Precision Fair celebrates 20th anniversary!

We will take you on a journey through history.November 10 and 11, 2021, the Precision Fair will still celebrate its 20th anniversary, in the Brabanthallen Den Bosch.

Origin

In 1998, Berenschot conducted a study of the importance and potential of precision technology in the Netherlands. That research was supported by several organizations including TNO, NVPT (now DSPE) and Mikrocentrum and led to the IOP (Innovative Research Programs) Precision Technology. Partly because of the promising start of the Plastics Fair in 1999, Henny Spaan (IBS) suggested to Mikrocentrum to also organize a Precision Fair. After consultation with many parties involved, this was the starting shot for the first edition in October 2001.

Knowledge transfer in lecture program

Lecture programs are commonplace today, but when the Precision Fair started, it was still special. The subject matter has always remained an important part. In the early years, Rien Koster was the driving force behind those lecture programs and the related themes. Later these themes were coordinated with various cooperation partners. The program always consisted of lectures by exhibitors and by independent speakers. Starting in 2012, Big Science became a regular part of the lecture program. In 2017, there was a special lecture track by ASML focusing on the history of the company and its technology. Meanwhile, the entire lecture program consists of more than 60 lectures in 4 rooms.

Industry and trade show growth

Starting in 2007, the Precision Fair was unable to grow any further due to lack of space and an increasing waiting list of exhibitors developed. After the 2008 financial crisis, companies increasingly sought sales opportunities abroad. There were also several initiatives with competing activities during the crisis years. This made it clear that something had to happen. For Mikrocentrum, two issues were therefore central in 2012: increasing internationalization and enabling further growth of both the exhibition and technology. This was realized in close cooperation with Koningshof by building additional (temporary) halls.

Further internationalization of the Precision Fair first focused on Germany and Switzerland. Thus, the fair was profiled in German trade magazines and a number of exhibitors were also presented there. The most recent edition already gave visitors 42 different nationalities! Less well known at the time was the Swiss CERN which, funded by member states including the Netherlands, invested heavily in all kinds of high-precision technologies. Two visits from Mikrocentrum to CERN in 2012 led to large delegations from this organization at the Precision Fair. Starting in 2013, cooperation was further expanded with the arrival of representatives and Liaison Officers from the other international Big Science projects. In 2017, Sijbrand de Jong, then President of the Council of CERN, gave a keynote lecture. The many contacts with the international Big Science projects established through the Precision Fair have led to a large number of assignments to Dutch industry.

Industry associations, training and institutes

All years there have been good contacts with the relevant industry associations, especially the DSPE. This is not surprising given the more or less common genesis of both organizations. This is also reflected in the renowned awards that the DSPE presents annually at the Precision Fair, including the Rien Koster Prize. The various (technical) universities, schools, research and knowledge institutions in the Netherlands are also regular guests. Another regular spot became the technology plaza in the Dommel Hall, where special presentations were always held. Often from the Big Science projects, ASML, TU's, but for example also with the presentation of an engine of a jet fighter, which was guarded by 2 soldiers both day and night.

Network function

The Precision Fair also has a real networking function and is the platform where many emerging new technologies are introduced and explored. Over the years, the evening buffet for exhibitors also grew into a networking dinner with 500 to 600 guests, a happening in itself.

Annually changing partner country

Starting in 2019, there will be an annually changing partner country; Switzerland bit the bullet. In 2020, it would have been the United Kingdom. This was partly also due to the good contacts with EUSPEN, which has a permanent place at the Precision Fair. In 2021, Belgium was chosen as the partner country. Companies, embassy trade officers and industry association representatives share knowledge of the local precision sector landscape and explore business opportunities.

Still 20^e edition

Because of the corona situation and the consequent need for more space, in 2020, after intensive consultations with exhibitors and other stakeholders, it was decided to move the Precision Fair to the Brabanthallen in den Bosch. Unfortunately, despite this, the 2020 edition could not take place. In 2021, the 20^e edition of the Precision Fair will take place in the Brabanthallen on November 10 and 11. Everyone is invited to visit this special anniversary edition and experience 20 years of Precisiebeurs!

Precision Fair November 10-11, 2021

Brabanthallen Den Bosch

Info and register visitors: www.precisiebeurs.nl