We were very excited to hear that FABTECH was going to be back again in Chicago this year. Our team was contemplating what would be a good way to socially interact. After such a long time of constrained in-person interaction, the show would be great way to get together again. The imaginativeness of the team brought to life an event at our facility, that fostered a perfect balance for people that attended the show to have an opportunity to meet with business partners and friends. A good way to come together again and put our human nature longings again in the forefront to socialize and spend time together. The idea of an Oktoberfest @ WIKUS became reality.
The Oktoberfest history originates from the State of Bavaria in Germany. The fest was first held in 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Back then the celebration was for the people of Bavaria, later combined with various trade fares at the Theresienwiese (Theresas greens called today “Wiesn”). Nowadays, the Oktoberfest is known around the world, an entertaining event with music and traditional beer.
On a beautiful late summer day, the WIKUS “Wiesn” was held at the facility in Addison. End users, distribution partners, suppliers and various guests, were greeted by our team in an authentic towering Bavarian style tent. Guests from far and near had arrived, to have the firsthand opportunity to participate. The event started with a seminar on sawing in the 21st century, learning more about the challenges & solutions of today and in the future (Mike Masters, CTO). The production team (lead by Manny Johnson) lead the guests through a detailed facility tour, showing the numerous quality and added values that customers can enjoy. Pointing out what makes WIKUS a leader in the band sawing world. Well received was the opportunity for the visitors to weld blades themselves and learn how WIKUS makes its Pretzels.
And then… yes… after many great questions, it was time for the Oktoberfest to kickoff. Georgi Jossifov welcomed everyone and thanked them for visiting, as the 
next hours, would be spent together (in-person) forging, re-forging partnerships and friendships. A great band took over the entertainment, with various German and contemporary music repertoires. As the band drifted into the background, the conversations amongst visitors and hosts, moved into the forefront. Every so often one could hear the band drift back in with an invitation to raise the large glasses to “Prosit” toast to each other. All this was compliment with continuous replenishment of contemporary German food towers, and yes, that kept the event going. A familiar and longed for sight to see people together again, in conscious to the times, social Oktoberfest setting to be remembered.
A huge thank you to all the visitors from near and far, as well as to the team that made this event happen. The well chosen presentations, event style & ambiance, the great conversations, and the new acquaintances seem to have left great impression and set presidents for future events to come.
