The three trade shows recorded increased visitor numbers and high quality buyers
Expoquimia, Eurosurfas and Equiplast take a confident step forward on their road towards the World Chemical Summit
The trade shows Expoquimia, Eurosurfas and Equiplast brought the curtain down today on an edition marked by the boost to their international vocation. The number of high calibre visitors, essentially decision-makers, increased by 11% compared to the previous event. Along with optimistic forecasts within the sector, this means that the three events can take a confident step forward on the road to their transformation into the future World Chemical Summit, a global benchmark event for the chemical, surface treatments and plastics and rubber sectors.
Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition centre closed its doors today on the simultaneous edition of the three trade shows, which together accounted for more than 600 exhibitors, over 200 innovations, 300 business meetings under the umbrella of the WICAP forum, 50 global projects and 160 activities, including congresses, seminars, conferences and presentations. A few hours after the end of the shows, it was estimated that around 38,000 trade professionals had visited the Gran Via venue since 30 September. This is practically the same number of visitors as in 2011, but this year spread over one fewer day.
According to the show’s director, Pilar Navarro, the results of this edition are very positive in that “they give us an indication that we’re on the right track to becoming the future World Chemical Summit, an international bridge between science and industry.” Meanwhile, the president of Expoquimia, Luis Serrano, highlighted “the sector’s excellent response to and interest in the show,” at a time when “we are seeing the first positive signs of economic recovery.”
In this respect, during the show the Business Federation of the Spanish Chemical Industry (FEIQUE) announced the economic forecast for the sector for the coming two years, which envisages an increase in turnover of 3.2% in 2014 and of 4% in 2015, thus exceeding 59,300 million euros. Up until 2015, exports are expected to grow by 7.3%, turning over some 32,400 million euros.
The strength of the Spanish chemical industry and its influence on the wellbeing of present-day society was reflected in the ¿Smart Chemistry Smart Future’ project, which showcased the contributions that this industry makes in key areas such as energy, water, health and smart cities, which proved very popular with visitors.
The next edition of Expoquimia, Eurosurfas and Equiplast will be held on 1¿5 October 2017 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition centre once again.
Barcelona, 3 October 2014
www.eurosurfas.com
www.equiplast.com/