October 2020

50 n SPS PREVIEW October 2020 www.drivesncontrols.com SPS goes virtual A s with other organisers of trade exhibitions, the organisers of the annual SPS automation mega- show were faced with a dilemma over Covid-19. Should they press ahead with plans for the exhibition – scheduled for late November in Nuremberg, Germany – or consider other alternatives? Initially, the organisers – Mesago Messe Frankfurt – decided they would try to hold the exhibition as planned, but to safeguard visitors and exhibitors by implementing stringent social distancing and other safety measures. In addition to the physical event, they decided that SPS 2020 would also be available online, allowing visitors who were not able to travel, or who can only be on site for one day, to take part as well. In July, the organisers reported positively that the exhibition area and number of confirmed exhibitors were only slightly down on the same period last year, despite the pandemic.“The importance of exhibitions to the economy is akin to that of automation for industry – one of the most important drivers,” said Sylke Schulz-Metzner, SPS vice-president at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “SPS is a fixed date on the calendars of automation companies and we are all very much looking forward to meeting up in Nuremberg in person at the end of the year,” she added. But a month later, the organisers decided that because of “ongoing travel restrictions and other fundamental changes caused by the coronavirus pandemic”, it would not be possible to hold a physical exhibition after all. “We’re very disappointed to have to cancel this year’s SPS event in Nuremberg,”said Mesago Messe Frankfurt president, Martin Roschkowski.“Early this summer, all signs were pointing in the right direction and we were all but certain that the exhibition would go ahead in November. The safety and hygiene concept we had put together at the time was well received and developed further by many people involved in the SPS. For us, it was another example of how well the SPS community works together, and our sincere thanks go out to all those who pitched in.” So the show is now going ahead in an all- virtual format. The details were still being finalised as this issue went to press, but the digital format will give exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to discuss the latest developments and trends in automation technology online. The virtual platform called SPS Connect will go live on 24 November – the same day that the on- site exhibition had been due to start. Visitors will be able to exchange ideas with experts, colleagues, customers and exhibitors in real-time live chats, or via video calls with up to four participants. They will be able to make appointments directly with contacts or companies of interest, or to generate new contacts based on their preferences. If they are looking for new contacts or particular technologies, they can filter and search the exhibitor and visitor lists, or product lists. The new platform will include digital product presentations, as well as the option of contacting exhibitors for discussions in the digital environment. A “digital matchmaking” facility will offer several options, including a search function and the opportunity to communicate with exhibitors. The AI-powered digital matchmaking will connect exhibitors and visitors based on their entries in a search/offer section. Participants will be able to see contacts that are relevant to them, and to arrange appointments with them. The AI system will use data provided by visitors and exhibitors in their profiles, as well as their user behaviour to ensure that the right people are brought together. The new format will include a programme of lectures available either as a live stream or on demand. Keynotes, specialist presentations, round tables, panel discussions and exhibitor contributions, will give visitors an insight into industry topics and the latest trends and innovations in automation. The content will be available to watch on demand until 31 December 2020, giving visitors time flexibility and allowing them to benefit from the content after the event. To access the SPS Connect platform you will need an electronic ticket costing €25 (or €10 for students). n www.sps-exhibition.com The SPS exhibition held each November in Nuremberg, Germany is probably the world’s largest automation-only trade show. But, because of the Covid pandemic, this year’s event will be online only. The organisers are developing a digital platform that they hope will attract both visitors and exhibitors. Roschkowski: all the signs were pointing in the right direction