MCE 2021 and ISH 2021 – Between Digital and In-Presence
In anticipation of future restrictions due to the unpredictability of the coronavirus, MCE 2021 (Mostra Convegno Expocomfort) and ISH 2021 are being rethought into a hybrid solution, covering both in-person and digital events.
The two major HVAC&R exhibitions are highly relevant to the European market, providing a valuable meeting place for suppliers, experts and customers.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic has already imposed far too many restrictions, the organization of both summits must be reviewed in order to bring them into line with the current situation and to ensure that they can be held with certainty, regardless of health measures.
MCE 2021: how the event is being prepared
The prestigious showcase dedicated to air conditioning and the exploration of energy efficiency, to be held between April 8 and 9, 2021, is being called MCE Live+Digital. The organizers have chosen the double mode (in presence and virtual) also to make up for the cancellation of the 2020 edition, which should have taken place between March 17th and 20th.
The most important figures in the market will therefore have the opportunity to meet in person, but also via a special online platform created ad hoc for the occasion. The physical version of the event will be hosted at the Centro Congressi di Milano which, with its 65 conference rooms and approximately 50,000 m2 of exhibition space, allows for full compliance with the anti-contamination regulations.
In addition to the physical stands, there will also be virtual stands, where exhibitors will be able to present their products to visitors from all over the world (who will explore the fair through dedicated portals). In addition, many corporate presentations will be transposed into a digital version with unique modes of interaction.
Despite this, the digital initiative should not be seen as a substitute for the in-person one, but (rather) its task will be to expand its potential. In fact, a range of complementary services to what will take place on-site are planned, such as webinars, in-depth analysis, conferences and seminars.
There will be different modes of communication, which will create a unique and innovative experience for those who want to live MCE 2021 in total safety. Certainly there will be many business opportunities, both for the manufacturing and distribution industry, and for professionals.
ISH 2021: Germany too chooses a hybrid approach
As is happening for MCE 2021, the German organizing committee Messe Frankfurt has also chosen a mixed solution for ISH 2021 (an event that will take place in Frankfurt between March 22 and 26 next year).
The decision to combine the in-person version of the fair with an expanded digital component was taken in consultation with suppliers, customers and industry experts, who saw this proposal as the best possible compromise.
The organizing association assures that great efforts have been made to make ISH 2021 a safe and, above all, opportunity-rich exhibition. As for the “physical” part of the event, they are working on closed tents, in which continuous air recycling will be guaranteed.
Online interactions, on the other hand, will take place through tools such as video, chat functions and one-on-one video calls. To help visitors more easily find topics of interest, there will also be intelligent AI-based matchmaking to suggest suitable business contacts.
There will be no shortage of live streaming and on-demand broadcasts, all complemented by a system for setting digital appointments so you can interact with exhibitors directly online. All the above-mentioned functionalities will be available in every corner of the globe, 24 hours a day, for the entire duration of the fair.
