CeBIT 2018: Decades of tradition with new positioning

From June 12 to 15, 2018, the rapidly progressing digitalization was presented in Hanover, so to speak, at your fingertips. This formation represented a fusion of business and festival, whose focus was directed in particular at a new target group. The digital decision-makers of the future should feel addressed here. In view of the continuing shortage of skilled workers, this was a measure to bring the company and potential future employees together. In addition, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be brought to the visitors with drone shows and other attractions to marvel at and test.

CeBIT 2018 has created a very inspiring atmosphere for companies and customers with a new format. The unstoppable digitalization of the economy and society was within reach of visitors. Many companies from research, user areas and also from the start-up scene presented their latest developments in the areas of Internet of Things, Virtual Reality and AI. How can the workplace of the future look like? From the digital workspace to the central productivity tool; all these topics were examined and presented at CeBIT 2018. IT decision-makers were able to explore adequate solutions for their companies.

"Younger and fresher, that was CeBit 2018. This was a very successful new start, which was courageous and also daring. But, as in the digital context, if you don’t dare, you won’t win. In case of doubt, those who do not venture on new paths will fall by the wayside. If you want change, you have to part with ‚old braids‘, even if they seem disruptive. I personally think that one or two changes to the new presentation format should be optimized in the next two years and that CeBIT will then once again be the trade fair in the IT environment with increasing visitor numbers beyond the borders," says Andreas Wartenberg, Managing Director of Hager Unternehmensberatung GmbH.

Authors:

Andreas Wartenberg has been an executive search consultant for more than 25 years, filling management positions in the technology sector and other industries. Mr. Wartenberg set up and led national and international teams before joining Hager Unternehmensberatung as a Managing Director in 2008. He is a leading topic expert in the DACH region in regard to all aspects of technology management and digitalization within all type of corporations. Since early 2015 the Hager Unternehmensberatung has become a partner of Horton International. Andreas Wartenberg is currently Chairman of the Board at Horton Group International.