Exceeding expectations
As the leading industry figures flock to Munich to take part in the biggest international event of the construction industry, bauma 2016 looks set to top the success of 2013
In 2013, 3420 exhibitors from 57 countries came together in Munich for the triennial bauma show. The International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment attracted 530,000 visitors, 200,000 of which came from over 200 foreign markets and 125,000 of which came for the mining equipment alone. This year the 31st edition of the show returns between 11-17th April and promises to deliver even more, thus cementing itself further as the leading show for construction equipment on the global stage.
The 2016 show comes to the industry courtesy of Construction Equipment and Building Material Machinery Association and Mining Association in the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) and the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) as sponsors.
Widely considered to be the biggest and most important show for the construction industry, bauma acts as one of its most important platforms for new product launches from some of the biggest names in the business. The international reputation of the show also makes it the most critical gathering of decision makers, and in 2013 many exhibitors achieved record levels of show orders and lead generations as a result. Chinese construction equipment manufacture XCMG, for example, secured a total order value worth over ten million euros from around 120 units during the previous event. “We also deepened friendships and communication channels with our customers,” highlighted its Vice President, Yanmei Zhang.
It also serves as a critical networking event for global companies to communicate about the latest industry trends and to engage in future expectations. Speaking about the 2013 show for instance, Cem Peksaglam, CEO of Wacker Neuson SE said: “The theme of environmental protection is of increasing importance, and this became very clear at bauma.” This will be supported by a first rate programme of forum events, talks and the ‘Research Live’ international information centre.
In total the show will be spread across an immense area of both indoor and outdoor spaces, where exhibitors will be showcasing and demonstrating an array of equipment from power tools to cranes. Three open-air areas will play host to a vast array of large vehicles, cranes, conveyors and other plant equipment, whilst 17 halls make up the expansive indoor space. Inside, everything from tools, accessories, and scaffolding systems, through steelworks, cement works and earthworks equipment, to power trains, trucks and plant will be on display for the thousands of visitors to see up close.
Across the event a number of talks, conferences and presentations will be taking place to draw attention to the key trends and innovations going on in the global market. One of the highlights of the event will be THINK BIG! being held in Hall B0. Targeted at young visitors with the aim to provide essential information about careers and opportunities, 16 top-rate companies and educational institutes and associations will be presenting live demonstrations and workshops. A high-tech cockpit, joystick table football, excavator models, grader driving simulations, ball-in-a-maze puzzles and talent machines will all feature at THINK BIG!
In addition, and starting every hour, on the hour across the weeklong event, presenters will be speaking to industry trainees and providing key insights into career development opportunities. Vocational School Live! will also enable prospective students of the industry to find out about educational opportunities, as well as to experience first-hand university style lectures and practical workshops. Running alongside the world’s largest gathering of industry executives, bauma promises to be an invaluable hub of information and networking for those keen to start their career.
Other standout events from the programme include a BIM and building site lecture at 14:15 on the 11th April, ‘Perspectives on the European Construction Equipment Industry – The Report’ talk from McKinsey & Company at 14:00 on the 13th, and a supply chain management in the mining and construction machinery industry lecture at 10:00 on the 14th. Numerous press conferences and innovation launches will be held across the event from the likes of Caterpillar, CASE, Cummins, Volvo CE, Hitachi, and Hyundai Heavy Industries, amongst many others. Country-special conferences, focused on individual markets, will also feature with Nigerian, Indonesian, Russian, Australian, Indian, Iranian, Latin American and Turkish perspectives and markets all being represented.
Once again innovation will be a major focal point of the bauma exhibition with the 10th Research Live show taking place. Up to30 scientific organisations made up of university and college faculties, plus nearly 90 research organisations will be presenting the latest developments and future trends within the industry. Many exhibitors will also be displaying their own innovations for the first time, making use of the launch platform bauma has become renowned for providing. Furthermore, during the opening ceremony of the event on the 10th April, the bauma innovation awards will be presented to the most sustainable and costeffective developments with outstanding practical utility from the last three years.
The 2016 event will also be launching its Charity Alliance programme for the first time. Paying heed to the construction industry’s unique position to advance development around the world, the event will give a stage to charity projects that have helped improve the quality of life of needy people across the globe. Providing a world-class network to promote dialogue across the industry, companies such as Caterpillar, MAN SE, Terex, Volvo CE, Wirtgen, Zeppelin Baumaschinen and ZF Friedrichshafen, Atlas Copco MCT, AUMUND Fördertechnick and Pilosio have all taken the opportunity to showcase their social development projects free of charge.
Unsurprisingly, bauma 2016 looks set to be a success and an essential part of the global industry’s calendar for the next three years. New records for visitor and exhibitor numbers are likely to be set again, and it is probable that this will continue to be reflected in the performance of those taking part in the show.
Bauma 2016 event preview
11-17th April 2016
Messe München trade-fair centre,
Munich, Germany
For more information, please see www.bauma.de