This year, SPS is being held as a purely virtual event, SPS Connect. What ultimately led to the decision?

In view of the rising number of infections in July and August, concerns about ensuring the health of all those involved and thus the concerns about holding the SPS in Nuremberg became ever stronger. With the tightened travel restrictions, the low willingness of employees to travel, home office in many companies, strict distancing and hygiene rules and the difficult economic situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a mixed situation has arisen that simply does not allow the SPS to be held in its usual form.

What concerns did the companies have?

The companies' biggest concern was the health of their employees. If an employee returns to the company sick after the SPS in Nuremberg and infects others, a new wave of infection could arise. In recent months, various cases across Germany have clearly shown that such a wave of infection can also lead to the lockdown of a district. It does not matter whether the person was infected shortly before the trade fair in a private setting, at the trade fair or in a restaurant after the trade fair closes. These scenarios, this "what if...", could not be clarified 100 percent and the responsibility in such a case always weighs heavily.

What can participants expect at SPS Connect?

We are currently working on the implementation of a virtual platform where exhibitors and visitors can intensively exchange information on products and solutions. In addition to a targeted exhibitor and product search, it offers other features such as a chat function or match-making. Exhibitors present themselves in profiles and provide information on their product and service portfolio, for example in the form of individual product pages or videos. Visitors register on the platform and define their interests. An algorithm in the background brings exhibitors and visitors together according to the selected criteria.

There will also be a top-class lecture and supporting program at SPS Connect from 24 November.

How many companies will take part in SPS Connect as "exhibitors"?

We expect a high level of participation from companies. All of the companies represented on the SPS Exhibitor Advisory Board will be taking part in the platform as exhibitors. As no automation trade fair has yet taken place this year, we expect that the exhibitors at SPS will also present themselves at SPS Connect and use it as an opportunity to exchange ideas with customers and users.