GERMANY – The German trade fair industry has shown promise of resurgence in the first quarter of 2011, following a marked decline beginning in 2009 and leveling off in 2010.
Speaking at the annual press conference for the Association of German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA), chairman Hans-Joachim Boekstegers (pictured) said the growth shown by many of Germany’s industrial sectors has had a positive effect on exhibitions.
“The mood among exhibitors and visitors was positive, and overall in 2011 we expect their numbers to rise by approximately three per cent,” said Boekstegers. “We also expect a slight increase in the amount of rented space.”
He added that general conditions for 2012 look good so far, as the economies of Germany and other countries continue to grow. In this context, many of the companies exhibiting at trade fairs are optimistic about the near future.
Compared to 2009, figures from last year show a slowing pace of decline in terms of rented space (2009: -6%, 2010: -3.2%) and visitor numbers (2009: -8.4%, 2010: -0.8%). In terms of exhibitor demographics, more than half of exhibitors came from abroad. About one quarter of visitors were from outside Germany.
Shows organised outside of Germany by German companies grew significantly to 226 in 2010, following a 2009 drop year from 220 to 211.
AUMA last year predicted 2011 would see growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers.
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