Interview with Onuora Ogbukagu, Head of Press and Public Relations at HANNOVER MESSE
HANNOVER MESSE is the world's leading industrial technology showcase. It brings the entire technology world together at one convenient location for maximum synergy. It is where business networks are cultivated, cooperation agreements are forged and knowledge is transferred.
Why should no one miss HANNOVER MESSE 2014?
To remain competitive, companies need to make their manufacturing processes more efficient, and that means greater investment in state-of-the-art automation technology. Their competitiveness also hinges on access to a reliable, sustainable energy supply. The world’s leading providers of automation solutions and energy technology will be showcasing solutions to precisely these challenges at HANNOVER MESSE 2014. The world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology is an absolute must for anyone in industry who wants to remain competitive. Hannover is one of the main stops along the road to the factory of the future.
Can you elaborate on this year’s motto: “Integrated Industry – NEXT STEPS”?
Industrial companies need to be able to respond swiftly to changes in the market, while at the same time satisfying the growing demand for product individualization and customization. This requires an intelligent, self-organising factory. Many technologies for implementing this paradigm have been developed over recent years. The next steps are about integrating these technologies into industrial production in such a way that they form a synchronized, harmonized and fully networked whole. And this is precisely the focus of HANNOVER MESSE 2014, namely the steps industry needs to take in order to get from its smart-factory vision to a real-life, integrated Industry factory.
“Integrated Industry – NEXT STEPS” also signals the way forward in the ongoing process of energy system transformation. In this process, the main next steps are to upgrade and expand energy transmission and data networks and to find viable ways of connecting the current conventional energy system with the suppliers of renewable energy. In the future, the smart grids that carry energy and the end devices that consume it will communicate with each other, unlocking colossal potential for energy savings. HANNOVER MESSE is the ideal platform for marshalling future-defining technologies and concrete solutions in the interests of promoting and facilitating the transformation from an outdated, inflexible energy system to a modern, intelligent energy network.
How will this motto be reflected on the fairground?
We will be seeing spectacular demonstrators on the stands of many exhibitors. Themes such as standardization and software security will be discussed in the forum Industrial IT in hall 8. The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence will be displaying a smart factory, demonstrating that many technologies for Integrated Industry are already available today. The next steps will be to implement these technologies into current production processes and facilities. Last but not least, we will be offering our visitors an organized tour that will lead to the Integrated Industry-Highlights on the fairground.
What other highlights can visitors look forward to?
An integral part of HANNOVER MESSE, the HERMES AWARD is one of the world's most important and sought-after technology prizes. The companies nominated for the award will be profiled at the HANNOVER MESSE Opening Ceremony on 6 April, and the winning company will be presented with its prize in the presence of Germany’s Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel.
Visitors can take part in one of our guided tours for professional visitors at HANNOVER MESSE 2014.The tours are dedicated to specific themes and together cover the entire scope of the HANNOVER MESSE portfolio.
Can you introduce us to this year’s partner country: the Netherlands?
The Netherlands’ mechanical engineering sector is enjoying steady growth and is made up predominantly of highly specialized small and medium enterprises. The country also has an extremely competitive industrial subcontracting sector which supplies components, modules and made-to-order solutions to customers all around the world. The Netherlands are also a shining example of European cross-border industry partnership. Exhibitors and visitors from around the world seeking cooperative ventures with Dutch companies in these sectors will be extremely well positioned to do so at HANNOVER MESSE.”
The current registration status from the Netherlands already exceeds the past events. The number of exhibitors has grown strongly and the exhibition space has more than doubled. We are expecting around 200 exhibitors from the Netherlands. The Netherlands will have a central Partner County pavilion in Hall 3 and national pavilions in all of HANNOVER MESSE’s main theme areas.
Which other simultaneous events would you like to highlight?
The Global Business & Markets forums and conferences will take an in-depth look at a number of export and investment destinations, including the USA, Japan, the BRIC countries, Latin America, Africa and Europe. The lead themes include investment in new and sustainable technologies, growth initiatives in Europe and sourcing strategies.
The upcoming “Job and Career at HANNOVER MESSE” platform will once again be 100% focused on recruitment and career planning. There, talent-seeking companies will run captivating seminars and showcase their exciting career options at their own exhibition stands and on the multimedia Job Wall.
Relevant events on Hannover Messe 2014
Energy - Trade Fair for Power Generation, Supply, Transmission, Distribution and Storage
The energy industry worldwide is facing the need for change. At the trade fair Energy trade visitors from across the globe can discover how, with the right mix and control, state-of-the-art technology and solutions can meet this challenge. This is the only trade fair for the energy sector which covers the entire value chain – from energy generation, supply and storage through to transmission and distribution to smart grids. All at one venue.
Halls 11, 12, 13, 27
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Efficiency Arena Forum
Lower your energy costs and enhance your competitiveness. At the Efficiency Arena you'll learn some ingenious new ways to conserve energy. Topics include: Energy Efficiency in Factory Automation, Energy Efficiency in Process & Energy, Automation, Energy Management Systems & Consultancy, Funding, Financing, Research.
Hall 14, Stand K09
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Renewable Energies Forum
The Renewable Energy Forum, organised by the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), covers industrial developments, products, services, financing concepts and the political situation for the complete renewable energy industry (wind, solar, bio energy, geo and solar thermal as well as hydroelectric power). It is aimed at interested parties and representatives of the entire energy economy, from manufacturers, suppliers and project developers to investors and analysts all the way to the political decision-makers and federations.
Hall 27, Stand E18
