Navigating Formnext Connect 2020: The Premier Virtual Event for Additive Manufacturing Innovation

Formnext has long stood as the unparalleled benchmark for professional gatherings within the additive manufacturing industry. Each year, it serves as a critical nexus for innovation, collaboration, and market development. While the global pandemic necessitated an unprecedented shift, the 2020 edition, rebranded as Formnext Connect, was held virtually from November 10-12, aiming to uphold the high expectations set for this essential industry event. This transition to a 100% digital format introduced a unique set of challenges and opportunities, leading to some initial questions regarding the organization, the participation of key exhibitors, and the dynamic delivery of its renowned conference program. Despite these considerations, the organizers were committed to delivering an engaging and productive experience for the entire AM community.

The team at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, the esteemed organizer behind Formnext, invested significant effort into developing a user-friendly and intuitive virtual interface. Their primary goal was to ensure that both attendees and exhibitors could participate as efficiently and effectively as possible, transcending the limitations of a physical absence. To facilitate meaningful connections and foster genuine business opportunities, the organizing team leveraged cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) software, known as “Matchmaking.” This sophisticated algorithm was designed to analyze user preferences and business interests provided during registration, subsequently offering highly relevant business contact suggestions. This intelligent approach aimed to create a more curated and productive networking environment, moving beyond the often-random encounters typical of traditional trade shows and providing tangible value to participants.

“Formnext Connect provides an important platform for the additive manufacturing community to efficiently showcase new products, exchange ideas, and discuss projects and business,” affirmed Sascha F. Wenzler, vice president of Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. His statement underscored the organizers’ unwavering commitment to maintaining Formnext’s pivotal role as a catalyst for innovation and growth within the global additive manufacturing landscape, even in an entirely new digital format. The goal was not merely to replicate the physical experience but to enhance it through technological advancements, making business interactions more targeted and impactful for everyone involved.

Connecting with Leading Additive Manufacturing Industry Players and Exhibitors

The registration process for Formnext Connect was meticulously designed to empower each attendee to articulate their primary business interests. This crucial step formed the foundation for the sophisticated AI algorithm, which then facilitated precise connections. Based on these stated interests, attendees could either receive suggestions for relevant companies or proactively select exhibitors they wished to engage with. The system ensured that contact was initiated only when mutual interest between the user and the exhibitor was confirmed, thereby optimizing the networking process. This intelligent method significantly refined the interaction process, offering a more deliberate and valuable alternative to the chance encounters often experienced at traditional physical trade shows, adding substantial value to every contact made.

As in previous years, Formnext Connect proudly featured a roster of the additive manufacturing industry’s most influential names. While the virtual format meant a slightly smaller number of exhibitors compared to sprawling physical editions, the 2020 event successfully attracted around 100 prominent companies. This impressive lineup included industry giants such as 3D Systems, Carbon, EOS, Formlabs, GE Additive, HP 3D Printing, Markforged, Siemens, SLM Solutions, and Stratasys, among many others. Many of these leading innovators were poised to unveil groundbreaking new products and solutions at the virtual show, signaling the continued rapid pace of development in the AM sector. The event also provided comprehensive coverage of the entire additive manufacturing supply chain, encompassing vital fields such as advanced design software, innovative materials, state-of-the-art hardware, and essential post-processing technologies. Renowned names like BASF, DyeMansion, and Autodesk were present, alongside prestigious research centers such as the Fraunhofer Institute, underscoring the event’s holistic view of the AM ecosystem.

Exhibitors at Formnext Connect were equipped with a versatile suite of tools to interact with potential clients and partners. They could engage in real-time information exchange via integrated chat functions or schedule one-on-one appointments for live videoconferences, replicating the direct engagement of a physical booth. Furthermore, exhibitors had the flexibility to significantly enhance their virtual profiles by incorporating a variety of rich media content. This included uploading pre-recorded video presentations, demonstrations, or even hosting live-streamed sessions. These options provided companies with unparalleled opportunities to creatively promote their products, showcase their latest innovations, and strengthen their brand image in a dynamic digital environment, ensuring comprehensive visibility and engagement.

Unrivaled Content and Conference Tracking with Formnext.TV

Maintaining its reputation for delivering top-tier educational and insightful content, Formnext Connect partnered once again with the TCT Group, a leading authority in digital manufacturing content. This collaboration ensured a robust program designed to accelerate the adoption of digital manufacturing technologies across various industries. The 2020 edition featured an exceptionally varied program, including numerous presentations, in-depth talks with industry experts, engaging round tables, and innovative additional formats broadcast through its well-established platform, Formnext.TV. The main stage of Formnext Connect streamed live, moderated expert talks directly from its familiar studio located in Hall 12 at the Frankfurt Fairgrounds – the traditional physical home of the exhibition. This blend of virtual access with a physical anchor provided a sense of continuity and professionalism. A significant advantage of the virtual format was that the entire rich content library remained accessible online until December 31st of the year, offering attendees immense flexibility to revisit sessions or catch up on missed discussions at their convenience, thus maximizing the learning and networking potential.

The shift to Formnext Connect underscored a broader industry trend towards embracing digital platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The virtual format, while born out of necessity, presented several distinct advantages. It significantly broadened accessibility, allowing professionals from around the globe to participate without the constraints of travel, accommodation costs, or visa requirements. This global reach fostered a more diverse and inclusive community interaction, enriching discussions and expanding networking opportunities. Furthermore, the on-demand availability of content transformed the learning experience, enabling attendees to tailor their engagement to their schedules and preferences, ensuring they could absorb every valuable insight offered.

To ensure attendees could familiarize themselves with the platform’s functionalities and optimally define their commercial interests for the best “match,” the Formnext Connect platform became accessible starting October 28, 2020. This early access allowed participants to navigate the interface, explore exhibitor profiles, and begin leveraging the AI matchmaking feature well in advance of the official event dates. Registration for this groundbreaking virtual event was free of charge, further lowering barriers to participation and making it accessible to a wider audience eager to explore the latest in additive manufacturing. Interested individuals could easily sign up via the dedicated Formnext Connect website, taking the first step towards an immersive and productive virtual trade show experience.

For comprehensive details and additional information about the Formnext Connect 2020 virtual exhibition, interested parties were encouraged to click HERE to visit the official event website. This central hub provided access to exhibitor lists, the full conference program, and all necessary logistical information, ensuring attendees could maximize their participation in this pivotal virtual gathering for the additive manufacturing sector.

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