Meet young engineers at FEDA’s unique Festival of Tech
How would an exhibition look like if the young generation of engineers were allowed to organize it? That question led the industry association FEDA to announce the Festival of Tech. This unique festival focuses on the young engineers and innovators that the traditional trade fair fails to achieve. We discuss the how and why with Stef van Oss, who not only speaks on behalf of Apex Dynamics but is also a board member of FEDA and supervises the industry association’s event committee.
“The traditional trade fair or exhibitions feel a bit outdated,” says Stef van Oss, who is involved in the Festival of Tech on behalf of Apex Dynamics. “Everyone feels that something different is needed. And this event offers exactly that: a new way to really reach young engineers and tech professionals.
You rarely see that target group at a trade fair. You always speak to the same people, while it is precisely that younger group that prepares the choices, selects the components, and ultimately also becomes the decision-makers of tomorrow. We often miss that contact now.”
A festival for the future
The idea for the Festival came about during a brainstorming session with young engineers, including Stef himself. He is now a board member at FEDA and supervises the event committee. “It started with a rather wild idea – a real festival, with little business and a lot of atmosphere. Over time, that concept has become somewhat more balanced. But the core has remained: not a trade fair with stands full of banners or products, but a place where meeting, knowledge and inspiration are central.
All participating companies will have the same four square meters at their disposal. So you have to be creative. You can put a banner and a table-top there, but then you run the risk that people will skip you. You have to show something, experience something. Companies are challenged to do something special there – something that sticks. Because if someone needs a gearbox at work later on, they have to think: hey, I saw that at the festival.”
On its website the Festival of Tech team writes:
The Festival of Tech is the meeting place for young engineers, professionals, innovators and industry peers from the manufacturing industry. A vibrant event where technology, business, inspiration and knowledge sharing come together in a unique way. No traditional trade fair or boring sessions, but a dynamic festival with inspiring speakers, music, food, drinks, technological workshops, creative business stands and interactive demonstrations.
Inspiration and network
The festival is not only a place to discover companies, but also to learn. “There will be presentations, but no standard sales pitches. We want to invite speakers on current themes such as AI, but also people from outside the technology field who inspire in a different way. It is really meant to be a day full of content, encounters and fun – with music and a closing party.
We want to create a place where you can go as a young engineer with your questions. Where others immediately say: ‘We solved that like this.’ You build a network that does not stop after that one event, but really delivers something for the long term.”
Why Apex is participating
For Apex Dynamics, participation fits perfectly with their way of working. “We have been tired of trade fairs for a long time. We do not want to be on autopilot in a standard hall. We want to do something that fits how we are positioned in the market – progressive, visible and relevant for the next generation.
We were also one of the first companies to commit to a so-called ‘prominent package’. We simply wanted to show right away: we believe in this. And we hope that others will do the same. As far as I am concerned, it is incomprehensible that we are not yet full of participants, although registrations are starting to go well.”
Call to other companies
Although several packages have already been purchased, there are still places available for companies from the manufacturing industry that want to join. “Together we make the festival a success. Without companies there is no content, and without content there are no visitors. So if you are in doubt: this is the time to join.”
The Festival of Tech will take place on September 4, 2025 at the atmospheric LIEF Amsterdam. There is room for 1,000 visitors and 40 participating companies – some of which have already been allocated. Each company will have 4 square meters at its disposal to be visible in a creative and inspiring way. Apex Dynamics will be there in any case and will be happy to present itself.
