History of OTWorld

In 1973 the German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (Bundesinnungsverband für Orthopädie-Technik) invited colleagues to the first annual get together in what was then still a divided Berlin; with it came a programme of specialist events and an exhibition. In 1976 the event opened its doors in Düsseldorf as 'ORTHOPÄDIE TECHNIK international'. The event was re-christened 'ORTHOPÄDIE + REHA-TECHNIK international' in 1985, in consequence of an extension of the product areas.

The continual growth in exhibitor and visitor numbers, the extension of the range of products and services, the level of internationality and the bringing together, in the one trade fair and congress, of all the specialist groups and professions involved in the rehabilitation process made the event into the sector's number 1 platform worldwide. In 2013 the event was re-named OTWorld.

In 2020 the sector got together virtually at OTWorld.connect for the first time. Due to the coronavirus pandemic a physical event was not possible but the organisers were determined to respond to the increased need for information by offering a platform for exchange. OTWorld was therefore conducted solely virtually in October 2020, hosting a live-streamed World Congress and additional digital product worlds which made it one of the first virtual events in the industry. This way a possibility to exchange knowledge, ideas and contact details was created despite travel restrictions and lockdowns. The high and worldwide response to the virtual event once more confirmed the position of OTWorld as the world's leading industry congress.

There is, however, one thing that has emphatically not changed: skilled craftsmen and women, industry, doctors and orthopaedic technicians all come to OTWorld to discuss and to share their experiences and knowledge. Inter-professional interchange and internationality remain the basis for the success of this unique global sector venue.