Even before the first edition of the Precision Fair was taken care of, Mikrocentrum was already active in the fields of metrology, laser technology, and optics - all important aspects within precision technology. “In addition, we had already built up experience with the Plastics Fair and CADCAM System”, Hans Houdijk recalls. “So at some point, we thought that it would be very logical to organize such an event around precision technology as well.” In 2000, the necessary decisions were made, so that in the following year the first Precision Fair could actually take place. “Because such an exhibition did not yet exist, the acquisition of exhibitors was quite a job. But everyone in the sector understood that we could offer significant added value with the fair. With about sixty exhibitors, we had a great start.” Sharing knowledge, connecting people and doing business together From the start, Houdijk and his colleagues made sure that the Precision Fair was more than ‘just’ an event. “It’s not only about selling a product. It is, as always at Mikrocentrum, about sharing knowledge, connecting people, and doing business together. That meant that from the beginning, our conference program was also an important part of the event. As were the opportunities to be, or become, part of our large network.” The selection of participants also always played an important role. “Apart from perhaps the first few years, we have always had to deal with a waiting list. That made it possible for us to have a strict selection of participants. Of course, we want to prevent industry-strange participants from making an appearance. That would quickly diminish the value of the event.” At the same time, the fair has always looked for opportunities to grow. Until the 19th edition, that was always within the walls of NH Conference Center Koningshof in Veldhoven; this year the Precision Fair takes place in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. “NH Koningshof always helps us very well, for example in the years when we added a semi-permanent hall to make our wishes come true. This allowed us to accommodate almost 300 exhibitors. Due to the coronavirus, we needed extra space to meet the Dutch government’s regulations. Therefore, we’ve moved the Precision Fair to the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. This also gave us the opportunity to create extra space for current and new exhibitors.” Motion control, Mechatronics and Module building Houdijk has seen and enabled many developments over the years. “To name a few of them: from paper and fax, we went to completely digital processes. The universities and knowledge institutes made their appearance, as did - very importantly - the Big Science program with CERN in it, among others. A Vision Pavilion was added and medical technology made its appearance. But the most fundamental, underlying development has to do with the change of focus: it went from the separate parts of our playing field to a more comprehensive, combined approach. Motion control, Mechatronics, and Module building now play an important role with almost all participants: that provides an integration of all the separate functions.” When asked if there is one highlight he wants to point to specifically, Houdijk has to think for a moment. “Then I would choose the very first edition. When we immediately demonstrated the value of the fair to all participants and visitors, including the well-attended lectures and presentations, then we knew for sure: we’ve got something lasting here. And it turns out that even after 20 editions we are still growing.” “It’s not only about selling a product. It is, as always at Mikrocentrum, about sharing knowledge, connecting people, and doing business together.” 17
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