As the dust settles after Hannover Messe 2025, we wanted to reflect on the incredible experiences and valuable insights we gained – as the only learning and development exhibitor at the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology.
What We Learned
Hannover Messe allowed us to interact with industry leaders, manufacturers, and innovators from around the globe. NGen Canada provided invaluable guidance and support, especially for us being first-time attendees. This was incredibly helpful.
The opportunity to pitch our Virtual Glass™ platform to manufacturers and showcase how it can drive leadership development and bridge the skills gap was rewarding and put us in front of key companies for a potential partnership.
One of the key takeaways was learning how technology in manufacturing continues to evolve faster than most people can keep up. While Industry 4.0 has transformed the industry with automation, AI, and robotics, the human side of this transformation is often neglected. Companies are investing heavily in technical training but are overlooking the importance of developing soft skills like leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. This leaves frontline leaders unprepared to manage technological change effectively, highlighting a significant gap that needs to be addressed.
What Stood Out
The sheer scale of Hannover Messe was impressive. More than 240 Canadian exhibitors and 1,200 Canadian participants made our country a dominant force at the event. The camaraderie and sense of pride among Canadian exhibitors was contagious especially as we celebrated our country’s leadership in automation, robotics, clean tech, and AI. The presence of Canadian food and beverages, courtesy of NGen, brought a homey touch to the international event, strengthening the sense of community among attendees.
Another standout moment was the opportunity to collaborate with our German facilitator, who engaged with local manufacturers and shared insights on how learning and development can help overcome challenges faced by companies in Europe.
What Can Be Tied into Learning and Development
We observed a trend where manufacturers, under pressure to implement the latest technological innovations, were neglecting the human element. The result? Unprepared leaders who lacked the skills needed to manage change, effectively integrate new technologies, and support their teams through transitions.
We also reaffirmed that technical training must be paired with soft skills training. We need leaders who are not only equipped to handle new technologies but are also capable of communicating, motivating, and supporting their teams effectively.
The European Commission’s presentation further reinforced the need for continuous learning, with 70% of companies reporting that lack of skills hampers their investment. Their goal of having 60% of adults participate in training every year by 2030 is a clear call to action for all industries, including manufacturing, to invest in ongoing workforce development.
Why We Wanted to Participate
Our mission is to be a learning partner for manufacturers. We want to help businesses equip their leaders with the skills needed to succeed in this age of constant technology-driven change, and we have a proven methodology to do this. Hannover Messe offered us a unique platform to connect with like-minded professionals and companies facing the same challenges of skills gaps, technology integration, and leadership development.
We saw this as an opportunity to expand into new markets and find new customers who understand the importance of investing in technical training and soft skills development. Our goal is to continue supporting manufacturers in their journey to adapt and succeed in the age of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, and beyond.
