The 2010 edition of EXPO REAL is set to welcome the same number of exhibitors as last year, organiser Messe München said on Thursday in a press release. Around 1,600 companies will be presenting their products and services at the three-day real estate trade fair, the organiser said.

The 2010 edition of EXPO REAL is set to welcome the same number of exhibitors as last year, organiser Messe München said on Thursday in a press release. Around 1,600 companies will be presenting their products and services at the three-day real estate trade fair, the organiser said.

The event takes place from 4 to 6 October 2010 in Munich.

'Each day we are still receiving applications from companies wishing to exhibit at the fair. Already we can say we will reach the same number of exhibitors as in 2009, if not perhaps slightly more,' said Eugen Egetenmeir, managing director of Messe München.

The same picture applies to international participation, he said. Demand has remained stable compared to last year, and there are signs of a recovery. Positive signals are coming this year, for example, from France: The 'Pavillon de France' will be much larger at EXPO REAL 2010. Property group Nexity will be taking part for the first time and Paris, Grand Lyon and La Défense will also be showcased.

A 'Central Europe' joint stand is new this year, featuring companies from Central and Eastern Europe. The projects presented here will include the expansion of the western railway station in Vienna into Bahnhof City Wien West, by ÖBB-Immobilien. Also, Wien 3420 Aspern Development will be presenting one of the largest urban development projects in Europe. And the Balkan countries of Macedonia and Montenegro will be promoting themselves at the fair as investment locations.

Strong demand for space is coming this year from Poland, with a 40% increase on last year. The country is busy preparing for the European Football Championships in 2012 and Polish cities and regions are offering development sites for hotels, shopping centres and sports facilities. The Czech Republic, too, is expanding its presence at the fair this year, and Serbia, following a break in 2009, is back again with over 10 companies.

While the Spanish property market remains difficult, Catalonia will be flying the flag at EXPO REAL with Barcelona presenting over seven million square m2 of commercial space for investors.