SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025 – The Industry Shapes Its Future

Interview with Dr.-Ing. Roland Boecking, DVS Managing Director, and Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO Messe Essen

SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025, with the motto Join the Future, is already emerging as the central hub of the joining, cutting and coating technology industry. In this interview, Dr.-Ing. Roland Boecking, DVS Managing Director, and Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO Messe Essen, provide exclusive insights: What can visitors expect at the leading global trade fair? How will issues like digitalization, sustainability and securing skilled labor be addressed? And how do innovative formats like the Future Hub and  DVS CONGRESS ensure the fair’s relevance in the future?

SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025 takes place under the motto Join the Future. What can the industry expect?

Kuhrt: SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025 will once again demonstrate its status as the leading global trade fair. With an impressive booking rate of over 90 % at such an early stage, it is already the central hub for the entire industry. Visitors can look forward to intensive networking opportunities, knowledge exchange and deep insights into the industry's megatrends, such as digitalization, sustainability and securing skilled labor.

A key part of the programme is the DVS CONGRESS. Does its motto resonate there as well?

Dr. Boecking: To live up to the high standards of Join the Future, let’s start with some numbers and facts. DVS drives technological advancements in 250 different processes for joining, cutting and coating, supported by 3,000 volunteer experts working in 200 working groups from industry, craft trades, universities and Fraunhofer Institutes, as well as its own research facilities. Through the DVS Research Association, DVS has been promoting joining technology research for 50 years at around 85 universities and welding technology institutes. In 2024, approximately 100 research projects were simultaneously administered within the Research Association, with a total volume of € 12.5 Mio. The results are reflected in DVS guidelines and directives, as well as in national, European and international standardization efforts. Let’s take the example of constructing foundation structures for wind power in the North Sea. Here, welding and cutting technologies intersect with thermal spraying for corrosion protection. Therefore, we aim to be a key driver for global topics such as energy, climate protection, mobility, and digitalization, shaping and advancing the future of our industry. At the DVS CONGRESS, approximately 50 specialist presentations will delve deeply into these topics, supported by new research findings. With over 90 % of exhibition space already booked, the trade fair shows strong appeal.

How do you ensure adequate visibility for smaller companies and startups?

Kuhrt: SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN also serves as a launchpad for innovators and newcomers. Through the Young Innovators funding programme of the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, we specifically support startups in presenting their ideas to an international professional audience. Our trade fair is a place where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly, allowing even small players to make a significant impact. There are excellent career and advancement opportunities in welding technology for people with or without formal training. With the internationally recognized DVS education programmes, individuals can qualify as welders, welding practitioners, welding specialists or welding technicians. Academics can pursue further education to become International Welding Engineers. Additionally, there are attractive earning opportunities available depending on national or international work assignments.

To showcase successful implementations in companies to the public, IFF, Messe Essen and DVS are introducing the IF Digital Award for the first time at this year’s trade fair. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in welding technology. The possibilities have advanced at a breathtaking pace. Yesterday, it was AI-written texts; today, it’s AI-optimized welding processes for energy savings, emission reduction, increased welding speeds, zero-defect processes and quality monitoring.

What measures are you taking to make SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN attractive to a global audience and promote international exchange?

Kuhrt: SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN is committed to being a truly international platform. Through innovative programmes, global collaborations and targeted initiatives such as multilingual events and partnerships, we aim to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities across the world. Our goal is to create an environment where visitors and exhibitors from every corner of the globe feel represented, valued and inspired to shape the future of the industry together.
Our global sales network ensures that the trade fair is represented in all key target markets. Additionally, we work closely with international associations and multipliers. With a broad international advertising campaign, we emphasize our position as the meeting place for professionals.

Many of these sponsored scholars are international doctoral candidates conducting research at German universities. It’s worth noting that numerous international decision-makers in the industry earned their International Welding Engineer certifications in Germany through DVS.

SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN is being held in 2025 after just two years and will then return to its usual four-year cycle. What’s your outlook for 2029?

Kuhrt: The decision to hold the trade fair in 2025 after only two years, before returning to the established four-year cycle, was necessary – even if it represents a major effort for some. The proven four-year cycle provides market participants with stability and planning security. In 2029, SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN will once again be an unparalleled event that brings the industry together and sets new standards.

Dr. Boecking: The field of joining technology is advancing at an incredible pace. After the forced standstill of recent years, it’s fantastic to be able to meet again after just two years. By 2029, we will see innovations influenced by artificial intelligence that we can only begin to imagine today. The industry will have had time to engage deeply with future developments, allowing for focused research across various areas. The implementation of these advancements will enrich the joining technology market.

Why should an exhibitor choose SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN as an industry hub over experimental formats?

Kuhrt: SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN is the world’s leading trade fair. It is both a mirror of the entire industry and a gateway to the markets of tomorrow. Nowhere else does the professional audience get such a comprehensive insight into the latest trends and developments in these key technologies. Exhibitors can meet customers from all continents in one location. At the last trade fair, visitors came from over 120 nations to Essen – many with clear investment plans at hand. The high quality of attendees speaks for itself, making SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN a serious and indispensable meeting place for forging new contacts and securing successful business deals. In short, this trade fair is an exceptional platform for business and networking. Everything we’ve heard and seen from the industry regarding alternative formats so far seems neither serious nor promising.

Dr. Boecking: For years, this world-leading trade fair has been the showcase of the industry. National and international big players come together here to present the latest developments, explore sustainable solutions, and even place orders on-site. Whether it’s connected welding or cutting systems, sustainable welding gases, virtual training systems, high-quality protective equipment or efficient and resource-saving software – innovations from numerous fields are in high demand. We are confident that both international and national exhibitors will remain loyal to SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN due to its strength in performance and innovation, as well as its over 70-year tradition.

Thank you for speaking with us.