Here’s what awaits visitors at the first digitalBAU conference & networking

The new digitalBAU format will take place at the Munich exhibition grounds for the first time in just a few weeks. Software companies, planners, architects, engineers and tradespeople will meet on the digitalBAU conference & networking dialog platform from July 4 to 6, 2023. In addition to an accompanying exhibition, the focus will primarily be on interactive sessions such as panel discussions, think tanks or BarCamps.

Digitalization in the construction industry is progressing at a rapid pace. This development also affects digitalBAU – the trade fair for digital products and solutions in the construction industry. Following two successful trade fairs in Cologne (in 2020 and 2022), the interim format will take place for the first time in Munich as a bridge to the trade fair in Cologne in February 2024.

Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München, sees it as a logical step: “With BAU and digitalBAU alone, we can no longer comprehensively reflect the ever-shorter innovation cycles in the field of digitalization. It is therefore all the more important to provide manufacturers and users with an additional offering that focuses on dialog and expanding the network in the form of digitalBAU conference & networking.”

Conference program with various formats

The focus of digitalBAU conference & networking is on personal exchange. To that end, participants have access to a variety of different communication elements: from customary lectures and discussion rounds in forums, to interactive sessions, think tanks, workshops or a BarCamp.

One of the forums will be organized by the German National Association for Construction Software (BVBS). The topics discussed on the stage will deal, among other things, with innovations in the field of building information modeling (BIM), digital construction sites, and artificial intelligence in construction, as Ines Prokop, Managing Director of the BVBS, explains: “In four panels, we want to offer an informative and future-oriented program based on the four key topics of digitalBAU conference – digital twin, connectivity, sustainability, and urbanization – with a mixture of discussion rounds and lectures. We’re very much looking forward to being there in July.”

In addition to the forums, taking place both in Hall C6 and the rooms of Conference Center Nord, visitors will also also have the opportunity to participate in interactive formats. These range from think tanks (e.g. architectural research & immersive media) and fireside chats (e.g. Metaverse & Tokenization – part of the digital transformation?), to fishbowl (How to f*#k up digitalization?) and round tables, in which the audience can also actively participate in the discussions.

DigitalLAB: Start-ups meet with investors

Another aspect of digitalization in construction is the strong emergence of numerous young companies specializing in digital solutions and products. These start-ups will get their own stage at digitalBAU conference & networking in the form of the DigitalLAB. Interactive speed dating sessions will allow the newcomers to make contact with potential investors. Mastermind sessions will offer the start-ups access to mentors for leadership, growth, and fundraising. As part of the Founders Fight Night, start-ups will compete against each other with their business ideas and innovations in front of an audience.

Innovation trail: Experience digital technologies live

In addition to the numerous communication elements, visitors to the digitalBAU conference & networking will also find live demonstrations to see, touch and try out. These will enable practical access to new technologies in construction, including exoskeletons, digital measurement with 3D scan, various robot applications, augmented reality with apps and data glasses, and 3D printed products for tools, replacement parts, or even furniture.

The first digitalBAU conference & networking in Munich is rounded off by an additional exhibition area with leading industry representatives and innovative solution providers (e.g. BECHMANN, doka, BRZ, FARO, Hottgenroth, NEMETSCHEK Group, NFG, PERI, RIB).