26-28 maggio 2009

"From May 26 – 28 the fourth edition of the REAL VIENNA, Austria’s largest fair for Real Estate with focus on Austria and the CEE and SEE regions, took place in Vienna. After the sensational 2008-fair (with 326 exhibitors presenting themselves) this years’ edition was at least successful given the rather difficult surrounding conditions: 242 exhibitors from 24 different countries presented themselves as well as their products and services, on the fair’s three days to more than 7.000 participants from 42 countries. Matthias Limbeck from the organzing Reed Exhibitions Messe Wien draws his first conclusion: “After last years boom we find ourselves at the level of the 2007-fair. A result corresponding perfectly to the condition the sector is generally in.

Lectures and discussions
Several speeches were delivered and discussions held concerning the question of how the whole real-estate sector might develop in the upcoming months and years, as well as the origins of the actual crisis. Three stages were occupied by 45 discussions, lectures and workshops with more than 200 experts from Austria and across Europe, trying to inform visitors about current developments in real estate and economics generally.

A sector regains its optimism
Even with this years edition attracting less visitors and exhibitors, one could gain the impression, that optimism is making his return: Following the slogan “More time for a good conversation” exhibitors were satisfied, after last year’s hurry, to dedicate themselves to talks with partners and potential clients, which were substantially better in quality. Being present at the fair was also seen as a sign for committing to work for a better future, which is expected to come: “Just to largely reduce costs putting everything on hold can’t be the solution”, declares S+B chairman Reinhard Schertler talking to immonet.tv. Another trend is to interpret the currently difficult situation as a problematic phase not for the real estate sector itself, but for the economy surrounding real estate: “Not the actual real estate business is suffering the crisis, but the investment companies which are connected with it. Real estate is actually in a good condition”, is ÖRAG-chairman Dr. Stefan Brezovich showing optimism.

Visitors satisfied
Also those who made their statement by just dropping by as visitors, were largely satisfied with the 2009 Real Vienna, as shows a poll released Thursday by the organizers: 64,2 % were either very contented or contented with the fair, meanwhile 72,9% declared to recommend the fair" (CS della Fiera).