A&A: The future of occupational safety

"All the big guys are here," says an Asian exhibitor when asked why he is appearing here. Some 2,000 exhibitors from 63 countries and 67,000 visitors from 134 countries come to Düsseldorf in November to represent their companies on the global stage for occupational safety.

One of the declared aims of trade fair manager Birgit Horn (pictured) is to introduce Generation X and Y and Z to the subject of trade fairs and what they can do for business:to:business marketing. Among other things, with the new Start-Up Zone.

But this generation wants to be contacted differently than with classic media. That's right - social networks are the magic word here, too, says Birgit Horn. Despite and with the new communication with the trade fair motto "People count."

From Switzerland, 12 exhibitors will participate, 3 are still on the waiting list. They are specialist companies on topics such as digitalization, automation, robotics, secure data systems or corporate fashion in occupational safety. The interest in the A+A topics of personal protection, occupational safety and health at work is unbroken. In 2019, the new Hall 1 will also be available. The market for personal protective equipment is booming.

The Start Up Zone in Hall 10 promotes young, creative, future-oriented companies. Whether it's a health app, VR glasses or high-tech textiles, the trade show wants to enrich the A+A offering with new ideas. That's why it promotes the exchange of international industry newcomers with experts from business, research and politics. The Start Up Zone is aimed at international companies that have been active on the market for less than five years, have annual sales or balance sheet totals of less than 5 million euros and employ fewer than 20 people. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) will also be involved in the trade fair in 2019 and will enable young, German companies to be reimbursed for up to 60 percent of their exhibitor costs as part of a funding program.