Observe trends in crafts even without trade fairs

Many cancelled trade fairs in crafts and construction in 2020/21 show it clearly: we must inform ourselves, educate ourselves and network through alternative channels.

Of course, new construction vehicles and tools cannot be admired in large halls as usual. Unfortunately, there is no chance of getting together and exchanging ideas on site. Still, there are really exciting alternatives for you and your craft.

• What opportunities have been created digitally, for example?
• What do they do for me and my company?

We have gone on the search again and found out top alternatives and digital solutions for you.

Many exhibitors and organizers have not stood idly by and are braving the consequences of the pandemic with digital solutions. So there are entire trade fairs, conferences and lectures that take place digitally for you. You can easily connect from the office.

For example, that Competence Center for Digital Crafts created various virtual opportunities in which you can participate to obtain information and further education - many even free of charge. (2)

Just take a look at the lectures, training courses or the virtual roadshow on a wide variety of topics. We've linked them to you in the sources below.

In addition, you can find out from your local Chamber of Crafts which competence center they may be connected to. Because many of them offer similar formats. For example, the Competence Center for SMEs 4.0 from Hamburg. (2)

Or would you prefer an entire congress? The Forum Handwerk Digital regularly organizes live events (usually also for viewing), which focus on the topic of digitization. There will be companies and speakers from startups, associations and medium-sized companies for you and your craft.

Need some inspiration? Platforms, blogs, and podcasts

Do you go to trade fairs simply to get inspired and browse for new things? Even in times of corona, this can be done conveniently from home, work or on the go.

You can find current articles and information on almost all topics. We too write for you on our blog at regular intervals and provide you with current and informative content.

In our craft blog, you will find various topics that relate to your craft. They range from Cloud and social media up to Business takeovers and founding.

And many other topics are also written about. Topics such as digitization and young talent in the craft sector are at least as exciting. If you want to find out about topics, for example in the area of digitization, a visit to the digital centers of the Chambers of Crafts doesn't hurt.

Podcasts are also great for easily finding out about news. In other words, conversations, discussions or monologues on a wide variety of topics, recorded as audio formats. You can also find many great podcasts for crafts. A short Google search will certainly lead you to your goal here.

For example, we find the Roofing podcast (Karl-Heinz Krawczyk and Michael Zimmermann) or Carpenter podcast (Marc Schütt) particularly well done! We've linked them to you below. You can listen to most of them either directly on the podcast homepage, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever there are podcasts.

Inspiration, exchange or simply take a look, all of this is what makes a trade fair stand out.

Now we've already given you a few options to keep you informed. But the networking nature of a trade fair is also possible, via: social media

Of course — that's what all these platforms were created for!?

Regardless of whether Instagram, Faccebook or TikTok - There are already one or the other company. On Instagram, for example, many companies exchange ideas with each other, inspire each other and simply like the contributions of the other companies. Here you can find everything from intricately shot pictures, testimonials or short snapshots.

Use the networks as such - ask questions about new tools, materials and working methods. These platforms are perfect for that - and you usually get not just one, but lots of advice, opinions and experiences.

Just take a look at our last CraftBlog post, where you'll briefly read through the most important information about social media and you're ready to go!

>>>This way.

‍

You can stay up-to-date even without trade fairs!

sources

• (1) https://www.expodatabase.de/de/articles/125882-coronavirus-fuhrt-zu-messeabsagen
• (2) Competence Center for SMEs 4.0, https://kompetenzzentrum-hamburg.digital/ (Last accessed on 08.11.2021)

On this blog, we want to write about topics that interest you and really help you. Tell us what's bothering you: feedback@plancraft.de