Despite the worldwide economic downturn, show officials for bauma 2010 believe activity will be strong when the international show returns to Munich, Germany.
Messe Munchen International met with select members of the press at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas to discuss plans for one of largest trade shows on the planet.
“We would love to expand the space,” said Eugen Egetenmeir, deputy managing director for Messe Munchen International. “We may be able to expand a little, but it will not be tremendous space.”
The bauma show is coming off its most successful event, drawing 500,000—160,000 from outside of Germany—attendees and 3,000 exhibitors in 2007. Expected numbers for the 2010 show have not been released, but Egetenmeir cited three reasons why bauma 2010 may be recession-proof: bauma is “truly a global show, with 50% of exhibitors coming outside of Germany”; the show carries a comprehensive and complete range of products; and innovation continues to set the tone.
“Those three makes bauma a must-attend show,” contested Egetenmeir.
Show officials also have received positive vibes from a similar show. BAU 2009, a construction materials show held in Munich in January, experienced an increase in attendance.
“But our target is not to increase the numbers just to increase the numbers,” claimed Egetenmeir. “Our target is to get quality people.”
Bauma 2010, which will take place April 19-25, recently named India as a partner region, a move that could bulk up show numbers.