To reinforce the annual platform members of the automation industry urgently need to engage with one another and include those who are unable to attend in person due to the current travel restrictions, the 2020 edition of the SPS in Nuremberg will be enhanced by the virtual SPS Connect.

Set to take place alongside the SPS from November 24-26, 2020, the SPS Connect will give those who are unable to travel (or can only attend in person on one day) the chance to be part of all the action. It will focus on not only offering an exciting and diverse presentation schedule, but also providing the same networking opportunities as the actual exhibition in Nuremberg. With the help of AI technology, the SPS Connect will give the SPS community access to an innovative form of matchmaking that will enable them to meet up with contacts either right away or at a convenient time. This virtual environment will thus provide exhibitors and professional attendees with a way to quickly engage in in-depth discussions. It will also remain available after the event so that participants can continue to obtain key content and share their ideas with other experts.

“With the SPS Connect, we’re creating a virtual platform for the entire SPS community. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, some of our attendees – especially those from outside of Europe – can’t make it to the exhibition in Nuremberg. However, they still need to learn about the latest innovations and trends in the automation industry, discuss various topics with experts, and find the right products and solutions for their companies. Our goal is to bring people together both in person at the SPS in Nuremberg and through the SPS Connect in order to help give the economy the boost it really needs right now,” reports Sylke Schulz-Metzner, vice president of the SPS.

A top-class presentation program

The SPS Connect will follow the topics covered at the exhibition in Nuremberg. The most recent trends and innovations in the field of automation will make up the heart of the event program, which will include product presentations from exhibitors, exciting keynotes, expert talks, and podium discussions related to politics, business, and industry. These will be followed by live Q&A sessions that will give attendees the chance to join the conversation and pose their questions directly to the speakers. Links to the exhibitors’ profiles will also enable all the participants to communicate with them one-on-one after the presentations. In addition, there will be broadcasts of presentations from the exhibition forums and live impressions from the on-site event.