In times of unprecedented challenges, also for exhibitions, the two events will offer a new scenario where operators will have the opportunity to find expertise, solutions and ideas for a common goal: producing with more and more sustainable and efficient methods, according to Industry 4.0 principles.

As reference events in their respective industries, 33.BI-MU (biennial exhibition of machine tools, robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, digital and auxiliary technologies) and Xylexpo (biennial exhibition of woodworking technology and furniture industry components) will be presented as distinct but complementary events, highlighting their respective specialisms while leveraging every possible synergy.

This decision will expand the audience of potential visitors for exhibitors on one side (unified access to the fairgrounds will allow to visit both exhibitions), and on the other it will help the visitors from the sectors of furniture, design, industrial plants, machinery for aluminum, composites and next- generation materials, interested in both events, to make the most of their trip to Milan.

Besides a wider technology line-up, visitors will have access to a rich agenda of additional events, in-depth debates on technical, technological and economic topics relevant for both sectors, through presentations, seminars and conferences. Special attention will be dedicated to the major topics of digital and sustainability, two key concepts for the future development of the industry and the global economy.

“This project is much more than the sum of two historical and popular exhibitions,” said Barbara Colombo, president of Ucimu-Sistemi per produrre. “We believe that the merger of BI-MU and Xylexpo will help the industry represented in both exhibitions to show the best of its contents and potential. Under these premises, we believe that the event will be a point of attraction for the global manufacturing industry, with strong visibility in Italy and abroad, to the benefit of all the companies that will choose to participate.”

According to Luigi De Vito, president of Acimall, “a more and more crowded exhibition calendar, now complicated by the rescheduling of many events due to the pandemic, the new technologies and the stronger and stronger international competition require a deep and accurate revision of the exhibition concept, which cannot be ‘only’ a place where demand and supply meet. The collaboration between Xylexpo and BI-MU will develop into an innovative platform that will be focused on high-end technology and the many, profitable interactions that such technology can generate, offering an involving and successful experiential event to operators, exhibitors, institutions and all stakeholders.”