In this way, HANNOVER MESSE continues to lead the way to a networked, automated and globally oriented industry.

Industry is evolving rapidly in the age of digital transformation and so is HANNOVER MESSE. In 2020, the show will strengthen its position as the world's number one industrial show with a strategically updated exhibition program that features new display areas and a new hall plan.

"HANNOVER MESSE enjoys an unrivalled reputation globally," said Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe. "To further strengthen the HANNOVER MESSE brand, we are integrating all individual tradeshow brands into the umbrella brand HANNOVER MESSE. We have a new site layout that stimulates growth in participation as well as further development of HANNOVER MESSE as the driver of industrial transformation."

The HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor Advisory Committee fully endorses the plan. According to committee chairman Friedhelm Loh, "We completely support these measures for the ongoing development of HANNOVER MESSE. They ensure that HANNOVER MESSE maintains its reputation as the premier showcase for Germany's innovative industrial spirit, both today and in the age of digital and industrial transformation."

As Industrie 4.0 drives the convergence of production and logistics, Deutsche Messe – in close consultancy with industry stakeholders – is incorporating the intralogistics topics covered by CeMAT into HANNOVER MESSE, so that logistics is a pillar of the new format.

The new format also brings greater clarity to the role that HANNOVER MESSE will play in the years to come. "Under the lead theme of ‘Industrial Transformation', our exhibitors will present the future of manufacturing in the age of Industrie 4.0, artificial intelligence and 5G and highlight the benefits of highly automated material flow," remarked Köckler.

The revamped HANNOVER MESSE features seven display categories that cover the topics that were until now branded as separate tradeshows.

Future Hub focus on R&D, startups, emerging technologies, innovation culture, and the future of work. Köckler: "We created a hotspot for innovations in the northwestern quadrant of the site – a place where startups cross paths with research institutes, and where large companies meet young talent and unconventional thinkers. Future Lab looks at the future of industry."

Automation, Motion & Drives covers factory, process and energy automation; mechanical and electrical power transmission and fluid power; robotics; industrial sensor technology and image processing; transformers; energy management; logistics automation; and warehousing technology. "Automation is fundamental to the comprehensive integration of industry," said Köckler. "HANNOVER MESSE's automation content fills the entire eastern and southern sections of the site, covering everything of importance to industrial transformation while at the same time ensuring an optimal flow of visitor traffic and maximum convenience for solution seekers."

Digital Ecosystems focuses on digital integration and applications for industry, encompassing such topics as business software, PLM, MES, logistics IT, digital platforms and cloud solutions, IT security, augmented and virtual reality, energy management solutions, artificial intelligence and 5G infrastructure. Köckler: "Digital technologies are vital to the transformation of industry. They feed into all other areas of HANNOVER MESSE and will therefore feature prominently at the heart of the site from 2020 on."

The showcases dedicated to technologies for the supply of energy, particularly electrical energy, to industrial plants and connected mobility infrastructure will be concentrated at Energy Solutions. Specifically, this section focuses on electricity generation and transmission, power, heat and cooling supply technologies, and electric-vehicle infrastructure.

In even years, Logistics encompasses material flow and warehousing technology; warehouse and factory equipment; industrial trucks and accessories; automated guided vehicles; packaging technology; and logistics services. However, HANNOVER MESSE will feature topics such as logistics automation and digital logistics on an annual basis within other sections.

Future-defining themes such as lightweight construction, additive manufacturing, surface technology, material-specific components, fastening systems and engineering services are found at Engineered Parts.

Compressed Air & Vacuum Technology presents compressed air and vacuum technology in the odd years.

The new format will also make it possible to group exhibitors in mutually beneficial ways, while at the same time creating new community-building opportunities. This also means that visitors will find it easier than ever to pinpoint the solution providers relevant to their specific needs and interests.