Almost 80 exhibitors from six countries will be there. The trade fair is the first exclusively digital event for the metalworking sector organized by the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association). "From 23 to 26 March, we will be concentrating exclusively on generating leads on the World Wide Web," says Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW. "That's where our exhibitors are still feeling the pinch the most: a lack of customer contact and very limited opportunities to generate business," Schäfer continues.

There are three points of contact for trade visitors to get in touch with the companies, find out more, ask questions, discuss and simply network: With matchmaking, 3D exhibition stands and around 35 specialist presentations on products and solutions for manufacturing, they will have a varied program. They can concentrate fully on what the exhibitors have to offer them.

Turning 3D METAV into an experience

Exhibitors are currently preparing for Metav digital, setting up their stand and planning their communication during the trade fair. "This is because it is more important than at any face-to-face trade fair to captivate visitors, to surprise them and thus bind them to your offer," says Schäfer. Many tools are available digitally at Metav for this purpose, such as moving product images, 3D product images, product or process films, supplemented by product information, media libraries, press releases, job advertisements or other helpful downloads. "Trade visitors will definitely be surprised by the creative presentation and the exhibitors' offerings," says Schäfer.

umati demonstrator brings data connectivity to life

A highlight alongside the exhibitors' stands is the umati joint stand. Twelve partners (Deutsche Telekom IoT, Emco, IFW Hannover, IT-Engineering, ISW Stuttgart, Kapp, Heller, Okuma, Orchestra, Profiroll, Vollmer, Xetics) will be presenting how the standardized data interface for machine communication works in practice. The centerpiece is the umati demonstrator. It consists of a data hub to which machines are connected live, as well as a dedicated dashboard.

"umati thrives on the fact that users experience OPC UA-based data connectivity directly," says Dr. Alexander Broos, Head of Research and Technology at VDW. "That's why the virtual trade fair stands and real machines are connected via umati's own dashboard. The data can be viewed live via the respective link symbol on the exhibition stands. This allows trade fair visitors to follow the machining process without delay." Interested parties can move between umati's main stand and the partner stands and obtain detailed information from the manufacturers there. They can get in touch with contact persons and exchange contact details in the business card portal. The umati presentation is rounded off by a series of web sessions. There will also be "Meet the Experts" discussion rounds offered via the umati central stand.

Reaching teachers and trainers with digital presentations

The Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering will also be represented with its numerous offers for companies and vocational schools in the virtually accessible halls of Metav digital. The focus will be on the MLS (Mobile Learning in Smart Factories) learning platform. Around 180 trainers and 270 teachers have already qualified in the latest Industry 4.0 technologies as part of the NRWgoes.digital project with MLS. "In this way, the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering is promoting the transfer of knowledge from research, teaching and industry to vocational training and supporting the future-oriented training of young professionals," says André Wilms, Site Manager of the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering in Bielefeld.

Visitors to the virtual trade fair stand of the Young Talent Foundation for Mechanical Engineering can find out what phase the qualification offensive is currently in, what the technology highlights of the qualification are and at which schools the additional qualification "Digital Manufacturing Processes" is already being implemented.

In addition to the 3D trade fair stands, Metav digital offers exhibitors the web sessions as a further stage. Visitors can expect a tight program with around 35 presentations over the four days of the trade fair. These will focus on automation and handling, services, digitalization, components and accessories, precision tools, software, control systems and sensors, machine tools and systems as well as umati. After each 20-minute presentation, participants will be able to ask questions and discuss topics. They can also make appointments afterwards and contact the speakers bilaterally.

"Our aim is to create as real a trade fair experience as possible online and to convey the benefits of an in-person event to our customers, visitors and exhibitors alike," emphasizes Schäfer.