Hannover, Germany—Hermes, Greek god of commerce and stylized symbol of the Hannover Industrial Fair, must have been smiling as the last fair before 2000 came to a successful conclusion. The 1999 event drew 7,510 exhibitors and about 300,000 visitors during its April 19-24 run, says organizer Deutsche Messe AG. Factory Automation (FA)—a new central theme and annual highlight starting in 1999—appears to be finding favor. Some 2,086 firms (27.8%) exhibited in the FA category. The fair is also growing more global, with nearly 46% of exhibitors and about 26% of visitors coming from outside of Germany. Next year's fair will run nearly a month earlier, during March 20-25, 2000.