Increased Exhibitor and Visitor Participation at Glasstec 2002

More than 54,000 visitors from 76 nations came to the trade fair to view the new technologies. Compared to the show’s last staging in 2000, participation increased by 2,000 attendees and 114 exhibitors while an additional 64,500 square feet of net exhibit space was occupied.

“Glasstec is one of the most successful events in the trade fair program of Messe Düsseldorf. Quality and quantity at the same time. In regard to exhibitor figures, occupied space and visitor quality, glasstec is the No. 1 event worldwide,” stated Horst Klosterkemper, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf.

Internationalism and quality were keywords at glasstec 2002. More than 50 percent of the visitors and 58 percent of the exhibitors were from countries other than Germany; 70 percent of the attendees were from the top management, and the exhibitors represented all market leaders.

With 201 companies, Italy was the leading foreign exhibitor nation, followed by the United States (60 exhibitors), Great Britain (53 exhibitors), Belgium (48 companies) and France (43 exhibitors). Included in the U.S. figure are 16 companies, which showcased their products in the successful North American Pavilion, organized by Messe Düsseldorf North America and co-sponsored by the National Glass Association (NGA).

The majority of the visitors were interested in glass processing and finishing (53 percent), glass manufacturing (40 percent), glass products and applications (40 percent) as well as tools and replacement parts (28 percent).

The exhibits at glasstec 2002 were supported by the “glass technology live” special presentation and symposium, which attracted a large number of architects, designers, university faculty and students.

Martin Nagel, president of glasstec 2002, summed up the success of the show: “We did not allow the overall negative economic atmosphere to adversely affect the show. We know the problems of the medium sized companies, but we also know how flexible glass craftsmen react. Their innovations are not only strong enough to establish themselves in new market segments but also to send signals. Glasstec 2002 is such a signal.”