BOLOGNA, Italy — The show floors this year at Autopromotec 2011 are expected to be more crowded, according to event organizers, as the exhibition experiences unprecedented growth for yet another year.
The 24th biennial edition of Autopromotec 2011 is the largest event, growing this year to include more educational topics and charitable contributions.
There are 1,473 exhibitors at the event, up 2 percent from the last show in 2009. Thirty-seven percent of the companies come from 50 countries outside Italy.
“This result is unprecedented,” says Emanule Vincentini, promotion and development for Autopromotec. During an international press conference, he adds that this reveals “the remarkably international character of Autopromotec.”
Autopromotec also is focusing on more than just the show itself, implementing AutopromotecEDU, a commitment to organizing meetings between shows. According to show organizers, AutopromotecEDU’s purpose is to provide information and updates to stakeholders, developing specific training sessions on areas that need innovation to meet market demands. Conferences throughout the four days of the show are just the starting point for this.
Between the growth and new initiatives is more information on the show floor. Booths in multiple buildings around the fairgrounds are filled with demonstrations on everything from tire changes to brake pads, paint booths and car washes.
“We’re starting to increase the number of companies that will exhibit at Autopromtec,” Vincentini says of the spare parts and car services area. That area is of interest to many buyers looking to service independent repair shops.
Growth in occurring in other areas, including the new and retread tires and tire equipment area of the 1.5 million square foot show. But one of the strong suits of Autopromotec is the tool and equipment services for both body shops and independent shops.
“That is the sector that makes us strong than any other trade show,” Vincentini explains.
The international character also is found on the show floor, as more U.S. companies are exhibiting at the show than in the past. Also, there are more than 100 delegates attending from 15 countries including the United States, Mexico and several European, African, Middle Eastern and Asian countries. The delegations include buyers looking to bring back contracts to their respective countries.
Other associations and organizations also find ways to make their marks on the show. Once again this year, FIGIEFA, the international federation and political representative for distributors, is hosting its assembly at Autopromotec.
Auto Mophosi, a charity working with the automotive graphics industry, is displaying at the show vehicles designed with the relationship between man and automotive tools. The charity benefits social and health home care for cancer patients in Italy.
