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SPS IPC Drives exhibition is changing its name
The organisers of the German automation megashow, SPS IPC Drives, have announced that the event will be changing its name to SPS – Smart Production Solutions, from 2019 – the 30th anniversary of the show’s founding.
The original name was derived from a combination of SPS, the German equivalent of PLC (programmable logic controller), IPC (industrial PC) and electric drives. The organisers argue that the event now covers a much broader spectrum of technologies vital to the future of automation. It also reflects progress made in the digital transformation of industry.
“We thought long and hard about the name and, together with our exhibitor advisory board, we came to the decision that this is the right, and necessary step to take,” explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner, vice-president of SPS IPC Drives at the organiser, Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “We will not be changing anything with the proven concept or the thematic orientation. The focus will continue to be on practical solutions and expert discussion amongst equals.”
The change in name will probably be welcomed by many non-German exhibitors and visitors, who found the original name a confusing tongue-twister. The number of non-German attendees has been growing and in 2017, a third of the 1,675 exhibitors were from outside Germany, while 27% of the 70,264 visitors were non-German.
