Planning work now starting on three GrindingHub halls

Over 260 companies had secured a place at GrindingHub as the registration phase drew to a close at the end of September. Now the team behind the new trade fair for grinding technology is moving into the next phase of planning which involves the allocation of more than 14,500 net square meters (equivalent to around 30,000 gross square meters) of exhibition space.

“We are more than satisfied with the number of registrations and are delighted with how GrindingHub is already set to become the new focal point for grinding technology,” says Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association). “Of course, we still want to give all those interested the opportunity to exhibit in Stuttgart in May 2022 and will therefore be staying in close touch with the companies.”

Planning which reflects the needs of exhibitors and visitors

The strong figures mean that the planners can now start work on the detailed layout of three halls at the modern Stuttgart Exhibition Center – including the Paul Horn Hall which opened in 2018. The new stop for the U6 line is currently nearing completion close to the West Entrance, giving visitors excellent access to public transportation; the airport is also within walking distance. “With the airport right in front of the trade fair, the direct connection to Stuttgart’s main train station and the close proximity of the A8 freeway, we expect the event to attract large numbers of international participants,” says Gunnar Mey, Head of the Industry Department at Messe Stuttgart, expressing his ambitions for the new trade fair. The blended structure of the exhibition halls themselves is intended to ensure an optimum mix of booths. Taking the specific needs and requirements of the exhibitors into account, the layout will be planned in liaison with the exhibitors in the coming weeks. This will include both the large number of requests for more substantial booth sizes and also for smaller bookings. The official hall plan showing the final layout is scheduled for release at the end of January 2022.

Focus on health and safety

Of course, the pandemic requires a great deal of flexibility, and this is a major factor in the planning. The aisles are being planned at a width of four meters to allow the necessary distancing. Messe Stuttgart has developed its “Safe Expo” hygiene concept in coordination with the authorities. This emphasizes the importance of the safety, health and well-being of all participants at the event. Its effectiveness has already been demonstrated at initial trade shows this fall, including the Blechexpo and Schweisstec. In addition, EMO Milano 2021 offered the metalworking industry the opportunity to meet for the first time again face-to-face on a larger international stage, providing for a safe, up-to-date and successful come-back of the industry. “Personal interaction and direct contact with customers are extremely important for manufacturers. Video conferences and virtual meetings are no real substitutes – as I think we all noticed in Milan. This, of course, makes the anticipation of seeing everyone again at the upcoming trade fairs all the greater,” comments Schäfer.

Topical content, contemporary formats and a highly attractive trade show location

GrindingHub will be celebrating its premiere in Stuttgart from 17 to 20 May 2022. With its international orientation and an attractive location that is easily accessible from all over the world, the event holds plenty of potential. The organizers are also part of a global network of associations throughout the well-known manufacturing nations, and have plenty of experience in organizing trade shows. The principal areas will be Technology / Processes, Productivity, Automation and Digitalization in Grinding Technology. Two joint “GrindingSolutionPark” booths are also planned – demonstrating how science and industry can work hand-in-hand together. The GrindingHub Web Sessions will begin in the run-up to the event in spring 2022. These proved their worth during the METAV digital and will now serve to whet visitors’ appetites for the new trade fair for grinding technology – encouraging them to attend the event itself in Stuttgart and to make contact with exhibitors.

Author: Tobias Beckmann, online editor, VDW