Stuttgart, Germany-LASYS 2008, the first International Trade Fair for System Solutions in Laser Material Processing, is a year away (March 4-6, 2008) but already this unique trade show has filled one-third of the available exhibit space in the new Messe Stuttgart, located adjacent to the Stuttgart Airport. Companies such as TRUMPF, Camtek, Jenoptik, Scanlab, Tampoprint, Teka, and Weil Engineering are already on board and another nine industry leaders from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, and Slovenia are in the final negotiation stage for space. Another 170 companies from 16 countries are now evaluating attendance. A United States pavilion, cosponsored with the SME’s Industrial Laser Community with extremely attractive contractual terms, is expected to sell out quickly.
Sylvia Blumenschein, of the Messe Stuttgart LASYS Team, tells ILS that she is extremely encouraged with the response she has received from international companies who acknowledge that this, the first industrial-laser-system-only show, is long overdue. Her contacts with laser associations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Italy reinforce this concept for an international laser system show. Readers are directed to www.lasys-messe.de for details on the show.
In all fairness I should point out that I serve on the Advisory Board of LASYS, but even if I didn’t I would still be supportive of this activity. The concept of bringing together, under one roof, leading suppliers of industrial laser systems used for every type of processing application is a bold move. Those who know me know that I remain outspoken when it comes to trade show proliferation; however the industrial laser system companies have never had a venue of their own on the international stage. Yes, there are strong numbers at EMO, EuroBLECH, IMTS, etc., but at LASYS only industrial laser system suppliers will fill the hall. Attendees will be able to walk the aisles and see marking system suppliers adjacent to laser welding equipment vendors across from laser drilling companies. The talk at the Stuttgart Messe will be laser processing only; common suppliers serving common attendee needs.
Topping off the trade show will be the venue, a brand new state-of-the art exhibit complex, with remarkable travel service; air, rail, and highway, which gives international visitors comfortable access. Messe Stuttgart is centrally located in the heart of the single European market, home to Daimler Chrysler, Porsche, Boch, Stihl, and Alcatel to name a few of the renowned companies in the area. What’s more, international attendees will enjoy the close by Swabian hospitality after a day immersed in laser technology. -DAB