Page 90 - TEXtalks. October- November 2023

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A+A 2023
Expert talk impulses for a new work
environment, take off successfully with
trend-setting thesis
A+A 2023, the world’s leading Trade Fair for Safety,
Security, and Health at Work, draws to a close after
four exciting days with an impressive balance. Under
the leitmotif “Inspirations for a better Work travelled to Düsseldorf to obtain information on all
Environment”, the trade fair set new standards and
seamlessly followed on from the success of previous
events. 2,200 exhibiting companies from 58 nations
October/November 2023
in total presented their products and innovations in
12 halls on more than 80,300 square meters. To the
tune of 62,000 trade visitors from 140 countries
relevant topics concerning the work environment at
this leading trade fair. An impressive 96.4% of visitors
confirmed that their expectations of their visit to the
exceptional networking platform to get in touch with meaningfulness in work," explained Dr. Joerg Castor,
top decision-makers in occupational health and Project Manager of Workspace Innovation, and
safety. presented various concepts of New Work such as
flexible working hours, agile working, flat hierarchies,
The Expert Talk kicked off with full success on the and hybrid work.
first day of the trade fair, October 24, on the Live
Stage in Hall 15 at Messe Düsseldorf. Leading What lies behind the somewhat unwieldy title "Digital
trade fair were more than fulfilled. Stefan Brück, CEO of Uvex Safety Group GmbH & decision-makers as well as press representatives Disruption" was explained by Thomas Kuhn, a
Co KG and new Chairman of the A+A Advisory from the pioneering trade media followed the technology reporter in the Innovation & Digital
This time, two of the most important megatrends of Board, is also convinced of A+A’s high relevance discussion round with top-class experts from department of WirtschaftsWoche.
our time were placed center stage: Digitalization and and reach: “As an exhibitor, we are particularly research, science, and companies. Stern TV
Sustainability. pleased with the international attendance and high presenter Dieter Könnes led the discussion. The core "Existing services, products or business models are
quality of the visitors.” topic was Impulses for the new work environment. being replaced in some markets by digital innovation
The innovations in the field of digitalization of the and artificial intelligence and thus displaced," was
work environment, which were presented for the first At the WearRAcon Europe conference, the European "The challenges of recent years have fundamentally one of his key statements.
time at the trade fair, proved particularly noteworthy. edition of the WearRAcon conference in the USA, changed the working world for companies and
Smart wearables and PPE, order apps for hazardous which took place for the first time at A+A 2023, employees and will continue to do so in the future. Henk Vanhoutte, PPE expert, lobbyist,
materials management, AI-based health coaches as experts from research and development as well as Managers need to prepare their companies for standardization expert, HVC project manager,
well as virtual reality applications and exoskeletons companies presented and discussed innovations upcoming challenges at an early stage. The talk Secretary General European Safety Federation,
are examples of technologies that lead the world of and trends in the field of exoskeleton technology. provided relevant food for thought in this regard," explained how sustainability can be implemented in
work into a digital and sustainable direction. These said Lars Wismer, Director A+A, enthusiastically the field of occupational health and safety and
developments not only support workplace safety but Inspiring, diverse supporting program about the contributions of the discussants. personal protective clothing and how occupational
also help to increase efficiency and create healthier Exciting forums and events such as the Corporate accidents and work-related health hazards can be
work environments. Fashion Show, which took place four times a day in "The back and shoulders are the most relevant body prevented in a contemporary manner.
Hall 15, complemented the varied trade fair program. zones for complaints both during physical work and
“This year’s A+A has addressed current issues and On the A+A Catwalk renowned PPE manufacturers when working at a desk," emphasized Dr. Urs A touch of Hollywood blew through the panel with
challenges, provided food for thought, demonstrated presented the latest fashion trends designed for a
approaches to solutions, and promoted personal younger generation of employees who, in addition to Schneider, division manager and department head of Ralf Moeller. Ralf Moeller is 1.97 meters tall and was
exchange. We are delighted with the positive functionality and sustainability, also want to have Fraunhofer IPA, and presented the most important Mister Universe. Together with Hans Schäfer
feedback and would like to thank everyone for the aesthetically appealing garments and express their ergonomics tools of the future such as exoskeletons Workwear, he is countering the shortage of skilled
trust they have placed in us,” summarises Lars personal style. and soft suits. workers with his "Motivation Handwerk" initiative and
Wismer, Director of A+A, and adds: “It was great to getting young people excited about the skilled
see how the trade fair as a platform inspires, The Start-up Zone provided young and innovative "In the future, it will be even more about breaking up trades. For more than 15 years, Moeller has been
connects and drives the industry forward.” companies not only with exhibition space but also an traditional work structures and creating space for campaigning for young people in a wide
more flexibility, self-determination, and variety of ways.
October/November 2023