International
© Christian Thieme
18.10.2023

Formnext 2023: Most diverse supporting program ever

Get ready for more content than ever at Formnext 2023. The diverse program of supporting events will focus on a wide range of industry topics. The Service Provider Marketplace will celebrate its premiere this year and established events will be featuring new elements.

One of the highlights of this year’s supporting program is the Service Provider Market Place. The showcase is organized in cooperation with Daimler Truck & Buses and making its debut at this year’s Formnext. It will demonstrate, using applications from the automotive sector, how Additive Manufacturing can be deployed successfully, and which role service providers play in the process. In addition, well-known automotive companies such as Daimler Truck & Buses or Brose will explain how they are using Additive Manufacturing in their production.

 

Focus on sustainability: partner region Nordic

This year’s partner region Nordic will point out the economic potential of the AM industry in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Given that the region is also known for playing a leading role in sustainability, the around two dozen Nordic exhibitors will also be presenting a host of AM-based innovations and solutions in this field at Formnext. The central hub will be the Nordic Pavilion.

 

Innovative start-ups and career opportunities

The supporting program of Formnext 2023 includes many popular established events, which this year will feature new elements. The Formnext Start-up Challenge is taking place for the ninth time and recognizes innovative and viable business ideas. At the Pitchnext event on 7 November, exhibitors from the Start-up Area will give short pitches to present themselves and their innovative products.

Innovative young start-ups will also have an opportunity to present themselves at the “Young Innovators” booth of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). At Career Day on 9 November, job seekers can learn about career opportunities in the AM industry, speak to a career adviser, and have an up-to-date application photo taken. For the duration of the exhibition, current vacancies for the AM community will be advertised on the Formnext Job Wall in the Career Area as well as in the new online portal “AM Jobs”. The exhibition also provides an opportunity for face-to-face interaction with potential new employers.

 

Mechanical engineering, AM for newcomers, and international standards

The Additive Manufacturing Working Group of the VDMA, the honorary sponsor of Formnext, will be hosting a showcase featuring beneficial AM applications from the world of mechanical engineering. Member companies from the association, which number around 200 in total, produce additively manufactured components that enable new functions, contribute to sustainability, or improve supply chain issues.

Companies looking to enter the AM industry will find useful insights and advice at the established Discover3Dprinting seminars, which are being held in cooperation with ACAM and will be taking place on each day of the exhibition.

Using real applications, the BE-AM showcase will demonstrate the latest developments in the increasingly important topic of 3D Printing in the construction industry. Alongside this, the BE-AM Symposium on 8 November will provide extensive background and present future developments in the field.

One day before the exhibition commences, the renowned ASTM Standards Forum, which is being held in cooperation with the organizations USCS, ASTM, ISO, and America Makes, will once again bring together international experts and decision-makers from the AM industry to discuss the important topic of standards.

 

Formnext streAM – the complementary digital offering

This year, Formnext will once again be offering a complementary digital platform. From 16 October, interested parties will be able to view exhibitor products, connect with companies, and arrange meetings (in person or online) at Formnext streAM (formnext.com/stream). The platform will remain live until the end of November, providing a good opportunity to stay in touch even after the physical event. A special highlight of Formnext streAM is Formnext.TV, which gives viewers the chance to follow the events taking place on stage live and on demand.

BE-AM Showcase: Hall 11.0-F49

BE-AM Symposium 8 November, 09:00-17:00 / Portalhaus

Service Provider Market Place: Hall 12.1-B101

Nordic Pavilion: Hall 11.0-D68

Standards Forum: 6 November, 08:30-17:00 in Hall 4, room Europa

Start-up Areas: Hall 11.1-B55 and 12.0-B81

VDMA Showcase Area: Hall 12.0-B01