Ms. Lange, what do you think is the highlight of this year's trade fair trio of Intec, Z and GrindTec?

After the previous edition of Intec and Z could only be held virtually due to the pandemic, I am now very much looking forward to the restart of our successful industrial trade fairs in person. From March 7 to 10, 2023, our exhibition grounds in Leipzig will finally become an innovative workbench again, a magnet for the metalworking industry and supplier sector from Germany and all over Europe. From this year, GrindTec will be a further component of our trade fair network and will enrich it. Visitors can therefore look forward to a very attractive, comprehensive range of products and services. Many technology leaders from the machine tool industry, renowned suppliers of precision tools, specialists for automation solutions, innovative suppliers and suppliers of tool machining systems will be presenting their latest products and technologies. The practical technical program also addresses forward-looking technology topics and helps to find answers to questions relating to the transformation of the industry. Our trio of trade fairs will once again provide impetus for the industry.

GrindTec is new to the Leipzig exhibition grounds this year. Where does the event complement the other two trade fair formats?

With its focus on tool processing and grinding, GrindTec fits in perfectly with our Intec and Z trade fairs. Our international trade fair network thus covers the entire metalworking value chain - and offers visitors an even more diverse range of products and services. There are numerous overlaps between the trade fairs, which is very interesting for visitors. With its clear focus "from users for users", GrindTec will be specialized, compact and strongly network-oriented. And a major advantage for trade visitors is that they only need one ticket to be able to engage in personal dialog with exhibitors at all three trade fairs and drive projects forward.

What role does the Leipzig location play for the three trade fairs?

The location of Leipzig with its long trade fair history and its very modern exhibition center with optimal exhibition conditions plays an important role. Intec, Z and GrindTec are held in the heart of Europe, so the trade fairs are very easy to reach thanks to their central location. The industry of Central Germany is - in addition to the Germany- and Europe-wide catchment area of Intec, Z and GrindTec - a supporting pillar of the trade fair network. Sectors such as mechanical and plant engineering and the automotive industry are particularly strong here. Due to the geographical location of the trade fair venue, the countries in Eastern Europe - especially Poland and the Czech Republic - are very important for us, both for exhibitors and visitors. In addition, Leipzig offers a very good range of hotels at fair conditions - another factor that makes our trade fair location so attractive.