Scientists, developers, producers, users and many decision-makers from the fields of optics, electronics and mechanics will come together on 21-22 February 2017 at the networking fair W3+ FAIR (www.w3-messe.de) in Wetzlar. As well as the actual trade fair, which now has over 160 exhibitors, partners and sponsors – including 25% from abroad – the event also offers top class presentations and workshops. Many of them are free. One highlight is Tech-Watch, which is organised by the photonics consortium EPIC. Here, users meet technical developers to match requirements with feasibility. The short lectures focus on high-precision technologies in the key markets of manufacturing and life science. The Leica Microsystems Microscopy Forum provides information about "Innovations in Microscopy".

Visitors can also attend four lectures on new possibilities in the fields of microscopy, digital microscopy and 3D microscopy. Very practical advice will be provided at the expert seminar "Hands-on Industry 4.0." by the Lahn Dill Chamber of Commerce: numerous best-practice lectures will be given with the intention of providing practical support to small and medium-sized businesses as they take their first steps towards digitalisation. Speakers from Lufthansa Industry Solutions, Pfeiffer and Rittal will discuss large data flows, machine networking and securing a business model. Rolf Neumann from Robert Bosch will give the publicly available keynote speech with his lecture "From Hype to Reality" and will talk about the implementation of digitalisation at Bosch. Other keynote speeches will also be given by Thomas Le Blanc and Klaudia Seidel from the Phantastische Bibliothek library in Wetzlar. The topics will be "robot colleagues" and "holographic visions". In addition to the lecture "Opportunities and Challenges of the Photonics Market", the industry association Spectaris is organising a CEO panel session. Of interest to newcomers to the sector are the short courses from Optence, which will provide a deep insight into related topics such as LED, optical coating, plastic lenses, etc.

Student Day offers the best recruitment opportunities

Recruitment is a key topic at the W3+ FAIR. On the second day of the fair, 22 February 2017, the Student Day will take place – supported by the University of Applied Sciences of Central Hesse (THM). To date, around 250 school and university students have signed up to make contact with potential future employers. Interesting job options for employees with and without professional experience can be found at the "jobvector" Science Career Centre. On the central job wall in the Recruitment Area, recruiters for technical professions will post job offers for all levels. But visitors should also keep their eyes open in the exhibition hall, as this year all companies with recruitment needs are specifically identified.

Tickets for the W3+ FAIR are available now from the ticket shop. A day ticket for the W3+ FAIR costs 25 euros and for 40 euros, you can attend the event on both days. Entry is free for school and university students. The entrance fee to the fair also includes access to all free lectures.

More information, image material and the ticket shop are available here.