Hannover Fair 2005: ‘less is more’ = successful formula

Visitors have voted with their feet. Despite changing to a five-day fair format (one day shorter than last year), Hannover Fair 2005 reversed a recent trend of falling attendance, while exhibiting an air of confidence and enthusiasm. More than 205,000 visitors—20% over 2004—were drawn to the city’s fairgrounds on April 11-15, 2005, to examine technologies and products of 6,090 exhibitors (5,085 in 2004) from 65 countries (60 in 2004) spread over more than 2 million sq ft of display area in 24 halls.

Several things contributed to this year’s successful formula of “less is more.” For one, the process automation show Interkama was incorporated into the fair’s program on an annual basis, after its 2004 debut here. Interkama completes the total range of industrial automation unequaled by another single trade fair.

A strong “Partner Country” exhibition—Russia in 2005—further enhanced the program with a 71,000 sq ft pavilion showcasing Russian technological expertise and industrial products. The presence of German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin in and about various fair activities contributed to the event’s stature. Several sizable German-Russian business deals were signed during the course of the fair.

It may be coincidence, but other positive business trends were also announced at Hannover Fair 2005. Bosch Rexroth’s chairman of the executive board, Manfred Grundke, reported substantial “growth all around” for the company in 2004. Specifically, Bosch Rexroth for the first time exceeded the€ 4 billion level in sales. Grundke remained cautiously optimistic for 2005.

Meanwhile, ABB AG called 2004 a turnaround year for the German part of the ABB engineering conglomerate. The company recorded a€ 59 million profit (before interest and taxes) last year after a € 32 million loss in 2003, noted Bernhard Jucker, CEO of ABB AG. For 2005, he looks ahead to “significant” earnings improvement in the company’s energy and automation sectors.

American companies also enjoy prominence at Hannover Industrial Fair. The next event is scheduled for April 24-28, 2006.

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.