The European Commission-funded matchmaking initiative "Business Beyond Borders" (BBB) is supporting VISION, the leading world trade fair for machine vision (6.-8.11.2018 in Stuttgart), with a comprehensive networking offer, thereby facilitating the initiation of international business contacts. Both visitors and exhibitors should have the opportunity to find partners for international cooperation suited to their profile and requirements, and thus further benefitting from the event. Florian Niethammer, Project Manager for VISION, sees great potential in this cooperation: "We are delighted that VISION has been selected for the BBB matchmaking programme of the European Commission, and we are convinced that this cooperation will greatly benefit the trade fair."

Special matchmaking area

There will be a comprehensive networking offer for the participants at VISION which they can use to make contact with potential partners. Already in the run-up to the trade fair, exhibitors and visitors will be able to register on an online platform and create their own profile. Suitable business partners will be brought together in accordance with their requests. At the trade fair itself, there will be numerous meetings providing space and opportunities for business exchanges – both in the specially arranged matchmaking areas and at the exhibitors' stands.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

For VISION, this is the first cooperation with the Business Beyond Borders initiative, which is financed by the European Commission and implemented by a consortium led by EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambers of Industry and Commerce; and comprising UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry; EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association; and LOW, a Strategic Communication Consultancy. BBB especially wants to assist SMEs in becoming active on the international level, and thus increase economic growth both within and outside Europe. "VISION is one of 10 trade fairs in strategically relevant future-oriented sectors in Europe and worldwide at which the BBB programme supports participating SMEs in developing their international business. Owing to the high degree of internationalisation of trade fairs in Europe, they provide an effective diving springboard, especially for SMEs," explains Barbara Weizsäcker, General Secretary of EMECA and the European Exhibition Industry Alliance.

Those interested in the matchmaking programme can register online here.