As a result of companies exhibiting for the first time and previous exhibitors taking larger stands, PCIM Europe 2012 (8 - 10 May in Nuremberg) has grown to a gross exhibition area of 16,500 square meters (compared to 13,300 in 2011). 363 exhibitors (298 in 2011) and 88 represented companies (67 in 2011) will be showcasing the most comprehensive range of power electronics, intelligent motion, renewable energy and energy management products. 57% of the exhibitors come from abroad, mostly from the US, followed by Great Britain, Italy, France and China. The numbers of exhibitors from China and the United States, in particular, have increased considerably in 2012; the number of Chinese exhibitors has almost tripled in three years. Highlights of this year's PCIM Europe include the forum with panel discussions, a Round Table session and VIP interviews, the energy storage focus area, the ECPE pavilion with electric buggies and an electric sports car, and the semica job market. For three days engineers from industry and science will exchange their knowledge and ideas at the PCIM Europe Conference which will take place in parallel with the exhibition. Over 230 technical papers will be delivered for the first time in 28 lectures and two poster sessions, with the focus on solutions and developments from the users' perspective. Renowned experts in the field will offer a comprehensive training program on power electronics in a series of seminars and tutorials given on the two days prior to the conference. These will range from basic courses for beginners to expert tutorials for the experienced design engineer with specialist training needs. www.pcim-europe.com
