The Expo Real trade fair held in Munich this week saw an increase in the number of foreign participants compared with 2013, helping to boost overall attendance by 2.5% to 36,900 visitors.
The Expo Real trade fair held in Munich this week saw an increase in the number of foreign participants compared with 2013, helping to boost overall attendance by 2.5% to 36,900 visitors.
A total of 74 countries was represented this year, compared with 65 in 2013. The top 10 countries of origin were, after Germany, the UK, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, Czech Republic, US, Russian Federation and Luxembourg.
Commenting on the increased international scope this year, Piotr Bienkowski, board chairman of BNP Paribas Real Estate Germany, said: ‘Once again in 2014 Expo Real has lived up to its reputation as a working fair. The appointment density was extreme, including many meetings with “newcomers” from abroad.’
His views were shared by Ulf Buhlemann, head of investment for Germany at Colliers International. ‘Especially because of the presence of numerous foreign investors, Expo Real has become more attractive compared with last year. It has again confirmed itself as the most important meeting point for established and “new” investors alike,’ he said.
Among the newcomers this year was Mike Sales, managing director for Europe at TIAA Henderson Real Estate. ‘Expo Real is the major European real estate networking opportunity where investors, service providers and tenants are in attendance,’ he said, adding: ‘We made 30 to 40 contacts per day which normally takes us months back in London. Expo Real allows us to innovate.’
It was also the first time at Expo Real for Russian construction and housing minister Mikhail Men. ‘Taking part in Expo Real as an exhibitor is the first international appearance of the still fledgling ministry for construction and housing of the Russian Federation... Here, it is not about pathos but real business. I am enthusiastic about the atmosphere and the business-like contacts. We could not have wished for a better premiere.’
Of the total of 36,900 participants, 18,600 were trade visitors (2013: 18,600) and 18,300 were representatives from the exhibiting companies (2013: 17,400).
A total of 1,655 exhibitors from 34 countries took part this year, virtually unchanged from last year.
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