Question: Ms. Bakx, why is now the right time for a new renewable energy industry exhibition in Vienna?
Anoushka Bakx: The energy transition is gaining momentum across Europe, and Austria plays an important role in this development. Our location decisions are never random. Our internal research office, DNE Research, continuously analyses European energy markets and identifies regions with strong growth potential. Vienna clearly stood out as a particularly promising location. At the same time, our exhibition format had not yet been present in Austria or in the southern part of Germany. With Solar Solutions Vienna, we are deliberately entering a new region and creating a platform for companies that are already active in this market or want to expand their activities here.
Question: How is the industry responding to the first edition of Solar Solutions Vienna?
Anoushka Bakx: The response has been very positive. Even in the early planning phase, it became clear that there is strong interest in a clearly focused B2B exhibition in this region. Demand for exhibition space has met our expectations, and we have even expanded Solar Solutions Vienna by adding a third exhibition hall. Some exhibitors are already active in Austria and are looking forward to strengthening existing relationships. Others are using Solar Solutions Vienna as an opportunity to enter the Austrian market for the first time.
Question: What makes Solar Solutions Vienna different from other events in the energy sector?
Anoushka Bakx: Our concept is consistently focused on B2B. We bring leading companies from the renewable energy industry together with a qualified professional audience from the region. End consumers are deliberately not part of the exhibition. In terms of content, we focus on four main themes: solar, smart storage, EV charging and green HVAC. This creates an exhibition that presents a broad but clearly structured spectrum of technologies.
Question: What can visitors expect beyond the product exhibition?
Anoushka Bakx: In addition to a strong exhibitor field, we offer a high-quality supporting programme. In the Seminar Area, current market developments, regulatory topics and technological innovations will be discussed. The content is curated by Heiko Schwarzburger, editor-in-chief of photovoltaik and pvEurope. Another highlight is the Innovation Boulevard, where exhibitors present their latest products and solutions.
Question: What expectations do you have for the exhibition premiere in Vienna?
Anoushka Bakx: We are approaching the premiere with great anticipation. Our goal is to create a platform that delivers real value from the very beginning. If exhibitors establish new contacts and visitors gain valuable ideas and partnerships for their projects, then the first edition of Solar Solutions Vienna will already be a success.
