Better than expected A+A 2023

Expectations on the eve of the event exceeded. The 2023 edition of A+A, the trade fair for occupational safety and health in Düsseldorf that took place from 24 to 27 October, closed after four days of intensive activity with record participation numbers.
With the leitmotif ‘Inspirations for a better working environment’, the German event fielded some 2,200 exhibiting companies from 58 nations who presented their innovations in 12 halls covering an area of more than 80,300 square metres. The attendance figures were also impressive: 62,000 trade visitors from 140 countries came to Düsseldorf to find out about the latest innovations in occupational safety.
According to a survey carried out by the organisers among the visitors, 96.4 per cent of them were satisfied with their visit to the fair. The comments we collected during the event, particularly among footwear exhibitors, were also positive about the great attractiveness of the event, which was often judged to have exceeded expectations. On the other hand, some criticism emerged as a result of the position changes imposed by the organisers in the redistribution of spaces in order to better segment the offer. In particular, some suppliers of materials, moulds and technologies for footwear complained that they were confined to pavilions that were too remote and far from the main entrances.
As for the exhibits on show, this edition of the fair focused on two of the most important megatrends of our time: digitalisation and sustainability. The innovations in the field of digitisation of the working environment, which were presented for the first time at the fair, were particularly noteworthy. Smart, wearable protective devices, ordering apps for hazardous materials management, artificial intelligence-based health coaches, as well as virtual reality applications and exoskeletons are examples of technologies driving the world of work towards a digital and sustainable economy.
Developments that not only support safety in the workplace, but also help to increase efficiency and create healthier working environments.
“This year’s A+A has addressed current issues and challenges, provided food for thought, demonstrated approaches to solutions and promoted personal exchange. We are delighted with the positive feedback and Page 2 of 3 would like to thank everyone for the trust they have placed in us,” summarises Lars Wismer, Director of A+A, and adds: “It was great to see how the trade fair as a platform inspires, connects and drives the industry forward.”
Various forums and interesting events such as the Corporate Fashion Show completed the varied trade fair programme. On the A+A catwalk, renowned PPE manufacturers presented the latest fashion trends designed for a generation of young people who, in addition to functionality and sustainability, also want to have aesthetically appealing garments and express their personal style.
The fair also hosted the 38th International Bases Congress on Occupational Safety and Health, which attracted some 3,000 delegates, addressing future topics such as artificial intelligence and the consequences of climate change. As a leading international specialist event, the Congress presented national and global policy advances and prevention strategies such as ‘Vision Zero’.
Also important was the WearRAcon Europe conference, the European edition of the WearRAcon conference in the USA, which took place for the first time at A+A 2023, during which R&D experts and companies presented and discussed innovations and trends in the field of exoskeleton technology.
The next edition is already planned, obviously in two years’ time: A+A 2025 will be held in Düsseldorf from 4 to 7 November.