BERLIN, Germany — The 15th Showtech, a biannual trade event which ran from June 7-9, drew more than 7,520 attendees to the Exhibition Center Berlin. The turnout was just a slight dip from the previous record (7,813 in 2009) and included a noticeable increase in international visitors. Surveys also revealed less economic gloom among attendees and exhibitors.
Organizers for the trade event noted that the share of international trade show visitors went up five percent to 32 percent of the total number of attendees, with visitors from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe accounting for the largest part of the increase.
A total of 322 exhibitors presented products and services targeting stage and event technology. “This year’s trade show demonstrated that the industry has left the crisis behind for good and is looking forward with realistic optimism,” said Showtech Event Director Markus Jessberger at the close of the trade show.
A survey of those attending indicated less economic gloom, with 40 percent of the theatres and event companies interviewed expecting a positive development both in the overall economic climate and their own business situation. At the previous Showtech, held in 2009, only 18 percent had held that view. By the same token, only 19 percent of the theatres and companies polled in the survey expect developments in the industry to stagnate. Two years ago, that number was still 41 percent.
Showtech exhibitors also showed signs of optimism, with 56 percent of them expect “very good” or “good” medium-term economic developments, and another 19 percent consider the prospects at least “satisfactory.” Another improving trend was the willingness to invest.
The next Showtech, also in Berlin, will take place June 18-20, 2013.
For more information, please visit www.showtech.de.
