Trade fairs successful despite current economic climate
14 May 2009
The current economic climate is causing many people to fear a slow down in key industry sectors. Yet, this does not seem to be the case with regards to the process and offshore industries. Hannover Messe in April, last week’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), Houston, Texas, as well as ACHEMA this week have proven to be just as successful as ever.
ACHEMA 2009 opened on Monday in Frankfurt, Germany, and will remain open until Friday 15th May.
Believed to be bigger than ACHEMA 2006, 4,000 exhibitors from 50 different countries once again welcomed some 180,000 visitors from all over the world. The leading worldwide event of the process industries is still successful, despite the economic turbulences. It seems that in a time like this exhibitors have recognised the importance of setting up new business connections globally as well as exhibiting their new technologies and products. Read further on in this week's newsletter for examples.
The proportion of international exhibitors at ACHEMA has continued to grow. The quota of foreign exhibitors at ACHEMA 2009 has increased by approximately 2% compared to 2006. Noticeably, the number of Chinese companies has increased at this year’s event. In 2006, 57 of Chinese companies have attended, this year at least 84 companies have attended.
The successfulness of trade shows, despite the massive economic slowdown was also shown in America last week at the OTC, the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection.
Attendance at the 2009 OTC, which ran from the 4th to 7th May 2009, showed a strong start from the very first day, with registration on-site being higher than 2008. The final attendance approached the 65,000 mark.
“…the exhibition is the largest since 1982,” said OTC 2009 Chairperson Don Vardeman. “Even in the face of global economic situation and initial flu concerns, OTC remains THE show to attend for offshore resources development.”
Judging by the interest at both Achema and the OTC show, you wouldn't guess that the world is in the middle of its worst economic crisis in nearly 80 years. Trade fairs can help businesses that are hurting from the economic crisis through tough times, and help generate sales. There is light at the end of the tunnel.