The 2017 AWFS®Fair highlighted the latest manufacturing technology as we introduced the Industry 4.0 showcase and 2019 will once again feature this Showcase with a few changes that will put even a greater spotlight on the latest advancements that our industry has to offer.
First off, the Industry 4.0 showcase will be located in a prime location in the lobby outside of the Central hall adjacent to the Visionary New Product showcase. As a result, AWFS®Fair participants will be able to view these products before even entering the trade show floor. As was the case in 2017, there is no charge for participating in the showcase, as long as exhibitors are able to meet the criteria necessary for their product to qualify under the Industry 4.0 category (although a fee is required for anyone entering their product in the Visionary New Product Awards). Showcase entry instructions will be featured in the 2019 AWFS®Fair Marketing manual which will be distributed to 2019 exhibitors in January.
The Industry 4.0 showcase not only presents exhibitors with a promotional opportunity to highlight their latest products and technologies but more importantly, provide them with the opportunity to educate buyers as to how their products offer the benefits necessary to make their shops more flexible, efficient and productive, especially for those that may not truly understand the nature of 4.0. In addition, there will be a special emphasis placed on the fact that 4.0 technology is not simply applicable (or affordable) to midsized and large manufacturers but rather that advancements mean that 4.0 technology is now accessible to shops of ALL sizes.