier industry" and "Additive + hybrid - manufacturing in transition" were also well received.

Virtual Expo as a center of attraction

Another attraction was the virtual Expo exhibition area, where participants were inspired by the latest developments from the 53 exhibitors. The exhibiting companies, which included internationally active manufacturers from the machine tool industry, suppliers of precision tools, specialists for automation solutions and suppliers for the industry, offered an interactive insight in real time in more than 100 live exhibitor presentations - and, for example, virtually opened their factory gates to the event participants.

In addition, numerous exhibitors took the opportunity to take part in the "Exhibitor Practice Forum": In around 20 presentations, the companies provided detailed information on their products and services.

High level of interaction within the digital networking platform

The digital networking platform was also very popular: 768 people - around a third of the participants registered for Intec/Z connect 2021 - used the format to make new business contacts. The networking platform, where experts were randomly connected for a conversation, reflected the industry's desire to initiate new contacts.

Focus on hidden champions

In addition, the Industry's Hidden Champions Conference organized by the Saxon State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport took place as part of Intec/Z connect 2021 - 145 participants attended the conference. The International Cooperation Forum Russia/CIS, which was organized by the Saxony Economic Development Corporation, and the CONTACT: Business Meetings organized by the Saxon network partners of the Enterprise Europe Network ensured cross-border dialogue on the industry platform.

Lectures and exhibitor presentations available online until the end of March

The Intec/Z connect 2021 program was extensive. Anyone who would like to watch the recorded presentations from the congress program or research the virtual exhibitor presentations after the event will have the opportunity to do so from 8 to 31 March on the Intec/Z connect 2021 website.

The focus is now on preparations for Intec and Z 2023. The next regular edition of the trade fair association will take place from March 7 to 10, 2023 - then again as a face-to-face event at the Leipzig trade fair.