Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
So much happening at Infra Relatiedagen
Expectations for Infra Relatiedagen on February 7, 8 and 9 at Evenementenhal Hardenberg are high. In order to meet all the square meter demand, a special outdoor exhibition area will be used. There is also extra attention for current themes. Overall theme is climate adaptation. The organization expects to receive about eleven thousand professionals during the three days. An overview of what's in store.
"We are very positive," says Lambert van Gameren who, together with account manager Bob van Heukelom, is responsible for the quality of the field of participants. "It is important that all leading market parties are present. Everyone who matters is in Hardenberg. I notice that companies feel the need to share their stories with the market, the visiting professionals in turn want to know how the market is developing. They are looking for innovations. They are especially looking for solutions in the field of sustainability and climate adaptation."
"Everyone has to deal with these big issues. We are beyond the non-committal, eventually sustainability will be enforced," Van Heukelom adds. "Just think of the whole nitrogen discussion and the growing need to deploy electrified rolling stock. In 2022, we introduced the Equipment Fleet of the Future. There was great interest in that. We broadened this to the Equipment Park of the Present and the Future. We not only show electrified equipment, but also innovations in fossil-powered equipment, because sustainability gains are made there too. All of the equipment is outside so you can literally drive and dig through the sand and in the sand. Main sponsors are OQ Value Shell distributor and the Trime Group which provides zero-emission equipment."
Public lighting is essential within the public realm. Van Gameren: "Last edition we tentatively started with the Public Lighting Street. This edition, this initiative gets a big boost through the cooperation with TU/e LightHouse | Smart lighting and smart cities. With this we have secured a knowledge partner of stature. Discussions are currently taking place with the participants in the Lighting Street so that TU/e LightHouse can respond with striking practical examples. A sneak preview of future possibilities will also be shown."
Who is responsible for bridge maintenance? What about liabilities if civil engineering structures fail after 20 years? Is it the client, the contractor or the product supplier? Van Gameren. "We have noticed that this is a tricky issue. That is why we have set out the Renovation Civil Works & Smart City route across the fair."
Van Heukelom adds: "Up to ten exhibitors can participate in this. They will have a large column on their stand. Visitors then know 'Here people are proud of 'their' civil works of art'. More importantly, visitors to the ten exhibitors will get a text and explanation of how they handle responsibilities. This route is particularly interesting for municipalities, provinces and water boards. Whether we are talking about dikes or roads. The issues remain the same."
The successful participation of InfraCampus - IKN Foundation will be continued. The foundation will be in the Hydraulics Hall with ten of its members. This edition Water Alliance will also be part of the collective. Van Gameren: "Not for nothing the Hydraulics Hall. Climate adaptation and water are inextricably linked. We will have to think about how to store water in times of drought and how to drain it quickly in times of extreme rainfall. This is where the big challenges lie, especially for the infrastructure sector. IKN Foundation shows the way in this, in addition exhibitors in this hall present their water innovations."
New is the Government Park. What is its purpose? Van Heukelom: "The tendering procedures are cast in concrete. Nevertheless, clients (and they are often governments) and contractors need to talk to each other. We have noticed that governments are curious about innovations by contractors. The contractors, in turn, want to know what questions are on the minds of municipalities, provinces and water boards. For the provinces of Drenthe and Overijssel, Infra Relatiedagen is now so important that they signed an administrative covenant on sustainable working at the trade fair."
"By the way, you have to picture this literally as a park with trees and picnic tables," Van Heukelom continues. "We especially want to exude approachability. We expect this to attract additional people from the public sector to the event."
The first day is all about the future. With Enginear as the main sponsor, 500 students from MBO and HBO will have the opportunity to walk past the highlights of the fair. There are two routes with ten exhibitors each. The students will receive a pep talk from a well-known social influencer beforehand. Afterwards, there will be a networking lunch with the participating parties. To get acquainted with the market or perhaps to start the conversation with their future employer.
Van Gameren: "Lack of personnel is obviously a big problem, we see it as our social responsibility to work with the industry to do our part in this."
For more information and tickets visit: www.infrarelatiedagen.nl
