Hannover messe

Once again, it's the time of the world biggest industrial fair in Hanover within this week.

Digital industry, Industrial internet, or Industry 4.0 as German goverment calls it, is one of the leading themes of the event. It's pretty much in line with Embedded World in Nuremberg having Internet of Things as the leading theme. It's all about smart and connected world.

As being in Germany, automotive industry has strong position, of course. Electric cars are especially in the center of interest. Germans are known for their interest towards sustainable economy, one can see windmill parks and solar cell plants all over the countryside.

Electric and hybrid cars presented by Volkswagen.

Hannover fairground is the largest in the world. However, this year it look's like 30% of convention halls are unused, and the number of exhibitors has decreased from average 6500 to just over 5000. German industry and economy in general are doing well, that's not the reason for deduction.

All in all it looks like this kind of general trade fairs are loosing popularity, and giving space to smaller and more dedicated ones. For example Embedded World reported new record this year, having 15% gain in number of exhibitors and almost 20% gain in number of visitors.