GrindingHub, the new trade show for grinding technology, is set to premiere from the 17th to the 20th of May in Stuttgart with around 360 well-known exhibitors from more than 20 countries signing up for the debut exhibition. The new exhibition intends to become a major international hub for the sector and Dr Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of GrindingHub organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) says: “There is a great sense of anticipation. Most trade shows have been forced to take a break over the last two years, and all participants cannot wait to meet everyone again in person. Digital events simply don’t have the same quality and reach as their face-to-face counterparts.”
With this overview of the new exhibition, MTD magazine gained a deeper understanding of the GrindingHub exhibition from Martin Göbel, the Head of Trade Fairs at the VDW. With GrindingHub set to be the new centrepiece of grinding technology in Europe, Martin explains the concept of the new exhibition.
“Our goal is to make Stuttgart the place where supply meets demand in this prospering international sector. This includes showcasing solutions from the entire value chain – including technologies, processes, machine concepts, automation and digitalization, as well as quality assurance and other related peripheral areas. The aim is to reflect the actual needs and the current interests of customers. Our banner slogan of ‘Brings solutions to the surface’ is meant literally. Exhibitors will be able to present their latest products and projects in two special exhibition areas, the GrindingSolutionPark Industry and the GrindingSolutionPark Science. We intend to perform a balancing act between business and research, while helping to ensure ever closer intermeshing of the two.”
“Of course, a powerful and competitive trade fair concept also includes effective communication. That is why the experienced international teams of Messe Stuttgart and VDW have launched an effective range of media initiatives in the run-up to GrindingHub. This includes the publication of technical articles and current economic reports – all aimed at providing fascinating insights into the world of grinding technology. Exhibitors and experts are also given a regular say.”
“An attractive aspect of the GrindingHub is its distinctive supporting program which offers significant added value to customers. This includes the two joint stands, GrindingSolutionPark Science and GrindingSolutionPark Industry that will feature novel, scientifically-based applied production solutions and innovations. This is supported by members of the German Academic Association for Production Technology, WGP. We have also been cooperating with the ‘Schleiftagung’ Grinding Conference, which is organised by the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering at RWTH Aachen.”
“Many of our exhibitors are already established figures in the industry and we are also keen to offer a platform to small and young companies. We are providing an appropriate format for this in the Start-Up Area. The joint stand offers first-class support, appealing to innovative companies on smaller budgets. In addition, we will be focusing on digitalization in production. The latest developments and trends will be on display here. The GrindingHub show will also feature a live demonstration of global data connectivity as used in grinding technology – a demonstration that has already been conducted successfully at EMO Hannover and EMO Milan. It will operate under the umati brand, the joint interoperability initiative of VDW and VDMA. Various specialist forums and seminars will round off the event.”
“In our eyes, there is no way around offering a digital service – as we have discovered during the pandemic. We are proactively planning the GrindingHub as a hybrid event. We will also be offering a stage to exhibitors during the fair. The digital forum hosts professional streams of 20-minute presentations given at the event. This is a moderated event format. Another aspect we are testing is a video production service for exhibitors. This involves the filming and editing of 60 to 90 second films featuring a tour of the exhibitor’s stand.”
“We are convinced that GrindingHub is set to become the new hub for grinding technology. Starting in May and then every two years subsequently, Stuttgart will most definitely be the place to be for the industry. It will provide the only opportunity to see the latest innovations and solutions. The reasons are obvious – The trade show has a clear focus and an international orientation. It has a strong thematic position, and the organisers and cooperation partners are confident that the result will be an attractive and professionally run event. Our modern, hybrid trade fair concept is a major factor here.”
The GrindingHub in figures
“Of course, first and foremost we are hoping to impress participants with the quality of the event content. Nevertheless, our registration figures exceeded a total of 362 exhibitors from 23 countries at the end of March with more time remaining. They cover 38 industry sectors related to grinding technology and will occupy around 17,643m² of net exhibition space spread across halls 7, 9 and 10.”
“The Top 5 industry sectors include cylindrical and non-cylindrical grinding machines, grinding, polishing and honing agents, grinding machines for cutting and machine tools, disposal and treatment of cooling lubricants, and surface grinding machines. There are 205 exhibitors from Germany, followed by 56 companies from Switzerland and 37 manufacturers from Italy. Exhibitors have also signed up from Austria, France, Japan and the USA.”
“All this shows just how comprehensive and diverse the show is. We cover the entire spectrum of grinding technology and have already succeeded in convincing a large numbers of exhibitors to take part in the premiere of the new trade fair. And that is why we are confident that the GrindingHub show will offer tangible value for visitors.”
