The networking fair kept its word: More than 150 exhibitors and speakers and over 1,900 visitors used the platform in the Buderus Arena Wetzlar to exchange information about new innovations and solutions and to forge new alliances across industries. 27 % of the exhibiting companies from the optics, photonics, electronics and mechanics sectors came from the high-tech region of Wetzlar / Central Hesse, 48 % from other German states and 25 % from abroad – more than ever before. Ten countries were represented, including Switzerland, Italy, France, Great Britain, the US and the Netherlands. The common goal was to launch new technology-driven innovations for medical technology, life science, automotive, aerospace, or tools and machinery.

In addition to the exhibition, there was plenty of inspiration from the extensive supporting program. At the accompanying conference en-tech.talks, around thirty speakers spoke on topics such as optics manufacturing, photonics and microtechnology, innovative solutions from Hessen, trends in optics and others. A new feature was the attached High Level Expert Meeting (HLEM) of the Competence Center Ultraprecise Surface Processing UPOB e.V., which was held in parallel for the first time.

The special areas of IHK Hessen innovativ as well as the one of VDI with AI, 3D printing, cobots and automation, the joint booth of the high-tech region Thuringia as well as the special area “Microtechnologies for optical devices” of IVAM were well attended. The microtechnology network also used the trade show to hold the first live meeting of the focus group photonics. The Regionalmamagent Mittelhessen got involved twice: with the meeting of the new automotive network TeamMiT on site and – together with the Business Angels Mittelhessen – with the top-class Start-up Matching.

Wetzlar Network invited to the C-Level Coffee, in addition there was a visit of the expert working group sensor technology of the IHK Gießen-Friedberg as well as the Federal Association for Materials Management and Purchasing (BME e.V.).

Jörg Brück, project director of the W3+ Fair, draws a positive balance after the fair: “The W3+ Fair is the central industry fair for enabling technologies in Germany. People are happy about the inspiring cross-industry exchange with existing customers and new contacts. For the 10th anniversary next year, we want to focus even more on innovation, inspiration and networking and will enrich the concept accordingly.”

Joining forces for the events in Wetzlar and Jena, W3+ Fair Rhine Valley was suspended in 2023. After a promising first event in 2019, the fair in the four-country region has recently not developed as required for the satisfaction of all stakeholders. A revision of the concept is needed to activate the various stakeholders in the Rhine Valley across the country borders. The organizers have therefore decided to fully concentrate their resources on the new location Jena on 29 – 30 November 2023.

W3+ Fair Wetzlar will return 13 – 14 March 2024.