Doesn't Wetzlar just stand for optics? How does this fit in with microtechnology?

Surely at first you think the same as Dr. Dietrich when I contacted him about two years ago: What should IVAM members do at the W3+ Fair in Wetzlar? Wetzlar "only" stands for optics. I got rejected but I don`t give up easily: I invited him to the trade fair in Wetzlar and he got convinced by the mix of over 200 companies which operate in the sectors of optics, mechanics, electronics and photonics.

We quickly found the common link to `Micotechnologies for Optical Devices`. IVAM has now been a Silver Partner for the past three years. There is an IVAM joint stand and a series of lectures held by IVAM members at the fair.

How come?

Particularly for cross-sectional technologies such as microtechnology, it is a tedious undertaking to establish contacts with relevant companies and individuals.
 

With our W3+ Fair this is easy: the trade fair offers direct access to four relevant sectors of the future technologies optics, photonics, electronics and mechanics. This is where cross-industry "genetic networking" and projects are set in motion. 

At the next W3+ Fair in the optical city of Wetzlar on 26 + 27 February 2020, the association is organizing a joint stand and a series of lectures for its members for the second time. This saves effort and makes the decision to participate easier. 

Five reasons why the W3+ Fair might be the right networking platform:  

1. A unique trade fair concept guarantees efficiency 

The W3+ Fair is a platform for technology-driven innovations. The idea is for developers to come together across industries in order to launch visionary technologies. At the same time, they network with users to coordinate demand and feasibility. 

We address experts from Europe and around the world from the central areas such as MedTech, Life Sciene, Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer Electronics and Defense. Everyone networks with everyone: exhibitors with visitors but also exhibitors with each other. Different sectors can be addressed with one blow. That makes the W3+ Fair very efficient!

2. Surrounded by competence and current trend topics   

In addition to exhibitors and visitors, W3+ Fair is a central contact hub for supporting networks and organisations. 

Science, research, industry and politics are all coming together. They all bring up-to-date information and topics that move the industries. It makes sense to be part of it when the community meets!

At the W3+ Fair, we always take up trend themes such as our 3D Printing/ Additive Manufacturing area, the High-Tech Action Area with best practice examples or the IVAM special area ‘Microtechnologies for Optical Devices’ with lectures and exhibitors. There is also a Campus Area with the latest findings on university research and a Student Day for targeted recruiting. This is the easy way to inform and participate!

3. On the doorstep of high-tech companies

The W3+ Fair does not take place at usual trade fair locations, but in the heart of the industry, where high-tech industries are at home.

Wetzlar and the Rhine Valley are grown development and production locations. They guarantee an environment of key players and hidden champions, good trade visitors and concentrated know-how. 

The big advantage is also that the way to the companies is not far: if you want to make a detour to the companies, you can connect this very well with your trade fair visit!

4. Added value through an experts lecture program and intensive networking

Top topics and market trends that affect the industries, and the sophisticated lecture program with selected speakers and key note speakers create added value for exhibitors and visitors. 

Best practice examples and knowledge transfer are available for free. And you can connect with speakers you've always wanted to meet in person.

The Aperó and evening event `W3+ and friends` take place in the evening of the first day of the fair and are exclusive for our exhibitors. These get-together events offer the right setting to get into conversation with each other and to network undisturbed. Thanks to the star caterer and magic chef Heiko Antoniewicz, it is always very tasty and surprising...

5. Wetzlar is always worth a visit! 

For those who are not yet completely convinced, the latest tourist highlights of Wetzlar are recommended, such as the Leica Experience World, the "Viseum" Optics Museum, the Optics Course, which leads right through the city, or the largest fantastic library in the world. 

A trip to Wetzlar is definitely worthwhile for optic lovers! For overnight stays, I recommend the Leica Hotel in the new Leitzpark. Here you not only sleep well, here the eye is also spoiled. The hotel is the right place for design fans. 

Take some risks! A "Wetzlarer Donkey" as one example

I still have the famous saying of Ernst Leitz, the ancestor of the Leica camera for sustainable doubters: I am making the decision here: It's a risk!` 

Well, risk it! With IVAM, registration for the joint stand at the W3+ Fair in Wetzlar is simple and uncomplicated. 

To get you in the mood for the upcoming fair, I recommend the video of the last event. This will give you a good impression. I am looking forward to a "Wetzlarer Donkey" with you! No, this is not a zoo animal, but the local beer. See you then! 

All sources unless otherwise stated: W3+ Fair Wetzlar 2019 / FLEET Events GmbH.