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Designer, scientist, manager and project engineer. Time is short for planning to visit the next edition of the 'world's largest industrial fair,' which goes on stage April 7-12, 2003, in Hannover, Germany.
Apologies to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel who popularized the song "Scarborough Fair" in the mid-1960s--and to the unknown writer and caretakers of this English folksong from late medieval times--but it was an irresistible tie-in with Hannover Fair 2003. And there's even some historical connection. As the story goes, Scarborough Fair was an actual trade fair, drawing artisans and visitors from all over England, also some from mainland Europe, to the mid-August event that lasted 45 days! How's that for being away from the office?
Another Hannover Industrial Fair is upon us. Some 6,200 companies from 60 countries are expected to exhibit, using 25 halls and the fairground's open-air site to occupy 210,000 sq m (2,260,000 sq ft) of display space. Nearly 40% of exhibitors come from outside Germany, according to show organizer Deutsche Messe AG (DMAG). Visitor count is forecast at about the same as last year's 250,000. Such statistics are the envy of any trade fair, still the "world's largest industrial fair" has seen modest downsizing in exhibitors, display space, and visitors from peak figures of the past.
Eight shows in one
Hannover Fair continues a tradition of multiple shows in one location. In 2003, the lineup has extended to eight shows under the common theme of "Milestones in Innovation." These specific show venues provide visitors with efficient access to information and insights into the latest industry trends:
Factory Automation--1,120 exhibitors (Halls 6-9, 11, 14-17, 23);
Motion, Drive & Automation--1,200 exhibitors (Halls 19-26);
Energy/Management, Technology, and Renewable Sources--910 exhibitors (Halls 11-13 and open-air site);
MicroTechnology/Applied Microsystems and Nanotechnologies--250 exhibitors (Hall 6);
Compressed Air & Vacuum Technology--140...