Open minded. Open space. Open for business.

[German version here] First meetings are always special. Often you are asked to introduce yourself. So what do you say, introducing yourself to a group of car guys? "I'm driving a Mini", I said. "Cabriolet, guess it fits my open mind." Ever since, the Mini served as a sometimes quiet, sometimes roaring companion whenever I thought about the new IAA. The electric version is available with closed roof only. More than six months have passed since this meeting in Berlin, many people have invested a lot of work, and on June 1 the concept of the new IAA was presented to the public in Munich. The new IAA will no longer be just a trade show for sure – beyond the halls, the main attraction will be its Open Space right in the heart of the city. And yes… right after the concept release, the show is now open for business! Join in, have a look at the new IAA website, or re-live the Concept Release event. And let me briefly explain the three big Opens.

Open minded

One of the As in IAA stands for automobile, so no surprise, cars will play their important role, as will fascinating innovations and technology. Yet I really like the open-mindedness that comes with the new concept: to embrace new digital worlds and start-ups, of course – and in particular, to include intelligent traffic solutions and visionary thinking. Everything that shapes tomorrow’s mobility is on display, in discussion, and experienced. Mobility is an important prerequisite for encounters, wealth and further development. Mobility is not an "either/or", but rather an "and": In modern life, mobility is interconnected. Nobody just uses one mode of Transportation. Yes, I like to drive my car. And I like cycling out in the green. I walk on foot as much as I can. Public transport is most efficient for my daily commute, well, at least it used to be in pre-home office times. In the future, who knows, we will take flight taxis. Everyone has a different pattern here, yet who thinks through all of this, optimisies the ecosystem? The IAA 2021 is all set up for an open dialogue on the future of mobility, and ideally, even more: as a unifying platform for its creation.

Open space

We maintain high standards for professional trade shows in Germany, as the Summit part of the IAA in the halls of the Munich Trade Fair Center will certainly prove again, completely geared to business needs. At the same time, Munich maintains high levels of hospitality. This is why I am so glad that a big part of IAA will take place at the very heart of the city: the Open Space, which will turn downtown Munich into a mobility experience for everyone. I’m very much looking forward to see people not only discuss and exchange ideas on mobility all around Odeonsplatz, but also trying out new concepts directly. Vehicle highlights, autonomous means of transport, micro-mobility circuits – IAA visitors will be able to experience all levels of mobility. And to take test drives, behind the steering wheel and on the cargo bike, e-bike, or e-scooter. Yes, I am very much looking forward to it.

Open for business

All in all? The IAA in Munich will really be an entirely new IAA. Cars are coming home, as Bavarian prime minister Markus S?der put it at the Concept Release; while automotive is a key sector of our economy, the IAA is its real gem. Tech is welcome, startups are welcome, criticists are welcome - the world is welcome. Or as Martin Koers put it, "The new IAA will be the Davos of mobility." Anyway, the release of the new concept marks the start of a unique mobility platform with global relevance, according to the brochure. So be part of this new movement from the very beginning. Get in touch with the project team to see how you can best participate. And then,14 months to go, ample time to set the stage and get prepared, for the mobility of the future.

#IAA21. See you in Munich, September 7 to 12, 2021!

Disclaimer: Still thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to the Messe München application for IAA over the last couple of months. Thanks again, Klaus Dittrich, and now all the best to Tobias Gr?ber, Christine von Breitenbuch and all their team mates in Berlin and Munich!