After difficult economic times a spirit of optimism is now once again prevailing in the glass sector. This was made clear by the 1,274 exhibitors to glasstec, the world“s most important glass trade f…
After difficult economic times a spirit of optimism is now once again prevailing in the glass sector. This was made clear by the 1,274 exhibitors to glasstec, the world“s most important glass trade fair, and solarpeq, the new trade fair for solar production technology. A total of roughly 45,000 trade visitors attended the closely dovetailed events. Of these over one third also stated interest in the range at solarpeq. Exhibiting firms reported holding many good discussions with high-ranking visitors and anticipate lucrative post-fair business. These included many international contacts. This is also reflected in the findings of the glasstec and solarpeq visitor questionnaires: well over half the visitors travelling to Dsseldorf came from abroad. A significant rise was posted amongst trade visitors from North- and, in particular, South America. Almost one in two visitors came with the intention of placing specific orders or had already done so. Martin Gutmann, president of glasstec 2010 and Federal Guild Master, confirms a very good mood amongst exhibitors: We ourselves noticed this at our stand in the skilled trades centre as did companies in the glass industry and engineering sector: the trade fair went really well. This bodes very well for the coming months. We seem to have definitely come out of the trough. Commenting on this Hans Werner Reinhard, deputy managing director at Messe Dsseldorf, said: glasstec has confirmed its pioneering role as the most important international meeting point for the glass sector – and now business is on the upturn once again. This is an excellent signal for our exhibitors. Exhibitors at solarpeq – International Trade Fair for Solar Production Equipment – were satisfied with visitor response. The close interlocking with glasstec as the leading international fair in the glass sector was rated as highly promising as this, exhibitors said, would make it possible to tap into new target groups and promote dialogue between sectors. This aspect was particularly apparent at the kick-off to the fair at the solarpeq Conference Solar meets Glass. With its nearly 200 participants from home and abroad the conference brought together the global glass and solar sectors for the first time. In addition to the solarpeq conference the glasstec supporting programme – now even more comprehensive this year – also included the engineered transparency premiere organized in conjunction with the Dresden and Darmstadt Universities of Technology focusing on the topics of glass, faades and solar technology, with more than 200 participants from 22 countries. The Special Show glass technology live organized by Prof. Stefan Behling and his team from the Institute of Structural Design at Stuttgart University, provided a glimpse into the future of energy-efficient glass applications. The largest pane of insulating glass measuring 18m x 3.30m, (multifunctional) faades with integrated photovoltaics, solar thermics or decentralized building services, as well as the accompany symposium, with over 60 lectures, were also part of this special glasstec event. Other features of the glasstec supporting programme included the Architects“ Congress dealing with the topic of Glass is Energy, as well as the glass art exhibition presenting over 300 exhibits by international artists. The next glasstec/solarpeq takes place in October 2012.