DAC102021

SPS returns in a new hybrid format T he SPS (Smart Production Solutions) automation show returns to Nuremberg, Germany, next month for its first live appearance since 2019. Last year, the event was held in an online only- format called SPS Connect and this year it will adopt a hybrid format with an online version running in parallel with the physical trade fair. The idea is to give everyone the opportunity to participate in the event, regardless of their time, budget or travel restrictions. The digital content will continue to be available after the physical trade fair, thus giving potential visitors the flexibility of choosing to attend physically, digitally – or a combination of both at a time that suits them. The authorities in Bavaria gave the go- ahead for live trade fairs to be held again following a successful test exhibition in Munich. SPS’organisers are expecting around 750 exhibitors to take part – about half as many as attended the 2019 event. They are confident that the protection and hygiene concept approved by the Bavarian State Government will allow a successful and safe SPS 2021 for all attendees under the“new normal”conditions. “In these times when everything is different, one thing has remained constant: the need for innovation and personal interaction within the automation industry,”says Martin Roschkowski, president of the show’s organiser, Mesago Messe Frankfurt.“We will finally be able to cater to this need again in 2021 and take a step towards a new normal despite the coronavirus. Not only is this what the automation industry wants, it is what it needs right now.” Many well-known companies will be represented at SPS 2021, including the show’s largest exhibitor, Siemens, as well as Phoenix Contact, Beckhoff, Sick and Pepperl+Fuchs. In addition to numerous product presentations and and live demonstrations, visitors to the SPS will benefit from discussions with experts, especially this year that has so far been dominated by digital media-based communication. A shared stand in Hall 6, called“Automation meets IT”, will give attendees insights into this important topic. For the first time, the German industrial trade associations VDMA and ZVEI will hold a joint forum, offering topic-specific presentations and podium discussions. Here, visitors can brush up on the latest issues affecting the industry, enjoy intensive discussions with experts, and put in the groundwork for innovative automation installations. The organiser says that protecting the health of exhibitors, visitors and employees is its top priority, so a comprehensive protection and hygiene concept that meets the requirements of the Bavarian State Government has been developed, together with NürnbergMesse. The concept – based on the“three pillars”of organisation, social distancing and hygiene – is intended to minimise any health risks. Visitors will have to register before the event as access will only be permitted to those with proof of vaccination, testing or recovery from Covid. It will be mandatory to wear medical mouth-nose coverings in accordance with infection protection measures introduced by the Bavarian government. n The huge German automation show SPS (Smart Production Solutions) will return to its venue in Nuremberg at the end of November as a hybrid event that will welcome visitors both in person at the showgrounds and online. SHOW FACTS Where: Nuremberg, Germany When: Tuesday, 23 November – Thursday, 25 November, 2021 Tickets: Combined one-day ticket for showplus online access €48 (some exhibitors provide invitation codes). Online event only €30. Web site: www.sps-exhibition.com Twitter: @spsmesse n SPS PREVIEW 54 October 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com Siemens will return to SPS to occupy an entire hall as it did at the last physical show in 2019 The online version of SPS, launched last year, will run in parallel with the physical event