Indumation is eager to pop

We had to wait a long time for it, but from May 18 to 20 it is finally here again. Technology will celebrate its high mass in Belgium with the sixth edition of the Indumation.be fair in Kortrijk Expo. An exhibition floor filled to the brim, packed with interactive demos, Expert Classes to brush up on your knowledge after two years of staying indoors, the Connectivator zone to get a taste of the technology of the day after tomorrow from start-ups, a dazzling nocturne on Thursday...: all the ingredients that make Indumation.be the fastest growing trade fair in the Benelux are present again. You will be there, won't you?

The timing and location are not what you are used to from Indumation. Traditionally, it opens the industrial year as soon as the New Year's greetings and receptions are over. "Still, we are extremely pleased that we were able to program them in the spring after all," let Karl D'Haveloose of organizing team Industrial Fairs note. "You just feel that pang of excitement, among exhibitors and visitors. They've had to wait long enough to indulge in innovations again. There is an urgent need to be able to take the next steps in their production process and find the right solutions and partners to do so. At Indumation.be, this can be done close to home and, due to the breadth of the offer, in the most efficient way."

Each technology its own route

With about 240 exhibitors on offer, there will be plenty of choice for visitors. Industrial Fairs estimates that about 13,000 will come to Kortrijk. "To ensure that visitors can efficiently navigate past all those booths, we are again introducing our familiar technology routes. On paper, but also digitally. Indeed, the app we have further developed will allow them to follow the route and at the same time schedule appointments with exhibitors already. Our digital twin of the fair, in which Expert Classes can also already be followed, is a real addition that is very valuable for both a virtual and physical visit," said D'Haveloose. The seven technology routes are: motion control, drives, gears, robotics (Indumotion), control & network solutions, process & instrumentation, sensor & visioning, system integration, services, solutions, industrial software & security and Indumation of Things. So there is something for everyone, and let that now be one of the strengths of Indumation.be, which not only covers the entire Belgian industry, but may gradually look beyond. "We expect a lot of Dutch visitors. Just because we are in a bit of a trade fair vacuum in the Benelux during that period," adds exhibition manager Patricia Huygelier.

Future proof

That technical talent is scarce is something all entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry experience. That is why Agoria is organizing the third Indumation Learning Tour. Students will be able to learn about the latest in technology from exhibitors. "An ideal interaction in the war for talent," sums up Huygelier. "Students can get a taste of what the industry has to offer, while technology providers get fresh blood at the booth to get ready for the jobs of the future." 

The future proof heart of the fair, by the way, will be the Connectivator zone. From there, knowledge and expertise will be pumped around via the Expert Classes, but we will also find start-ups and scale-ups. Huygelier: "They bring technology that may not be viable tomorrow, but could be 'the next big thing' the day after tomorrow. That's why we cherish them in our midst. To inspire visitors and exhibitors."   

Practical info
Where? Kortrijk Xpo
When? May 18-20
Opening hours? Each time from 10 a.m.; on Wednesday until 6 p.m., on Thursday with nocturne until 10 p.m., on Friday until 4 p.m.
Tickets? Through registration on the website
More info? www.indumation.be