Thilo Jörgl, manager of the Test Camp Intralogistics, explains in an interview what distinguishes the event on April 15 and 16 in the Westfalenhalle from trade fairs, what highlights are offered and why the 33rd German Material Flow Congress was moved from Bavaria to the Ruhr area.
Photos: IFOY/impact
Question: "The Test Camp is not a trade fair," you repeatedly emphasized. What is it then?
Thilo Jörgl: The name says it all: Visitors not only see innovations, but can also feel, experience, and test them firsthand. You won't find a "please do not touch" sign here . A third of the Westfalenhalle is a test arena where, for example, visitors can drive forklifts themselves . This year, manufacturer Still is showcasing a unique forklift designed specifically for people of short stature.
In an idealworks setup, guests can experience firsthand how advanced the world of mobile robotics already is and which peripheral devices can be integrated into the control system. These are just two of numerous examples. At the curated Test Camp, guests can experience around 100 innovations from around the world, including the 17 finalists of the global innovation competition IFOY Award from Europe, the USA, and China. Exhibitors also prepare for this annual test event differently than they do for trade fairs.
How come?
They carefully consider what they present in their three-minute pitches during the themed highlight tours about their innovations. They pique interest, explaining at the exhibits what's possible today and what will be possible tomorrow. Those participating in one of these hour-long tours quickly gain an overview of the state of the art and can then decide which areas they want to explore in more depth – with testing and expert discussions. Furthermore, the exhibitors give considerable thought to their target audience. The goal isn't to bring as many representatives of a client to Dortmund as possible, but rather to attract the decision-makers with budget responsibility. And because the booths aren't overcrowded, there's ample time for in-depth conversations.
Management is forcing exhibitors to choose from various all-inclusive packages and not to build their own stands. How are companies reacting to this?
Our motto has been for years: You bring the innovation, and we take care of the rest. The focus is on the product, not the booth construction. We don't do this against the wishes of the exhibitors. On the contrary: it's their wish. Internationally operating companies organize numerous trade fair appearances both domestically and abroad and are grateful when they have as little work as possible with our format. Furthermore, intralogistics companies are increasingly paying attention to the sustainability of the events.
Th. Jörgl
And that's definitely what the Test Camp is : The trusses are just as reusable as the furniture. In addition, we primarily use recyclable materials and offer centralized catering for everyone. Therefore, we only produce as much waste as absolutely necessary. And anyone with ideas on how to present their innovations even better will find suitable additional equipment or services in our exhibitor shop.
What does it mean that the event is curated?
We want to offer our guests an attractive range of international innovations. Basically, any manufacturer with new products can exhibit. But those offering only screws or tie-down straps, for example, aren't a good fit for us. We specifically approach companies worldwide that are relevant to the community. Only the finalists of the IFOY Award innovation prize are guaranteed a spot; they already completed the jury's nomination phase in December.
From which industries do the guests at the test camp come?
The spectrum spans all sectors – from retail and consumer goods manufacturers to mechanical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and logistics service providers. The latter are most strongly represented by contract logistics companies. Large corporations are present, as well as innovation-oriented medium-sized businesses. We expect up to 1,200 participants over the two days.
Westfalenhalle in Dortmund
That doesn't sound like much at first.
This number shouldn't be compared to the key performance indicators of a trade fair. Many of our guests are responsible for investment budgets that reach into the hundreds of millions. A dozen leads from decision-makers have a different value than 100 leads from trade fair visitors. We regularly hear about major deals that have been finalized after the event and can even pinpoint exactly where the key players met at the Test Camp.
The Ifoy Award audit is part of the Test Camp. How are these two things connected?
The scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test, and the tests by the international jury are integral parts of the three-stage audit. It is co-hosted at the Test Camp.
Photos (2): klk.
What has changed compared to last year?
For the first time, we are offering an excursion to an Arvato facility immediately following the second day of the congress , which utilizes solutions from AutoStore and the robotics specialist Nomagic. In addition, together with the Dortmund Economic Development Agency, we have developed tailor-made sessions for international scale-ups participating in the DoAccelerate program. (...) At an international matchmaking event, the young entrepreneurs will meet renowned experts from the venture capital sector. The most significant new feature, however, is the premiere of the German Material Flow Congress at the Westfalenhalle.
How did it come about that the German Material Flow Congress is going to Dortmund?
Last summer, the decision was made to integrate this well-known two-day congress on technical logistics into the Test Camp. It will take place in a specially designed event cube in in Munich in the mid-1980s by the Association was launched held at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) campus in Garching from 2002 to 2025. The VDI Society for Production and Logistics is the sponsoring organization, with support from the Chair of Materials Handling, Material Flow, and Logistics at TUM. We agreed with Congress Director Prof. Dr. Johannes Fottner that the move to Dortmund is a win-win situation for everyone.
also Congress participants will not only experience a top-class lecture program, but can test the latest intralogistics and robotics solutions in the Test Camp – including the finalists of the IFOY Award. And our long-time visitors to the Test Camp can extend their ticket to include congress participation.
www.testcamp-intralogistics.com
The Material Flow Congress
The first day kicks off with a spectacular opening – a panel discussion on the topic "Are humanoid robots the future of logistics?" The discussion will be complemented by presentations from renowned representatives of Boston Dynamics, BMW, and Rhenus. In the afternoon, topics will include the limits of automation at airports. The networking night, featuring dinner, drinks, and a DJ, offers excellent opportunities for exchange. On the second day, sessions will focus on how to future-proof locations. Highlights in the afternoon will undoubtedly include best practice examples from Würth, Thomann, and Claas. And the closing event is not to be missed. Professor Dr. Metin Tolan will deliver the closing lecture, which he has titled with a touch of humor, "Shaken, not stirred! – James Bond in the sights of physics."
