Dear attendees of the 61st BetonTage,
The huge variety of current discussions impressively demonstrates how wide the range of potential applications of concrete is. We are talking about sustainable, durable and cost-efficient construction. We are discussing protection against ever more frequent extreme climatic and geological events. And we are considering required infrastructural activities in all areas of passenger and goods transportation, but also in the fields of energy and information technology. All these topics are being discussed not only across Germany and Europe but on a worldwide scale. We can make a substantial contribution to these areas by delivering state-of-the-art concrete and related innovations. The BetonTage congress provides the perfect platform for the entire industry to discuss latest trends and innovations in order to enhance the momentum for the wide range of applications of concrete so that we can tackle the above global challenges. The global significance of these topics is also underscored by the outstanding attendance of the BetonTage asia congress, which was already held three times in Shanghai. This year, our Chinese partners seized the opportunity to participate in the co-opening of the Neu-Ulm event. The exchange we have been fostering for several years thus returns to its origins, and we are capable of providing a truly global range of topics. I am particularly pleased to welcome Spain as the guest country of this year’s congress. Yet this congress comprises not just the panels and plenary sessions but also the expanded range of hands-on workshops that are designed to address all levels of factory operations. Knowledge transfer from leading researchers and innovative businesses can thus also extend to the plant supervisor level at precast production sites. Only if we cover all relevant areas will innovations and latest developments be implemented quickly and efficiently. The opportunity to discuss matters at various levels with all market partners makes it possible to not only identify and implement latest trends presented at the BetonTage but to also initiate innovations and break the ground for completely new solutions. Suppliers and equipment manufacturers as well as architects and engineers who use their products enjoy the unique opportunity to experience a representative array of all involved industries and applications, which should be a source of inspiration for all attendees.