With an all-round positive outcome for all those involved, the Solids, Recycling-Technik and Pumps & Valves trade fairs closed their doors on the final day of the event. Following the challenges of recent years – including the coronavirus pandemic, high inflation and the energy crisis – the three trade fairs returned to their usual strength this year. “Even in the run-up to the event, online registrations showed a clear upward trend compared with the crisis years, but the total number of visitors has actually exceeded our expectations,” says Anna Lena Sandmann, the organiser’s representative from Easyfairs Deutschland GmbH, expressing her delight at the strong turnout. A total of 5,251 visitors alone took the opportunity to meet experts from the process, manufacturing and recycling industries in person and find out about solutions and the latest developments in the sectors.

In-depth discussions and satisfied exhibitors

The 341 exhibitors were equally satisfied with the number of visitors and the quality of the contacts made. In-depth discussions characterised the days of the trade fair at the stands, as many visitors were seeking not only general ideas but also technical solutions for specific projects. “SOLIDS, RECYCLING-TECHNIK and PUMPS & VALVES were full of exciting discussions and interested trade visitors. We had our hands full. We are confident that some promising orders will result from these discussions,” said Ulrike Schrage, partner at SCHRAGE GmbH Anlagenbau. Among the visitors were decision-makers from well-known companies such as Bayer, Thyssenkrupp, Haribo, ALBA and Remondis.

Supporting programme delights visitors

The stages at the Innovation and Solution Centres were also bustling with activity on both days. Numerous attendees listened to informative presentations on developments and solutions within the industries. Topics such as plastics and building materials recycling, as well as digitalisation, were the focus of the talks. “I particularly enjoyed the programme of talks. Leading experts highlighted the latest trends and developments and provided innovative insights into current industry issues,” said Franz Bogler of GBA Gesellschaft für Bioanalytik GmbH. The opportunities offered by the workshops to participate actively or contribute to a panel discussion were warmly received by the audience.

The programme on the new Impuls Centre stage also impressed the audience. With a varied line-up of keynote speeches, the speakers encouraged attendees to look beyond the confines of their own companies. Companies such as Horváth and Everdrop, for example, provided information on sustainably designed supply chains and circular packaging concepts. Erik Meijer created a great atmosphere on stage with his keynote speech ‘YNWA – You’ll never WORK alone!’. In his inimitable style, he presented fascinating anecdotes from the world of football and, together with his sparring partner, leadership expert Dr Holger Schmitz, spiced them up with practical management insights.

Trade fairs are returning to their usual rhythm

Trade visitors were once again able to gain plenty of insights and discover valuable solutions for their companies’ future this year. The organiser, Easyfairs, has once again demonstrated that it consistently meets the needs of the sectors by adapting the formats of its trade fairs. This was also evident in the announcement of the next instalments of these industry events. In response to numerous requests from exhibitors, Solids & Recycling-Technik Dortmund is returning to its 18-month cycle and will therefore take place on 9 and 10 October 2024. Those who do not wish to wait that long can immerse themselves in the world of bulk materials as early as 14 and 15 June 2023 at the new Solids Parma in Italy. Pumps & Valves will continue to be held annually and will return to Dortmund on 21 and 22 February 2024, once again alongside Maintenance.