Trends, products, digitalization – these topics were on the agenda at this year’s welding technology marketplace in Fulda, Hesse. However, after a two-year forced break, the undisputed focus was on the things that have suffered in recent years due to the pandemic: Face-to-face communication and networking.
The response from the invited suppliers and dealers was correspondingly high – a total of 165 participants were on site to catch up on the latest welding technology and to finally network with colleagues from the industry in a relaxed atmosphere after a long wait. This is exactly what has only been possible digitally in recent years due to the pandemic.
Relaxed atmosphere at the get-together In beautiful weather, the atmosphere at the get-together the evening before at the Q-Alm in Fulda was relaxed and communicative. In a relaxed atmosphere, E/D/E ensured that suppliers and members were able to exchange views on current industry and market topics, as there is often little time for in-depth discussions in everyday working life. “People make the difference. Even though digitalization has been a blessing over the past two years, we at PVH simply need the network and communication. And that still works best face to face,” says Ralf Stiegler, Head of Supplier / Product Groups and Sales Concept Management for Construction Equipment / MIETEplus / Welding Technology at E/D/E, confidently.
Stage for distributors and manufacturers On the second day of the event, the marketplace focused on the products of top E/D/E suppliers. At around 30 trade fair stands, the sales staff present were once again able to gather information, familiarize themselves with the products and engage in intensive discussions with the welding technology suppliers. A 45-minute presentation on the topic of “Digitalization in retail” provided participants with additional added value.
E/D/E works together with top suppliers on the welding technology market. Not only the members present were able to see this for themselves, but also distributors who have not yet worked with E/D/E. Ralf Stiegler explains: “We also use our marketplace to get selected distributors excited about E/D/E and show them the benefits of working with us.”
Udo Thamm, Head of Supplier and Product Group Management Tools at E/D/E, summarized after the event: “Even after a two-year break, I can only emphasize how important the face-to-face meeting is for the specialist area of welding technology and thus for our marketplace concept. There is no more suitable
platform to identify the individual needs of our members and suppliers and to take away suggestions from this to improve our daily work.” And this was also confirmed by the participants. “We received great feedback on our event, which encourages us to stick with the welding technology marketplace concept in the coming years,” says Thamm happily.
