Hanover, Germany – EuroBLECH 2010 closed its doors last week after five successful exhibition days. In total, 61,300 visitors attended this year to see 1,455 exhibitors from 43 countries displaying a wide range of innovative solutions, cutting edge technology and an enormous amount of live machine demonstration on display.
More than ever, this year’s EuroBLECH was the focus of the global sheet metal working industry for its role as the world’s leading trade exhibition and trend barometer for this industry sector.
“After a difficult time, the sheet metal working industry is on the up again. Large increases in business activities have been reported by many of our exhibiting companies, and the general atmosphere at our exhibition was very positive,” explains Nicola Hamann, Exhibition Director of EuroBLECH 2010, on behalf of the organizers Mack Brooks Exhibitions.
In the current economic climate, approaching new markets was the main aim for the exhibitors at EuroBLECH 2010, according to the first exhibition survey.
“We are therefore delighted to be able to report that EuroBLECH 2010 was more international than ever. 46% of our exhibitors came from outside Germany; and we could again increase our traditionally high percentage of international visitors. 39% of this year’s visitors came from outside Germany compared to 35% last time,” says Hamann.
The first exhibition survey data show that top visitor countries outside Germany were Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Poland, and the United Kingdom. However, the Czech Republic and Russia were well represented as well. Visitor attendance from Asia and the US has increased substantially since 2008.
“The overall attendance at this year’s show is in line with what we expected. It was obvious that after such a difficult time for this industry sector, we could not match the figures of the record event in 2008. We see it as a big success for the sheet metal working industry and its leading trade show EuroBLECH to be able to announce results that are comparable to 2006,” adds Hamann.
The preliminary exhibition survey also shows that EuroBLECH 2010 had an above-average increase in visitors with decision-making capacity; almost every second visitor came to the show with the intention of buying. At this year’s EuroBLECH, 99.9% of all visitors were trade visitors.
EuroBLECH 2010 received excellent evaluations from both visitors and exhibitors, from inside and outside Germany, says the exhibition group. Participants were highly satisfied, particularly with the comprehensive range of products on offer and with the international flavor of the show. Some 75% of all exhibiting companies intend to exhibit again at the next show, EuroBLECH 2012, according to the exhibition group.