AIdAM’s Experience in Bari

The Association enthusiastically took part in the new southern edition of the well known exhibition, which saw the participation of more than 650 exhibitors and over 16,000 professionals from the manufacturing world.

by Giordano Bracco

The first edition of MECSPE Bari took place from the 28th to the 30th of November. This year, after the traditional spring edition in Parma, the organizers decided to sign up for a second opening in Bari. Apulia, a region with a dynamic entrepreneurial fabric, focused on exports and internationalization processes, has recently turned itself into a hub for companies located not only in central and southern Italy, but also in the whole Mediterranean area. 20,000 m2 of exhibition space, over 16,000 professionals of the sector and 656 exhibiting companies for an event resulting from the combination of entrepreneurship and education.
The fair was therefore a can’t-miss event for AIdAM. A collective of ten member companies, a networking cocktail organized in collaboration with Banco BPM, a conference aimed at exploring new markets for the Italian manufacturing companies and, finally, a new conference of the Mechatronics Network M2A, a project launched together with the Ministry of Education to give a new boost to Italian technical institutes. A first successful event, which inaugurates a new golden age for the South.

The leitmotiv was the combination of training and technology
An event, promoted by Senaf thanks to the support of the Apulia Region, the Municipality of Bari and Confindustria Bari BAT, which has managed to make its debut with exciting numbers: with 54 conferences and workshops, 10 special initiatives and the event named “OFFICINA Intelligente” (“Smart Workshop”). The audience had the opportunity to truly experience the liveliness of the local entrepreneurial fabric and the significant change in the approach to digital transformation and business culture in manufacturing.
The exhibition was characterized by a leitmotive, the combination of technology and training. A link, as said, that crossed the entire trade fair, giving space to different areas (automation, logistics, processing and subcontracting services, technologies 4.0, materials), processing cells and squares of excellence, which included demonstration areas and workshops focusing on several sectors, such as automotive, aerospace and mechatronics.

The spring edition moves to Bologna
After this first edition in Bari, marked by the relevant results achieved, the commitment of Senaf and MECSPE will continue with the traditional MECSPE exhibition (Fiere di Parma, March 26th to 28th, 2020). The most important change for the future, however, will be the transfer, starting from the 2021 edition, of the exhibition from Parma to Bologna. A choice due to the natural need for expansion and internationalization that the growing numbers of the exhibition will bring and that will allow the organizers to develop innovative strategies for the approach of new, international markets.