Formnext Connect: Navigating the Future of Additive Manufacturing Through a Premier Virtual Experience

Formnext, historically recognized as the world’s largest and most influential professional fair for additive manufacturing, is embarking on a new chapter this year. Mesago Messe Frankfurt, the esteemed organizer, has officially announced that the 2020 edition will transition entirely to a virtual format, now rebranded as Formnext Connect. This pivotal decision comes in response to the recent and accelerating surge in global COVID-19 infections, which has unfortunately compelled organizers to cancel the traditional physical event in Frankfurt. Despite this significant shift, **Formnext Connect**, still slated to commence on November 10, is resolute in its ambition to uphold Formnext’s legacy: to serve as the indispensable international hub for showcasing innovations in additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing technologies. This virtual iteration promises to connect a global community, fostering business, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in an unprecedented digital environment.

The Unforeseen Challenge: COVID-19’s Global Impact on Physical Gatherings

For many months leading up to this decision, Mesago Messe Frankfurt had tirelessly worked towards hosting a physical Formnext 2020. Extensive planning was underway to implement rigorous protection and safety protocols, aiming to ensure a secure environment for all exhibitors and visitors amidst the ongoing pandemic. However, the relentless progression of the virus, marked by rapidly rising infection rates and increasingly stringent travel restrictions across various nations, rendered the physical event unfeasible. The intricate logistics and international scope of Formnext, which typically draws participants from every corner of the globe, were profoundly impacted by these evolving challenges, making it exceedingly difficult to guarantee the safety and expected quality of an international trade fair.

Petra Haarburger, President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt, articulated the difficult position faced by the organizers: “The current rise of the COVID-19 infection figures in Germany, Europe and around the world have led to increasing uncertainty among exhibitors and visitors. Together with the renewed tightening of official and in-house travel restrictions, this will no longer allow the otherwise highly international Formnext to be carried out in the accustomed quality.” This statement underscores not only the paramount health and safety concerns but also the crucial importance of maintaining the event’s high standards and international accessibility, which would have been severely compromised by the prevailing circumstances. The decision, though regrettable, prioritizes the well-being of the global additive manufacturing community and the integrity of the Formnext brand.

Embracing Digital Transformation: The Rise of Formnext Connect

While the cancellation of a physical gathering might initially bring disappointment to some, the additive manufacturing industry has shown a remarkable agility and eagerness to adapt. Recent successful virtual initiatives within the sector have clearly demonstrated a strong appetite for digital engagement, proving that the industry is ready to leverage online platforms for business and knowledge exchange. Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt, expressed the collective sentiment: “Our disappointment at the end of the summer is all the greater now that we have to recognize that the course of the pandemic is destroying our efforts to make these personal encounters possible again.” However, he quickly emphasized a forward-looking perspective, acknowledging that the pandemic, while hindering physical meetings, simultaneously accelerates the adoption of virtual solutions and digital connectivity.

Wenzler further elaborated on the crucial need for continued interaction: “An exchange between technology providers and users is absolutely necessary, and we are now putting all our energy into the realization of a virtual Formnext, the Formnext Connect. It will be the central virtual platform for business and knowledge exchange for the global AM community at the end of the year.” This commitment highlights the organizer’s dedication to ensuring that the additive manufacturing community doesn’t miss out on vital opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and market insights, even in these challenging times. Formnext Connect is therefore not merely a contingency plan but a thoughtfully designed digital experience poised to deliver substantial value, ensuring that the industry’s momentum continues unabated.

A Deep Dive into Formnext Connect’s Innovative Digital Offerings

Scheduled to kick off virtually from November 10, 2020, Formnext Connect is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience through a rich array of digital services. These offerings are crafted to maximize interaction and deliver tangible value, mirroring the essential aspects of its physical predecessor. Attendees can anticipate immersive exhibitor presentations hosted within sophisticated virtual showrooms. These digital spaces will go beyond static displays, featuring dynamic product information, informative videos, interactive chat functions for direct communication with company representatives, and robust lead generation/lead tracking capabilities designed to foster meaningful business connections. This ensures that exhibitors can effectively showcase their latest innovations in additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, while visitors can easily access detailed insights and engage directly with providers, regardless of their geographical location.

One of the standout features of Formnext Connect will be its intelligent matchmaking system, powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This sophisticated tool will connect participants based on their expressed interests, business needs, and technological requirements, facilitating highly relevant and productive interactions. This AI-driven approach significantly enhances networking opportunities, allowing attendees to efficiently identify potential partners, suppliers, or customers from across the globe, thereby optimizing their time and maximizing their business development efforts. Furthermore, the event will host an extensive supporting program featuring both live streaming sessions and on-demand content. This includes insightful webinars, expert keynotes from industry leaders, engaging panel discussions on crucial market trends, and in-depth technical presentations, all accessible at participants’ convenience. This diverse content ensures continuous learning and keeps the global AM community abreast of the latest advancements and strategic directions within industrial 3D printing, fostering a culture of innovation and shared knowledge.

To further facilitate direct engagement and streamline business processes, Formnext Connect will also offer dedicated scheduling and assignment tools for online meetings with exhibitors. This streamlines the process of arranging one-on-one virtual consultations, enabling in-depth discussions, personalized product demonstrations, and strategic dialogues that are crucial for successful business development in the additive manufacturing space. This comprehensive suite of digital tools is engineered to replicate, and in some aspects even enhance, the collaborative and transactional benefits traditionally associated with physical trade fairs, all from the comfort and convenience of one’s own location. The platform is truly set to be a dynamic and essential hub for the global additive manufacturing ecosystem, pushing the boundaries of what a virtual event can achieve.

The Future of Additive Manufacturing Events: Adapting to a New Reality

The transition of Formnext to a fully virtual event is more than just a temporary solution; it reflects a broader trend of digital transformation sweeping across industries, including additive manufacturing. While the immediate catalyst is the pandemic, the long-term implications for how events are conducted are significant. Virtual events like Formnext Connect offer unparalleled accessibility, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling participation from a much wider audience who might otherwise face travel constraints, visa issues, or prohibitive costs. This democratizes access to cutting-edge information and networking opportunities within the industrial 3D printing sector, fostering a more inclusive and globally interconnected community.

Moreover, the digital format often brings substantial environmental benefits, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with international travel, large-scale physical infrastructures, and waste generation. It also provides innovative ways to measure engagement and gather data, offering deeper insights into attendee behavior and preferences, which can further refine future event experiences and make them even more tailored and effective. While the tangible experience of examining physical prototypes, experiencing technologies firsthand, and engaging in spontaneous, informal networking at a physical booth cannot be fully replicated, virtual platforms are rapidly evolving to bridge this gap. The blend of structured online meetings, AI-powered matchmaking, and rich multimedia content aims to foster a productive and engaging environment that vigorously supports the continued growth and innovation of the additive manufacturing industry.

Formnext Connect represents the resilience and adaptability of the additive manufacturing community. It underscores the industry’s unwavering commitment to continuous exchange, collaboration, and technological progress, even when confronted with unprecedented global disruptions. This pioneering virtual event will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for digital trade fairs, paving the way for sophisticated hybrid models that combine the best attributes of both physical and virtual worlds in the post-pandemic era. This ensures that the critical dialogue between technology providers and users remains robust and dynamic, securing the future of innovation in additive manufacturing for years to come.

Get Ready for Formnext Connect: Your Gateway to Additive Manufacturing Innovation

As the launch date approaches, the excitement for Formnext Connect continues to build. This virtual gathering is not just an alternative but an innovative step forward, ensuring that the vital exchange of ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and lucrative business opportunities in the additive manufacturing space continues uninterrupted. It’s a chance to connect with global leaders, discover groundbreaking solutions, and shape the future of industrial 3D printing from anywhere in the world. Stay informed about the latest developments, detailed schedules, and participation guidelines for Formnext Connect by visiting the official page HERE. We strongly encourage all industry professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts to register and prepare for an engaging, highly productive, and truly global virtual experience.

What are your thoughts on this significant shift to a virtual Formnext? We’d love to hear your perspectives on how virtual events are shaping the future of industrial 3D printing and what expectations you have for Formnext Connect. Share your valuable comments below or engage with us on our vibrant Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on any crucial updates from the dynamic world of additive manufacturing; sign up for our free weekly Newsletter and have all the latest news, analyses, and event announcements delivered straight to your inbox.