Ligna 2023: A Trade Show for Woodworking Innovations
Ligna, one of the world’s leading trade shows for the woodworking industry, is back in 2023 after a four-year break. The event will take place from May 15 to 19 in Hannover, Germany, and promises to showcase the latest trends and innovations in the field.
According to Dr. Jochen Kockler, CEO of DeutcheMesse AG, which organizes Ligna, the trade show is more than just an opportunity to exhibit products and services. It’s a platform for global exchange and community building among woodworking professionals.
Kockler emphasized the importance of trade shows in a world where digital communication is becoming increasingly prevalent. He argued that the feeling of being present at a physical event, where people can meet face-to-face and interact in real-time, cannot be replaced by digital platforms by Microsoft, Google or Zoom.
“It wasn’t clear two years ago whether the trade show would survive”, said CEO of DeutcheMesse. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kockler expressed his confidence in the ability of Ligna to attract exhibitors and visitors from around the world. The event will feature over 1,100 exhibitors, showcasing their products and services in a total exhibition space of 107,233 square meters.
Together with trade shows, competition is always present at the trade shows, and it even can be the trigger for business to develop. “It’s worth considering what your competitors might be offering that you could incorporate into your own product or service. Who knows, you might even have something they don’t at this year’s Ligna, and they’ll be playing catch-up for the next two years.” presumed Kockler.
The upcoming exhibition is set to have a strong German presence, with one third of the exhibitors hailing from Germany. German companies are often at the forefront of technological innovation, and their participation in the exhibition is sure to attract attention from visitors and other exhibitors alike. “Organizers are just the platform, and innovations are brought by the exhibitors”, highlight the CEO of DeutcheMesse.
The exhibition is an opportunity for businesses to connect with potential customers, suppliers, and partners from around the world, and the strong German presence is a testament to the country’s commitment to international trade and collaboration.
Kockler also highlighted the key topics that Ligna 2023 will focus on. These include prefab building processes, woodworking transformation, and digitalization. The latter topic, in particular, is expected to feature prominently, as Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to transform the woodworking industry. Kockler marveled at the potential of AI to revolutionize wood processing and enhance the use of wood as a material.
Another important topic that Ligna 2023 will address is green material processing. With the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly products, the woodworking industry has an important role to play in promoting the circular economy.
In terms of visitors, Ligna 2023 expects to attract a diverse audience, with around 40% coming from Germany and the rest from countries like Italy, Austria, Turkey, Spain, China, Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The trade show’s floor plan is designed to showcase the latest machinery and technologies for forestry, surface technology, sawmill technology, energy from wood, and machine components. In addition, Ligna 2023 will feature keynote speeches and presentations by leading experts in the woodworking industry.
In conclusion, Ligna 2023 promises to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in the latest woodworking innovations and trends. With its focus on community building, sustainability, and digitalization, the trade show offers a unique opportunity for professionals to connect, learn, and explore new possibilities in the field.
