How is Motek 2021 different from Motek 2019? What are the most important corona protection measures that visitors and exhibitors can expect before and at the trade fair?

Bettina Schall: Our autumn trade fairs in October 2021, Motek/Bondexpo, Fakuma and Blechexpo/Schweisstec, will be the first major industrial trade fairs after the pandemic-related trade fair-free period. In this respect, we cannot assume that there will be the usual mass crowds or that visitor records will be broken. But that's not the point! The trade fairs are eagerly awaited by both exhibitors and trade visitors. After all, everyone wants to finally be able to meet in person again and discuss specialist topics. They want to discuss and tackle new solutions and investment projects. At the same time, a lot has happened in the past 20 months, worldwide, in every company, in every family, at all levels of society - everyone knows that. As trade fair organizers, we are now making a significant contribution to ensuring that the trade fair takes place in the right setting and that business partners can exchange ideas in person. With care and foresight, we create the basis for this exchange and the successful business of our customers. Motek/Bondexpo will take place in a completely safe environment. As the trade fair organizer, we are therefore fully complying with Messe Stuttgart's hygiene concept, which has been fully coordinated with the authorities and is based on the generally applicable Corona Ordinance of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

What is the best way for trade fair participants to prepare for the special situation?

Bettina Schall: Everyone involved is of course familiar with the safety and hygiene requirements, which are no different to the daily regulations and safety precautions that apply in our everyday lives. There is nothing new or surprising here. All aspects of the protective measures are set out in the hygiene concept and serve to ensure general safety. We are happy to support all of this because we want industry participants to be able to stay in a safe environment and conduct their professional discussions.

Let's take a look at the content: What are the key trends among exhibitors? Which technologies are taking center stage?

Bettina Schall: The most important trends among exhibitors are set by the current challenges in industrial production: Digitalization, networking, automation, energy efficiency, artificial intelligence and electromobility are topics and areas that are each developing strongly, also correlating with each other, and which every company has to deal with now and in the future. The current trends are therefore a complex bouquet of topics. This includes, for example, software for production systems, which is of course the basis for all automated and self-learning processes. A diverse and wide-ranging topic! We will also be focusing on 3D printing, which we will be presenting as a themed highlight in Hall 1 in a special area. Here, 3D printers for industrial use, material suppliers for 3D printing and contract manufacturers for 3D printed parts and assemblies will be showcasing their solutions and services. Lightweight construction, individualization, freedom of design, new materials - 3D printing is undoubtedly a topic of the future. But new bonding technologies will also be in the spotlight at Motek/Bondexpo 2021. We can look forward to the highlights!

Where do you see the German mechanical and plant engineering industry in an international comparison? How has competitiveness developed?

Bettina Schall: As trade fair organizers, we see that German mechanical and plant engineering companies are solid, resilient and agile. The players are tackling the tasks and challenges with strength and foresight. Which are by no means trivial: Pandemic, supply chain disruptions and supply gaps, rising raw material prices, shortage of skilled workers, energy efficiency, sustainability, climate and environment, electromobility, cost pressure - these are all just keywords, each of which conceal huge and complex problem areas! The companies in the German mechanical and plant engineering sector, our medium-sized companies with the backbone of family businesses, are facing up to these challenges with great commitment and outstanding performance.

After the coronavirus crisis years, what innovations are you taking with you into the future at P. E. Schall?

Bettina Schall: In our company, we have remained close to our customers during the crisis, always in contact, always preparing for the next trade fair, always objective and confident. Of course, this cannot be described as innovation. But this time has shown us that a continuous and solid willingness to provide service is a very good basis for overcoming moments of crisis. We are now heading into this trade fair fall with vigor and confidence and are looking forward to bringing our exhibitors back together with their customers and interested parties.

This interview first appeared in our sister magazine Industrial Production.