Solar Solutions Düsseldorf, the leading trade fair for solar energy in North Rhine-Westphalia, was held successfully from November 23-24, 2023. The event brought together 12,137 experts from the solar industry to exchange knowledge, network, and discover the latest trends and innovations.
The trade fair featured a wide range of exhibitors, from solar panel and module manufacturers to installers, distributors, and system integrators. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the latest products and services, as well as to meet with industry leaders.
One of the highlights of the trade fair was the European Solar Games, a competition for plumbers to install solar panels as quickly and efficiently as possible. The competition was won by Grüne Leuchte, who installed a 20-panel system in just 30 minutes.
The trade fair also featured a number of seminars and workshops on topics such as market trends, solar financing, and energy storage. These sessions provided visitors with valuable insights into the solar industry.
Solar Solutions Düsseldorf was a great success for both exhibitors and visitors. The event provided a valuable opportunity for the solar industry to come together and learn from each other.
In addition to Solar Solutions Düsseldorf, the organizers also held Solar Solutions Kortrijk in Belgium this year. Solar Solutions Bremen will be held on April 17-18, 2024.
The highlights of MEDICA 2023 and COMPAMED 2023 are the conferences on military and disaster medicine, sports medicine and science, and the German Hospital Day for top managers of German clinics. COMPAMED 2023 will showcase high-tech and service solutions in the medical technology industry. The conferences and trade fairs will address important industry trends and offer practical information. The future handling of PFAS in medical technology products will be a hot topic. In the previous year, MEDICA and COMPAMED had a total of 81,000 visitors, with a 75 percent international share. Online portals offer digital services for planning and networking. Entrance tickets and public transport tickets can be acquired online.
The medical technology market is in worldwide motion and the signs ahead of MEDICA 2023 and COMPAMED 2023 in Düsseldorf as the internationally leading trade fairs for the medical technology industry and related suppliers (trade fair 13–16 November) could hardly be more exciting. The prices for energy, raw materials, services and many goods are rising. At the same time, health care budgets especially in the publicly financed health sectors of many countries continue to be strongly limited. And yet, investments in new procedures, for example within the field of Artificial Intelligence, seem lucrative due to in part remarkable leaps in technology. “In the face of these limiting conditions, business relations are being reconsidered and negotiated anew. Therefore it is important for everyone with something to say or decide in the health business to keep current. MEDICA and COMPAMED will once again offer the best options for professional dialogue, good business and increased networking”, says Christian Grosser, Director Health & Medical Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, with an enthusiastic view towards both events.
In mid-November, a total of more than 5,000 exhibiting companies (700 of whom at COMPAMED) will showcase the entire value chain of medical and medical technological products with their innovations – including all steps from product development, manufacture and after sales services.
From increased out-patient treatment to AI to sustainability
Visitors from all sectors of the health business have ample subjects for discussion, based on the defining trends which currently characterise the market and its dynamics. One example is the growing “out-patientisation” of care. This sets the focus on products and services for the so-called “point-of-care”, that is on patient-oriented diagnostics and treatment, but also on telemedical applications for optimal, cross-sector networking among all people involved in the care process. Also trending right now are solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and supporting systems, for example robotic systems or VR/AR applications (“Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality”). The implementation of sustainable processes is a goal that by now has become one of the highest priorities in companies and institutions across all sectors of industry—including the health sector. This includes a holistic view of economic processes to maintain a lasting ability to compete, without a negative social or environmental impact. All parts of the supply and value chain are evaluated closely for their potential for optimisation.
“True to their leading motif ‘Where healthcare is going’, MEDICA and COMPAMED will incorporate these dominating developments on the market and provide thematically appropriate points of focus in their programmes and in the many presentations by our exhibiting customers. Valuable contributions to this goal will be made by the numerous professional forums and accompanying conferences while the trade fair is happening, and through the talk format MEDICA DEEP DIVE during the time before the event.” says Christian Grosser, and promises answers and approaches to solutions relevant to all types of questions driving the industry.
Five worlds of experience and a fascinating live programme
The MEDICA professional trade fair determines its areas of focus through five worlds of experience. These cover the enormous range of more than 10,000 company innovations concerning: Lab technology and diagnostics, medical technology and electromedicine, commodities and consumables, physiotherapy and orthopaedic technology as well as IT systems and IT solutions.
The forums integrated into the worlds of experience add a varied programme on stage to the happenings at the trade fair, and picture a diverse agenda featuring short lectures, discussions, pitches and best practices relevant to the use of products. Among others, mention must be made of the MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM (digital networking, including the MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION and the Healthcare Innovation World Cup), the MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM (IT issues), the MEDICA TECH FORUM (medical technology trends) or the MEDICA LABMED FORUM (innovations in laboratory medicine).
Among the further highlights of the programme of MEDICA 2023 are the 46th German Hospital Day (this time at CCD Süd) for the top managers of German clinics, and the conferences DiMiMED and MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE held in the English language (both also at CCD Süd). These conferences will gather together experts in the fields of military and disaster medicine and in sports medicine and science at the venue in Düsseldorf.
Suppliers area in “high performance mode”
If you want to see for yourself what medical technology industry suppliers are capable of, the best option is COMPAMED 2023 in the trade fair Halls 8a and 8b. The exhibiting companies there will present (also five) worlds of experience including a wide range of high tech and service solutions. The five worlds of experience are: Manufacturing & Devices (e.g., components, parts, manufacturing processes), Services & Advice (e.g., research, development, services), Materials (e.g., plastics, glass, ceramics, metals, composite materials, adhesives, packaging), Micro Tech (such as micro components, microfluidics) as well as IT in Tech (software development and maintenance for medical technology).
In their programme sessions, the COMPAMED HIGH-TECH FORUM by IVAM and the COMPAMED SUPPLIERS FORUM follow important industry and technological trends and offer practical information concerning new procedures, products and relevant aspects of work on international markets. The future handling of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) should be among the hottest topics for debate – also at the MEDICA TECH FORUM. The reason for this is that possible restrictions, not to mention a ban of PFAS at EU level, would have definite consequences for the development, manufacture and applications of medical technology products. PFAS are being used in these areas, for example, in coatings or in components for electrical surgery.
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Düsseldorf, 16 September 2023 – The international trade fair for rehabilitation and care REHACARE, which took place in Düsseldorf from 13 to 16 September, came to a successful close today, leaving a strong signal for inclusion, participation and digitalization in the healthcare market. REHACARE brings together associations, self-help groups, people affected and companies to discuss the future of the healthcare industry and to find innovative solutions for more inclusion, participation and the financing of aids.
More than 700 exhibitors from 37 countries presented their new innovations ranging from barrier-free building and living mobility and walking aids to children’s aids. Also presented were the advances in digitalization and robotics, which show considerable potential to revolutionize rehabilitation and care. Digital nursing assistance systems, telemedicine applications, nursing robots, smart nursing beds, and many other innovative products promise improved patient care, efficiency improvements and an overall increase in quality of life.
The size and importance of REHACARE enabled exhibiting companies to present their latest products and technologies to a wide audience of professionals and interested parties. More than 30,000 visitors met in the aisles of the exhibition halls.
“Due to the international participation, its innovation potential as well as the political significance and educational offerings, REHACARE makes a significant contribution to the international discussion on rehabilitation, care, inclusion and accessibility. It promotes cooperation and contributes to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities,” explains Michael Degen, Executive Director of Messe Düsseldorf. Exhibitors are also convinced of the importance and relevance of the international trade fair for their business. “REHACARE is one of the most important trade fairs for us. Due to its increasing internationalization, we see great opportunities to successfully present our innovations on important, international key markets as well,” explains Thomas Rosner, founder and Managing founder and Managing Director of HomeBraceGermany.
Hannes Niemann, Project Director of REHACARE, is pleased with the positive response from the community: “REHACARE 2023 not only presented innovations and products, but also set the course for a more inclusive future. We thank all visitors, exhibitors and supporters who made this fair a success!”
A high proportion of visitors from medical supply stores and specialist retailers also visited REHACARE, as it represents an indispensable forum for the trade to make contact with manufacturers, experts and other players in the sector. It also offers the opportunity to speak directly with end users, care and health facilities to better understand their individual requirements. This is crucial to optimise the range of assistive devices and medical equipment and ensure that they can provide the best possible support.
Varied programme ensures know-how and exchange of ideas
The TREFFPUNKT REHACARE in Hall 6 as well as the lecture programme of the PRODUCTS & NEWS @ REHACARE forum in Hall 4 offered a wealth of inspiration as well as product innovations. Speakers such as the committed inclusion activist and book author Raúl Krauthausen and the motivational trainer Moritz Brückner inspired the audience with new material for thought and solutions. The importance of voluntary work was also highlighted by the moving presentation by Daniel Stumpe from the “Initiative Hallo Nachbar” .
The lecture programme was completed this year by two theme days: In cooperation with Techniker Krankenkasse, lectures and discussions on digitalisation in care took place on September 15. On September 16, the topic of travel was on the agenda: from an all-inclusive trip around the world to barrier-free travel.
The future of assistive technologies and inclusive design:
Another highlight at REHACARE was the CYBATHLON project, which highlighted the future of assistance technologies and inclusive design.
At the CYBATHLON stand, international teams performed live demonstrations of innovative technologies for the challenges of everyday life. Visitors of the fair had the opportunity to try out technologies and learn about user-based research and development in the field of assistive technology.
“We are very pleased to be present again at REHACARE 2023. The world’s largest trade fair for rehabilitation and care offers us a unique platform and we are proud to share the common vision of “self-determined living” at the fair,” said Annegret Kern, Co-Director of CYBATHLON.
Even more action and sport
At the Sport Center in Hall 7a, organised by the Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association of North Rhine-Westphalia (BRSNW), people with and without disabilities once again experienced the joy of inclusive sports. From sailing to paragolfing to climbing and dancing, there were numerous opportunities to experience sport in its most inclusive form.
REHACARE 2023 was also a proud event partner of the Invictus Games this year and together with them successfully contributed to the promotion of topics such as inclusion and participation on an international level.
The next REHACARE 2024 will take place from 25 to 28 September.
Leading trade fair for the sector convinces trade audience
BEAUTY DÜSSELDORF 2023 has reported back with great business deals, good discussions and a strong decision-making contingent among the visiting trade audience – putting it right back on track for success. “We are very satisfied with this result and delighted to have attracted 44,000 visitors from 74 countries. Most of our exhibitors tell us the fair went very well. This positive result is all the more remarkable because the service cosmetics industry continues to face a whole host of challenges due to the Covid pandemic, the energy crisis as well as disrupted supply chains,” says Michael Degen, Executive Director of Messe Düsseldorf. “Anyone not making it to Düsseldorf really missed out. We’re convinced this successful edition of BEAUTY will continue to provide a tailwind for the entire industry,” says Degen.
Over three days, 1,100 exhibitors and brands in four halls presented the entire spectrum of service cosmetics to experts from throughout the world. As well as presenting new products, treatments and services, the focus was above all on the top-class programme boasting some 130 events. “The efforts and investments in the new stage line-up have paid off in full. Our visitors value BEAUTY as a key location for qualifications and further training – this was confirmed by the high demand for the three specialist stages BEAUTY full FEET, BEAUTY full SKIN and BEAUTY full NAILS as well as the BEAUTY BUSINESS stage, which was offered in this form for the first time now. We are very satisfied with this response,” says Hannes Niemann, Director of BEAUTY.
The Meeting Point event stage was also particularly popular, featuring a colourful and entertaining mix of lively competition finals, shows, award ceremonies, talks with celebrities from the beauty scene as well as panel discussions and presentations on trends, products and treatments. The “Golden Mask for Make-up Artistry” was awarded to make-up artist and entrepreneur Miriam Jacks and in the BEAUTY Talk, famous presenter Frauke Ludowig added that special touch of glamour. Publishing house KOSMETIK international awarded industry professionals for outstanding performance and special customer service at the “Gloria – German Cosmetics Award” gala on Saturday evening in five new categories (Classic Cosmetics, Medical Beauty, Natural Cosmetics, Most Innovative Institute Concept and Charity – Cosmetics Help).
The partners of BEAUTY DÜSSELDORF also voiced their satisfaction:
Alexander Drusio, 2nd Chairman of the association Verband Cosmetic Professional e.V. (VCP): “We are delighted that both providers and customers in professional cosmetics have come back with confidence. BEAUTY has shown that the industry thrives on personal encounters. We have seen that the services provided by professionals cannot be offered at home in the same quality in the medium term. Despite all the challenges, the outlook for the years ahead is positive and we are looking forward to them.”
For the first time, BEAUTY paid special attention to the permanent make-up market and, in addition to a top-class PMU specialist programme, set up the “Permanent BEAUTY Masters”, a competition for the PMU community in two categories. Expert advice on the conception of this competition as well as on the line-up of the PMU lecture programme came care of Olga Hendricks from the OH-ACADEMY, who has been active in the beauty industry as an entrepreneur and trainer for over 20 years now. “There are new techniques in the PMU sector that have fuelled real hype on the scene. It was long-overdue for us to now present ourselves on a larger scale at the most important beauty fair in Europe. We are very satisfied with demand and interest in PMU topics and would like to further expand our permanent make-up presentation next year,” assesses Olga Hendricks. The Permanent BEAUTY Masters also met with a fantastic response, she said. “We are overwhelmed by the high number of Europe-wide applicants. The standard of the competition was very high, allowing us to make a real statement,” says Hendricks.
This year, BEAUTY was once again host to the international competition Nailympia Germany. A total of 108 participants from 23 countries and 4 continents were able to demonstrate their skills and creativity in 17 categories. Nailympia Germany celebrated its premiere in Düsseldorf last year and already enjoyed rapid growth at its second edition. “Nailympia Germany 2023 exceeded our expectations in every respect,” summarised organisers Stefanie Lo Re and Ivonne Voigt from Signature Nail International.
“The specialist programme was redesigned and its content was deepened – exactly the right decision since the BEAUTY full FEET Stage was very well attended throughout,” says a delighted Mechthild Geismann, owner of podo consulting and organiser of the programme. “Very different contributions and many practical demonstrations provided well-founded insights into podological, medical and business management topics that podiatrists deal with on a daily basis. I am particularly pleased that the three advanced training courses with continuous education points went down so well! And the panel discussion ‘Podiatry 2030’ provided the perfect finale.”
Jens Wittig, Deputy Chairman and Executive Board Member at the German Association of Podiatry (ZFD) e.V., also gave a positive verdict: “It is wonderful and very important to be able to meet our partners and make new contacts every year at BEAUTY in Düsseldorf. Last year, our podo Deutschland regional associations in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia merged to form the Landesverband West, which, with around 1,500 members, is clearly the largest regional association within the entire professional organisation of podo Deutschland. On our communication area at the stand, we were able to hold many good discussions in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. In particular, the topics of digitalisation and telematics infrastructure for providers of therapeutic products, as well as nail brace therapy as a new therapeutic product, were the focus of many discussions. It is extremely important for us to be present in Düsseldorf, to use this great trade fair as a platform and to be in attendance here as a contact for trade visitors, speakers and members.”
The next BEAUTY DÜSSELDORF will be held from Friday to Sunday, 22 to 24 March 2024.
From e-commerce 4.0 and smart engineering to sustainability goals to political framework conditions: The lecture forum at interpack discusses fascinating questions for the future.
“Spotlight Talks & Trends” at interpack 2023 means seven days of input concerning the most important themes and trends in the area of Processing & Packaging. From 4 to 10 May, experts from a variety of sectors will be coming together – machine producers, packaging manufacturers, associations and organisations, universities, brand representatives, tech corps and logistic giants. The seven theme days cover a large spectrum across the most important and critical questions for the industry for the year 2023 and beyond. The programme is a joint presentation by interpack, dfv Conference Group and PackReport.
4 May: Logistics (powered by Markem-Imaje) The demand for faster and more reliable deliveries, the scarcity of resources, regulations and standards of quality as well as the use of sustainable packaging materials – logistics pose many challenges to the packaging industry. To master these, companies have to concentrate on efficient planning and use of their supply chains. The first trade fair day at the forum “Spotlight Talks & Trends” focuses entirely on logistics.
In his speech “Empower your logistics with intelligent packaging” during the first half of the day, Stephen Gryczka, Director Strategy and Corporate Development at Markem-Imaje describes how intelligent packaging solutions make production lines more efficient and more reliable. Other than packaging, the focus here is on communication within logistics, which is made easier by many different steps: Coding, traceability and data intelligence.
Dominik Moers, Business Development Manager at HeyCircle, offers one possible solution for a circular economy in e-commerce at 14:50. Further lectures are contributed by Mosca concerning certification of loading units or PostPlus as packaging for saving on postage.
5 May: Circular economy (powered by Schütz) Circular economy is growing in importance and the packaging sector and processing industry is contributing many new ideas and technologies. Speakers on Friday at interpack are focusing on entirely different aspects of the issue. With “Green Lifecycle Management in Industrial Packaging”, Axel Schaefer, Global Head of Commercial Product Management & Marketing at SCHÜTZ, is offering an insight into the company’s solutions at 10:45.
The concepts that make the carbon footprint of BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical corporations, fit for the future are explained by Sebastian Heitkamp, Global Industry Segment Manager Packaging BASF Plastic Additives, at 11:35. “Advancing performance for circular packaging applications” deals with technologies which improve recyclability and shelf life. Further fascinating input will be on offer at the theme day for circular economy by Morchem, Metsä Board Development, H.B. Fuller and Constantia Flexibles International.
6 May: Reusable Packaging The third trade fair day focuses on reusable packaging. Special interest is given to the European packaging regulation with its quotas for reusable packaging. The regulation has caused much necessity for talk. Is reusable packaging really the only solution? The German professional association for the folding box industry (Fachverband Faltschachtel-Industrie (FFI)) is evaluating reusable packaging in terms of sustainability at 10:45. Right afterwards there will be a panel discussion of the ecological, economic and hygienic consequences of the new PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). Represented on the stage are, among others, the German forum for service packaging (Forum Serviceverpackungen (FSV)) and the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA).
7 May: Sustainability Responsible packaging – this is the topic for 7 May at “Spotlight Talks & Trends”. It starts at 11:15 with the lecture “Smart Engineering – the key to sustainable processing and packaging” by Richard Clemens, managing director of the VDMA Food Machines and Packaging Machines. This is followed by a lecture from the perspective of a brand manufacturer. Sebastian Roth, Sustainable Packaging Manager Central Europe at Arla Foods reports on sustainable packaging within a multinational cooperative.
In the afternoon, the programme features an on-stage discussion about “Sustainability goals 2025 – are we on track”. The question of how to realistically put political sustainability goals into practise will be examined from several perspectives. Participants in this discussion are Ron Puvak, Executive Director at Contract Packers of North America, Dan Coppins, Packaging Technologist KMI Brands, Marc van den Maagdenberg, Chief Commercial Officer Vetipak and Vincent Mooij, Director Circpack/Veolia. The discussion will be moderated by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director The PackHub. Further lectures that day will be held by kpfilms and Energy-Nest.
8 May: Digital Technologies (powered by Siemens) On Monday at interpack, the technology corporation Siemens will present a programme focused on digitalisation. Above all within special purpose machinery manufacture, which is dominated by mid-sized companies, the classic business model of (only once) selling “goods for money” has been practised with great success for decades. The digital transformation however not only opens up new technical possibilities, but also new economic and business opportunities, up to and including wholly novel business models. But what is behind the successful entry into such novel marketing concepts, and why does this allow for access to entire new markets and customer segments? One example for such a novel business concept is “Pay per Outcome”. This will be discussed by Bernhard Wieczorek, Global Account Manager Jagenberg Group, Siemens AG, and Thomas Fuest, Head of Sales and Marketing at SN Maschinenbau, at 14:30. Further digital innovations are presented on the same day by Balluff, ROI-EFESO Mgt. Consulting, FlexBlow, Watttron and the Central Agency for Green Commerce.
The political perspective has also been awaited with excitement. Our guest is Dr. Wolfgang Trunk, a representative of the European Commission. At 11:35, he will be holding a lecture on “The EU Commission’s Proposal for a Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste – Ready for Digital Technologies?” During this lecture he will offer an overview of the political initial status of packaging and its waste, and what this means for the producing industry in the future.
9 May: Product safety How can automation of packaging processes help to increase productivity and to avoid the loss and waste of food? What innovations are there in the area of product safety? These are the questions the forum will discuss on 9 May. One of our guests is Wim Hermans, Regional General Manager, North & Eastern Europe at Ishida Europe Limited. He will demonstrate how Ishida can maximise productivity in production while at the same time preventing food waste at an early stage.
Still in the prototype phase is a project by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) in Istanbul together with the SAVE FOOD Initiative. The results of the study for producing bio-based and compostable packaging from waste food or the byproducts of the food industry show a lot of potential and will be presented to the forum for the first time at 14:30.
Further exciting lectures will be given by Mettler-Toledo, another member of SAVE FOOD, Pilz GmbH, FAO in Europe and Central Asia as well as the World Packaging Organization (WPO), which will present best practices.
10 May: E-Commerce Developments in the growing e-commerce market are the topic for the last day of the trade fair. Jonathan Manterfield, E-Commerce Business Development at H.B. Fuller starts the day at 10:45 with “Packaging Component Innovations for Tomorrow’s Box”. The manufacturer of industrial glue presents solutions that consider the dynamics of sustainability versus product safety.
A completely different perspective on the developments within e-commerce is presented by Markus Reckling, CEO DHL Express, in his lecture “E-COMMERCE Beyond Retail 4.0” which focuses on logistics. The fast-paced technological development has catapulted retail to a new level over the last years. The consequences of Retail 4.0 for logistics on the “last mile” and the technological concepts that make sure shoppers nevertheless receive their orders in the shortest time possible, will be presented to visitors at 11:15 by DHL Express.
At 14:30, the multi-faceted programme which covered seven days of the trade fair finishes with the lecture by Prof. Dr. Martine Peuser, professor for general economics with a focus on organisation and project management at the Leibniz University of Applied Sciences in Hanover. She will talk about digitalisation as a driving force for agile organisation concepts in logistics and packaging.
The forum will take place on all days of the trade fair in the North Entrance Area station and is open to visitors of interpack free of charge. All content is offered in the English language.
European Trade Shows, Fairs & Exhibitions 