Formnext
Formnext Connect 2020 is playing out much differently than in previous years, but there is still much to look do and see. The free event, which features many of the world’s leading and most innovative additive manufacturing players, kicked off on November 10, 2020 and is brought an exciting lineup to the (virtual) table.
Though it has had to adapt to the online space this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Formnext Connect still has the same spirit as previous years: namely, it is driven by the content and innovations of AM players. As Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, said: “We’ve had a great deal of success with our concept of showcasing real industrial applications all along the process chain. We’re now going to take Formnext into the virtual realm with an extensive main stage program and a variety of individual sessions.”
For many in the industry, the camaraderie of in-person Formnext will be missed, however, the event’s organizers put in a real effort to recreate that experience online through its intelligent matchmaking feature. Notably, the matchmaking offering will extend beyond the three-day event, until the end of December, giving participants time to really make connections and communicate.
At the heart of the three-day event is the Formnext main stage, which hosts panel discussions about the use of AM in key sectors, like mechanical engineering, aerospace, medical and automotive. Among those participating in these talks are industry leaders like Airbus, AMT, Audi, Siemens, VW, MAG Medical, Ottobock, Continental, KSB and Schaeffler.
In addition to ongoing talks and panels on the main stage, Formnext Connect attendees also enjoy a host of other supporting content, including topic-specific sessions, expert talks, roundtable events and more. In true Formnext fashion, the online event also hosts the Formnext Start-Up Challenge and the purmundus challenge.