Although the exhibitor survey conducted by Messe Stuttgart clearly showed that there is no adequate basis for an AMB exhibition this year, there is definitely interest in a format in Stuttgart this autumn. Messe Stuttgart is therefore planning an AMB Forum for the first time in the present AMB week (14 to 18 September 2020). Featuring specialist industry-specific talks in the ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart, an accompanying table top exhibition and different matchmaking services, the Forum will bring together players in the industry who are interested in and need a platform in autumn.
The next regular AMB will then be held in its regular cycle in Stuttgart from 13 to 17 September 2022. The new exhibition date creates planning security for every participant during the difficult economic situation at present. Messe Stuttgart actively included the exhibitors and the promotional supporters, i.e. the VDMA Precision Tools Association, the VDMA Software and Digitalisation Association, and the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW), in this important decision.
Roland Bleinroth, President and CEO of Messe Stuttgart emphasised: "The vote by the exhibitors gave us a clear mandate, thus enabling us to end the speculations surrounding the feasibility of AMB 2020. At the present moment in time with all the regulations relating to hygiene, social distancing or restricted travel possibilities and the current general economic conditions, an AMB such as we know it cannot be staged this year." According to Bleinroth, the current objective is to develop the new format of an innovative AMB Forum with all participants for September 2020 and 2021, and then plan and implement a successful AMB, International Exhibition for Metal Working, again in 2022. In the interest of the exhibitors, in the interest of the visitors and in a spirit of responsibility for the exhibition location and the economic region of Stuttgart.
"The AMB Project Team is now closely involved in designing and planning the first AMB Forum, and is starting the preparations for AMB 2022," added Gunnar Mey, Department Director Industry at Messe Stuttgart. Mey emphasised: "Our objective is to produce a successful format together with the interested exhibitors. We are looking forward to the exchange of ideas and information with the industry in this respect and to the personal meetings in September."
Comments by the industry on the next regular AMB in 2022
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of the VDMA Precision Tools & Measuring and Testing Technology Association: "The survey results show a clear opinion among all the exhibitors. In our discussions with the members we also received different replies which paint a similar picture. We are already looking forward to a successful AMB 2022 and will fully support the new AMB Innovation Forum."
Prof. Claus Oetter, Managing Director of the VDMA Software and Digitalisation Association: "Since there is still no blueprint for decisions during the corona crisis, Messe Stuttgart once again followed the path of maximum customer orientation by conducting an exhibitor survey. The alternative format of an AMB Forum this autumn represents an opportunity to fly the flag as AMB in spite of the crisis."
Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Managing Director of the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW): "We very much appreciate the fact that Messe Stuttgart actively included our exhibiting members in the decision regarding AMB 2020. The exhibitors formulated their ideas with a majority of just under two thirds for the next AMB in 2022. We are very pleased that Messe Stuttgart is following this recommendation."
Michael Blank, Director Marketing & Communication at the Ceratizit Group: "In my opinion, it is unfortunately still impossible at the moment to stage AMB 2020. However, the need for personal contact will come return. Postponing the exhibition to 2022 is therefore the right decision."
Irene Bader, Director Global Marketing at DMG MORI: "Here at DMG MORI, we attach utmost priority to the health and safety of our employees, customers, suppliers and partners. For us as an international company, it is therefore not an option to stage AMB 2020 due to the numerous restrictions. Since AMB is a very well positioned exhibition, I welcome its postponement to 2022 so that it can be staged again in its regular cycle. This is the best solution in order to protect all participants in the current situation."
Dr. Oliver Gühring, Gühring KG: "It is unfeasible to stage AMB this year. We are now hoping to be able to implement a fairly normal exhibition year in 2021 with a large number of existing events and then organise a successful AMB in 2022 with renewed strength."
Steffen Nagel, NAGEL Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH: "An AMB 2020 in rubber gloves and masks, on half the amount of exhibition space with only a few exhibitors and visitors, is not in the interest of our customers and the success story that is AMB. We are therefore definitely in favour of holding the next AMB in 2022."
