DKM 2020 Goes Virtual: The Insurance Industry's Premier Digital Trade Fair Experience

The global COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation or postponement of hundreds of trade fairs in 2020, and the renowned insurance industry event, DKM, was no exception. In early August, the organizer, bbg Betriebsberatungs GmbH, made the difficult decision to cancel the physical event at Dortmund's Westfalenhalle. "We started this DKM year full of anticipation. New formats and concepts promised a top-tier fair. That's why the decision to cancel the DKM 2020 as we all know it was particularly hard," explained bbg Managing Director Konrad Schmidt at the time.

However, insurance agents, brokers, and industry professionals will not have to forgo the essential trade fair experience entirely. The show will go on—digitally. From October 26 to 29, 2020, the DKM will transform into a virtual industry gathering under the motto "digital.persönlich" (digital.personal). The focus of this online convergence will be networking, information, and professional development for the insurance sector.

A Seamless Transition to a Digital Platform

The move from the traditional venue in Dortmund to the digital realm is already complete. According to a press release, numerous exhibitors have confirmed their participation, though the exact current number is not specified. For context, the previous year's physical event hosted 358 exhibitors. This virtual format presents a unique opportunity to reach a new, potentially broader audience of insurance professionals who may not have been able to travel to Dortmund.

Robust Virtual Program: Congresses, Workshops, and Star Speakers

The core of DKM's value has always been its educational content, and the virtual edition amplifies this with an extensive program. Participants can look forward to:

• 15 Congresses & 116 Workshops: A full schedule designed for insurance professional development, covering the latest trends, regulations, and business strategies.
• Speaker's Corner with Prominent Keynotes: The virtual stage will feature an impressive lineup of thought leaders, including:
  • Jan Frodeno: World-champion triathlete on performance and resilience.
  • Matthias Horx: Renowned futurist on post-corona trends.
  • Clemens Fuest & Marcel Fratzscher: Leading economists providing crucial macroeconomic insights.
• Live Studio Broadcasts: The event's highlights will be produced and streamed live from a TV studio.

Digital Networking and Exhibitor Engagement

Beyond passive viewing, the platform aims to facilitate meaningful interaction. Participants will be able to:

• Access detailed exhibitor profiles for product and provider information.
• Engage in personal exchanges with conversation partners via a "digital handshake."
• Schedule small discussion rounds and participate in interactive Q&A sessions.

This focus on virtual networking ensures that the event remains a crucial hub for making new contacts and strengthening existing business relationships within the insurance industry.

The Future of Trade Fairs: A Hybrid Model Emerges

While committed to the digital present, the organizers are already looking ahead. "As trade fair organizers, we remain convinced of the advantages of face-to-face conversation. Therefore, we will reunite the industry in Dortmund next year," says Konrad Schmidt. However, he acknowledges a permanent shift: "With DKM 2020 digital.persönlich, an important transformation has been initiated. The digital knowledge acquired and practiced this year will also change the following fairs."

This statement hints at the future of industry events: a likely hybrid model that combines the global reach and accessibility of a virtual platform with the irreplaceable value of in-person meetings. DKM 2020 serves as a pioneering case study in how the insurance sector can adapt, innovate, and continue to foster community and knowledge sharing in a changing world.

For insurance agents, brokers, company representatives, and fintech innovators, the virtual DKM 2020 represents an unmissable opportunity to stay at the forefront of the industry, gain insights from global experts, and connect with peers—all from the safety and convenience of their own offices.