U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will travel to Hannover, Germany from April 24-27 to attend the 2016 Hannover Messe, the world’s largest trade fair for industrial technology. President Obama is leading the overall U.S. delegation. The visit is an opportunity to celebrate the deep partnership between the U.S. and Germany, showcase innovation taking place on both sides of the Atlantic, and address issues of great significance to the U.S., Germany, and the entire European Union. 

This is the first time the U.S. has served as the the official partner country for the fair since its inception in 1947, and the first time a sitting U.S. president has participated. During the Fair, Secretary Pritzker will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and engage with the companies and organizations in attendance that comprise the largest-ever U.S. delegation to Hannover Messe. She will also participate on the following panels and roundtables throughout the event:

Sunday, April 24

• The Future of Manufacturing Economic Forum  (Begins at 2 p.m. GMT +2)
• President Obama’s Arrival Ceremony (Begins at 3:00 p.m. +2)
• 2016 Hannover Messe Opening Ceremony (Watch live at 6 p.m. GMT +2)

Monday, April 25

• Opening of the U.S. National Pavilion and Tour of Trade Show Floor (Begins at 9:00 a.m. GMT +2)
• U.S.-German Business Summit (Begins at 11 a.m. GMT +2)
• Siemens Delegation Armchair Discussion (Begins at 2 p.m. GMT +2)
• Workforce Development Panel (Begins at 3 p.m. GMT +2)
• Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews hosts Facebook Live Chat with Jay Timmons, NAM (Begins at 3:15 p.m. GMT +2)
• Digital Transformation of Industry-The U.S. Perspective (Begins at 4:10 p.m. GMT +2)
• TTIP – big gains for small firms (Begins at 5 p.m. GMT +2)

Tuesday, April 26

• Hannover Messe 2016 Booth Walking Tour (Begins at 11 a.m. GMT+2)
• Herrenhausen Gala (Begins at 6:55 p.m. GMT +2)

The United States and Germany share a deep, abiding, and strong friendship based on mutual respect, rooted in our common values, and anchored in shared leadership on the world’s most pressing challenges. This visit underscores the U.S. commitment to trade and investment as drivers of job creation and economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. It also provides an important opportunity to address key issues facing the U.S.-Germany and U.S.-European relationship, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, and the Digital Single Market.

As “America’s Innovation Agency,” the Department of Commerce is leading  U.S. efforts to promote America’s world-class businesses, products, innovations, and investment climate for this year’s Fair, themed “Integrated Industry – Discover Solutions.” During Hannover Messe, Secretary Pritzker will participate on panels to discuss important issues that impact both countries including workforce development, the digital economy, and trade.  

In addition to her visit to Hannover, Secretary Pritzker will travel to Hamburg to tour the Port of Hamburg and discuss the critical role that infrastructure plays in boosting competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. Secretary Pritzker will also see Cisco’s Smart City Showroom to learn how innovation can help to alleviate infrastructure challenges, and explore opportunities for further public-private sector partnerships.