With the big appearance at the trade fair in Hanover, several requirements had to be met at the same time. The young organizing team wanted to show that both the people and the numerous products are making a downright heroic contribution to a better, climate-friendly and sustainable future. The apprentices and dual students also had the distinct goal of attracting the interest of new young talent. Many apprenticeship positions remain vacant today and getting young people interested, especially in technology, is now also an enormous challenge for ebm‑papst.

With the independently developed and implemented trade fair concept under the motto “Future Heroes”, the team of apprentices was able to show that ebm‑papst has great confidence in its young talent and gives them responsibility - and thus sets itself apart from other employers.

Kim and her colleagues Melanie and Maximilian, together with their team of 17 young apprentices and dual students, managed the entire planning of the appearance: from the stand concept to product selection, budget control, timing, press communication and personal invitation management for top politicians. In order to be fully prepared for their trade fair appearance, the three had drawn up a training plan that included product training, personality coaching, trade fair training and team-building activities to ensure strong team spirit among the young group. The team had selected mentors in advance who could provide advice and support when needed.

The project had already attracted international attention in the run-up to the trade fair. On site, the concept was a total success. The number of visitors to the stand was twice as high as usual. Many well-known faces from politics and business, including Olaf Scholz, Robert Habeck and Winfried Kretschmann, took the time to get to know the future heroes behind the motto. In addition, ARD, ZDF, n-tv and other TV stations also broadcast reports on the event.

The success of the trade fair has had a lasting effect: the number of applicants to ebm‑papst has risen significantly since then. The company's employees are equally proud of how positively ebm‑papst is perceived by the public. The idea of allowing apprentices to independently take on projects of this magnitude will become firmly established within the company. The “ Future Heroes” have a future.

But the “Future Heroes” are also highly regarded beyond the company's borders. In front of more than 350 guests in Berlin in November 2023, ebm‑papst received the PR Report Award 2023 for its success at the Hannover trade fair. This is the second time the project has won an award. Shortly before that, the corporate communications received the industry's Oscar and was named “Team of the Year” by the Federal Association of Communicators.