"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." - Friedrich Nietzsche
This past October was a bittersweet month: if, on the one hand, we were able to travel abroad and participate in trade fairs once again, on the other, the second wave of the pandemic and the consequent stricter regulations have once again caused a postponement of normality.
However, we have often talked about a new normal. And perhaps this is what "new normal" truly means: having the presence of mind and the ability, especially mentally-wise, to adapt flexibly to contingent situations.
This time around as well, there was no lack of conflicting reactions: there are those who have faced the need to readjust the ways of doing business and working in a proactive manner; then there are those who have stalled, assuming a pessimistic point of view of the situation and seeing almost with an evil eye those who were able, and above all wanted, once again to try a last-gasp effort to overcome this obstacle.
We are among those who are aware of the criticality of the health situation but also of the value of their work and who will therefore continue to carry it out by using technologies and new formats, by adapting and counting on the collaboration of a team with the same mindset, which is rowing in the same direction.
So, during October as well, two magazines have been published: the supplement ICT_Industrial Cleaning Technologies, an issue that tells about different entrepreneurial experiences and that presents an overview of the most diverse industries, offering a tangible testimony of how complex and articulated cleaning processes can be; and the issue of Protective Coatings dedicated to corrosion protection technologies in the wind energy sector, which features numerous articles on the most interesting innovations, from the development in the application of graphene in barrier coatings, to sustainable additives and VpCIs, up to high-performance, two-coat powder systems for the anti-corrosion fields in which liquid paints have always prevailed.
As anticipated, this month we were able to meet the sector in person once again at the BIMU trade fair, held in Milan from 14 to 17 October. An edition that, despite taking place in a health emergency situation, was able to guarantee the safety of all exhibitors and 9000 visitors. For our part, we have found a sector that, like us, still has a lot to say and a great desire to keep doing business, as testified in the pages of our magazines.
And although this new wave has blocked Europe, once again putting the regular running of many scheduled events in the balance, we continue to firmly believe in the importance of exhibitions and in the meeting and networking opportunities they provide to all sector players.
This is why we decided some time ago to represent several leading events in the industrial finishing sector. And so we invite you to meet us from 12 to 14 October 2021 in Karlsruhe at DeburringExpo, the leading trade fair for deburring technologies and precision surface finishing; but also in Monterrey, Mexico, on the occasion of Fabtech Mexico, which from 4 to 6 May will bring together metal manufacturers, presenting the most advanced technologies for forming, manufacturing and finishing of metals.
Not only that, starting from this year we are also the agency for Italy, Spain, Portugal and the DACH region of PaintExpo Eurasia, the fair that brings together professionals of the industrial coating technology industry from Asia and Europe.
Speaking of events, we are working to organize our first digital conference. Initially born as a hybrid event, which should have counted both in-presence and online participants, the new regulations to limit the spread of the pandemic prevented us from keep going forth with this project. So, we adapted the event to a completely digital format to provide to the industry an opportunity to meet, in spite of the currently desolated scenario, event-wise.
The conference, entitled "Architecture and Design of the future: natural materials vs engineered materials", aims to explore the potential of new materials in the field of architecture and design for energy-efficient, sustainable, low-weight, anti-seismic buildings, and for hygienic and smart furnishings, devices and components. It also aims at debunking the idea that new materials are deceptive. The conference will offer interesting project ideas for all players in the construction and design sector, and insights into the latest finishing technologies and use of new materials, presented by several industry experts.
The conference program and the modalities of participation will soon be available.
Last but not least, while this year's students are preparing to conclude their training course with the final exam, at the end of which they will receive the certification valid at Italian and European level as Technician of Industrial Surface Finishing Processes, the division of ipcm® Academy is working on the 2021 professional training program, which includes two training sessions in order to offer companies and workers the utmost flexibility.
We are also working to launch a new website dedicated to the world of ipcm® Academy. A world with which, from today on, you can stay in touch also through the LinkedIn and Facebook pages, which will soon be updated with all the novelties awaiting us in 2021.