Three days of sand, machinery and experience

TKD gears up for whirlwind machine festival in Sint-Oedenrode

On June 12, 13 and 14 the 29th edition of the Technische Kontakt Dagen (TKD) will take place. This largest active outdoor exhibition in Western Europe in the field of earthmoving, construction and recycling equipment will be held for the first time at De Ratelaar in Sint-Oedenrode. That promises something. With a record number of exhibitors and considerably more space for demonstrations and meetings, everything will revolve around three days of experience, technology and conviviality..

Fair manager Frits Kuijper is visibly enthusiastic. "The preparations are going extremely well. The cooperation with the municipality of Meierijstad is unprecedentedly good. The same goes for the rest: from police to shopkeepers and local residents, everyone thinks along and is enthusiastic. This makes it a lot more pleasant work for us as an organization."

And this is bearing fruit. Not only has the grounds grown significantly - from 70,000 sq. ft. in 2018 to a whopping 250,000 sq. ft. this year - the number of exhibitors is also on the rise. "We are now at almost two hundred exhibitors, a growth of over 20 percent compared to the previous edition. And what is especially important: all the major players in the sector are there. So as a visitor, you can be sure you won't miss anything."

Discover and meet

Whereas previous editions were sometimes cramped, this is not the case at Sint-Oedenrode. The new site offers plenty of space, including parking, extra large stands and an impressive demo track. Kuijper: "A square layout has been chosen, so it is never a long walk to get everything. And because the grounds were already sown last year, the stands will look extra tight. That adds to the experience."

Of course, all machines and vehicles are in the spotlight. Thus, this year extra attention has been paid to a proper and safe demo track to allow all towing or towed vehicles to pass in full glory. Besides all that machine violence, there is also attention to meeting people. There are plenty of catering outlets, including a fountain bar as a striking centerpiece. This makes the fair not only informative, but also convivial.

Putting down something beautiful

The forced move from Almere, where the last editions always took place, to Brabant is a big step, but according to Kuijper it is above all positively received. "Of course you sometimes hear that for some it's a bit further away, but that's just as true the other way around. And more importantly: here we have the space to build something really beautiful. The fact that we are not right next to houses is also a big plus in terms of safety."

For decades, the biennial TKD has been the place to see the latest machines in action and get behind the wheel or joysticks yourself. This year is no different. Sustainability plays an even bigger role. All machines run on HVO100 biodiesel, which saves up to 90 percent in CO2 emissions. The advance of electric equipment is also abundantly clear. "We obviously take into account the power needs of exhibitors," says Kuijper. "It's great to see how many parties are serious about this."

Youth enthusiasm

The organization expects to attract around 15,000 visitors, and in doing so hopes to also enthuse more youth this year. Because although the TKD is primarily a trade fair, the public is certainly also allowed to enjoy it. "We want to show how beautiful and innovative the sector is," Kuijper reveals. "When you walk around here, you see what construction and infra is all about. With an eye on the future, we need to show that to the youth as well."

The Technische Kontakt Dagen have been a household name in the industry for years. For three days, anyone who has anything to do with earth moving, construction, recycling or infra - or is just curious about it - can see, smell, feel and experience what is going on in this world. Or as Frits Kuijper puts it: "It's not just a fair. It's a place you have to be if you have anything to do with construction machinery or vehicles."     

Admission is free (register online in advance), parking is available right next to the venue and coffee will be ready. See you in June, in Sint-Oedenrode!