The organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt is convinced that the protection and hygiene concept approved by the Bavarian state government will enable a successful and safe SPS 2021 for all participants: "In a time when everything is different, one thing has remained constant: The need for innovation and personal exchange in the automation industry. We will finally be able to meet this need again in 2021 and take a step towards a new normality with Corona. This is not only what the automation industry wants, but also what it needs right now," says Martin Roschkowski, President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt.

Roschkowski is expecting around 750 exhibitors. "Many well-known companies, including the largest exhibitor at the trade fair, Siemens, as well as Phoenix Contact, Beckhoff, Sick and Pepperl+Fuchs, will be represented at SPS 2021 in Nuremberg." This year's event certainly cannot be compared with the exhibitor and visitor figures from 2019 (2019: 1585 exhibitors, 63,708 visitors). There are simply still too many coronavirus-related uncertainties, especially for foreign exhibitors and visitors. For example, participating Chinese visitors and exhibitors would have to go into a mandatory two-week quarantine when entering China after visiting the trade fair.

The hygiene concept

In the video interview, Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice-President SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt, explains the hygiene concept.

Protecting the health of all exhibitors, visitors, service partners and employees is a top priority for the organizer, which is why a comprehensive protection and hygiene concept was developed together with NürnbergMesse that meets the requirements of the Bavarian state government. The concept, which is based on the three pillars of organization, distancing rules and hygiene, ensures that the health risk is reduced to a minimum. It is important for visitors to know in advance that registration is only possible in advance of the event and access is only possible with 3G proof. Wearing a medical mask is mandatory in accordance with the Bavarian Infection Protection Measures Ordinance.

Joint stand and forum

The SPS 2021 will again take place as a real event.

© Mesago / Malte Kirchner

In addition to numerous product presentations and intelligent solutions, visitors to SPS will benefit above all this year from direct personal discussions and professional exchanges with experts.

The joint stand 'Automation meets IT' in Hall 6 will also provide support here, as will the trade fair forum in Hall 3, which is being organized jointly by the VDMA and ZVEI associations for the first time this year. Visitors can find out about current industry topics here and engage in intensive discussions with the specialists.

SPS on air

Mesago has also been working for weeks on a complementary hybrid trade fair concept to adapt the SPS 2021 to the New Normal and to realize flexible participation for everyone. This means that anyone interested - regardless of time, budget or travel restrictions - will have the opportunity to take part in this year's SPS. The digital content will also be available beyond the trade fair days, thus enabling a flexible trade fair visit - physically, digitally or hybrid.

Important information for visitors

Detailed information on the protection and hygiene concept, ticket purchase, SPS on air, travel specials and tips for preparation can be found on the website sps-messe.de.