Ironically for a blog about cutting edge technology, digital excellence and future solutions, I'm going to begin with a history lesson.
In October 1714, the Elector of Hanover ascended the throne in London as King George I. Four Georges and a William ruled the small German Principality and the British Empire together for 123 years.
The 300th anniversary of what is known as the Personal Union - the link between the British Royal Family and the House of Hanover - is being celebrated in both countries next year.
Historical exhibitions, cultural and sporting exchanges and grand celebrations will mark the closeness of the relationship of this important part of Germany with the UK.
For me, in my commercial world, the centrepiece of the year of celebration comes earlier in the year, in March at CeBIT, the world's largest IT trade fair.
If you haven't heard of CeBIT, you will certainly have done so by the 14th of March next year (particularly if you read this blog, as I'm going to write about it every month).
The reason CeBIT is taking on such significance is the UK has been chosen as Partner Country for the show.
Now for those who don't know German trade shows, let me paint a picture of what being Partner Country means.
Imagine an expanse of land - more than 74 football pitches' worth - covered with 17 enormous halls filled with thousands of exhibitor companies showcasing their products and services to hundreds of thousands of visitors over a week.
From the most well known of global players to the smallest (but often most innovative) SMEs, the halls will be littered with examples of technological excellence highlighting their skills in areas such as e-health, cybersecurity, smart cities and big data.
A Congress will be taking place throughout the week in the main conference centre, featuring some of the biggest names in the sector, from business and academia, showcasing new technologies and future trends. One of the highlights will be Jimmy Wales - if you don't know who he is, look him up on Wikipedia.
There will be networking events and product demonstrations and world premieres - and millions of pounds worth of business being done.
And now imagine the UK at the very heart of it.
We will have 150 UK companies (triple the number from last year) exhibiting their world leading products on a giant GREAT-branded stand.
Our IT sector is worth £58 billion and employs 1.3 million - the leading market for software and IT services in Europe.
Some of our finest start-ups will compete to win exhibition space to be part of this centrepiece.
Companies with products such as 3D Holograms, robots, virtual tours software, server systems cooled by liquids or tracking devices will be on show.
The UK, an attractive destination for world-leading tech firms such as Microsoft, SAP, Samsung Electronics and Software AG will also be showcasing itself. Tech City, the digital hub growing spectacularly in the East of London will be well represented.
We will run a British Business Lounge - a place where innovative companies can meet their clients and show off their technologies and ideas.
The Congress will feature British speakers at its heart. Giants in the sector (we'll let you know the names in due course) will be pacing the stage, telling the world of our prowess in IT, talking about their cutting edge work, their view of the future and how the UK will remain at the very centre of it.
Beyond just the IT sector, the best of British will be on show.
Our food and drink will be served in the Lounge and at all our events, British music will feature in the opening ceremony - a grand affair with 2,500 guests in the centre of Hannover - and British cars will shuttle VIPs around the showgrounds.
And, lest I forget our history lesson, a dinner for global CEOs will be hosted at Schloss Herrenhausen, the historic home of the Elector of Hanover recently re-opened by Their Royal Highnesses Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
6 comments
Comment by Bernd Hoeck posted on
Only a few days left, before CeBIT kicks off in Hannover. If you need any more reason to visit CeBIT, you might want to read our article "Three Reasons Why UK IT Companies Should Use CeBIT to Explore Go-to-Market Opportunities in Germany" …
http://www.bloodsugarmagic.com/index.php/blog-en/item/three-reasons-why-uk-it-companies-should-use-cebit-to-explore-go-to-market-opportunities-in-germany
Comment by CEBIT 2014 posted on
It Great Event MOre than 4000 + Company Are participation on the Exhibition Show… WE are also part in 2014 cebit Meet Us On Cebit — Hall No 6, Stand D-04, Stall No. 6, from 10-14 march 2014..
Comment by CEBIT 2014 posted on
It Great Event MOre than 4000 + Company Are participation on the Exhibition Show… WE are also part in 2014 cebit Meet Us On Cebit — Hall No 6, Stand D-04, Stall No. 6, from 10-14 march 2014..
Comment by Bernd Hoeck posted on
Thank you, UKTI, for a great show at CeBIT 2014. UK’s partnership with CeBIT substantially pays off for the country and UK IT firms have successfully explored go-to-market opportunities in Germany at CeBIT. UK startup Viewsy wins Code_n Innovation Award. You might want to read more here: http://www.bloodsugarmagic.com/index.php/blog-en/item/uk-rocks-cebit-2014
Comment by Bernd Hoeck posted on
Thank you, UKTI, for a great show at CeBIT 2014. UK’s partnership with CeBIT substantially pays off for the country and UK IT firms have successfully explored go-to-market opportunities in Germany at CeBIT. UK startup Viewsy wins Code_n Innovation Award. You might want to read more here: http://www.bloodsugarmagic.com/index.php/blog-en/item/uk-rocks-cebit-2014
Comment by Brett Hooper posted on
It is a really great show in CeBIT. Thank you UKTI for this.