"In addition to 43 lectures and keynote speeches, ITHEC 2020 – Virtual Edition offers 25 poster presentations", said Daniel Schäfer, who, as the new project manager for the knowledge platform, has driven forward the transformation of the event. "Also, more than 50 exhibitors will be presenting their products virtually. Participants can also look forward to two award ceremonies and a podium discussion on 3D printing."
Since its foundation in 2012, an international technical specialist audience has visited Bremen to attend the ITHEC (in 2018 there were approximately 400 participants.)
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organisers decided to hold a digital event this year.
In order to make all lectures, forums and presentations accessible to the international participants, the ITHEC organisers have developed a special time zone model and extended the exhibition period from two to three days.
"This means we can handle the time zone differences", said Kordula Grimm, head of Congress Bremen and guest events. So the first conference session for Asia and Europe will take place between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, while the second, for participants from America and Europe, will take place between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM – German time in each case. "During the second session, the lectures from the first session are repeated, however all speakers are present live for the interactive questions and answers session, enabling genuine interaction with the participants", explains Grimm.
There are also up to 30 additional virtual round tables with industry partners taking place via an integrated videoconferencing tool. In addition, one-to-ones and group meetings with all exhibitors, participants and speakers in video conference format are planned over the entire course of the event.
The rapid technological development of fibre-reinforced components and structures with thermoplastic matrices will be covered by ITHEC with a special on 3D printing with fibre reinforcements.
In addition to a whole series of lectures and presentations dealing with new types of production methods, manufacturers of 3D printing solutions for thermoplastic composites are available and will be giving presentations on products and technologies.