As generally expected, this year’s EXPO REAL, the 12th International Commercial Property Exposition, showed a decline in attendance of around 15% to 21,000 visitors from 73 countries (24,800 from 78 countries in 2008). In addition to the visitors, the exhibiting companies brought 14,750 representatives to the trade fair. EXPO REAL 2009 thus hosted over 35,000 participants.
“If you consider the worldwide decline which the property industry has experienced, this is an outstanding and welcome outcome. EXPO REAL has again proved itself to be the definitive networking platform for the sector”, said Eugen Egetenmeir, member of the managing board of Messe München.
The trade fair programme was characterised by intensive networking and discussion about the future development in the market. Dr Georg Allendorf, Head of RREEF Germany: “Many more conversations about property transactions and with institutional investors took place this year than in 2008. The atmosphere was relaxed and focussed on business results. EXPO REAL is, all in all, one of the most important commercial property forums in Europe.” This was confirmed by Christian Sautter, Deputy Mayor of Paris and President of the Paris Development Agency: “EXPO REAL is a brilliantly organised working trade fair. These days that is particularly important. Here you meet investors and money.”
Communication was more important than ever. Andreas Quint, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Germany: “Personal contact, conversation, the exchange of views with other members of the industry – these are all part and parcel of professional life in “normal times”. Against the background of a global economic crisis, these things become vital this autumn.” This was echoed by Dieter Reiter, Consultant for Industry and Economics at the City of Munich: “This year we can use the slightly quieter trade fair for more intensive conversations, in order to drive projects further forward.”
The top ten visiting countries next to Germany were in order – United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, France, the Czech Republic, USA, Russia and Luxembourg. Chris Bell, Managing Director (Europe) of Knight Frank in London: “Once again, EXPO REAL has exceeded our expectations in terms of client presence and mix. We are delighted to continue supporting this premier commercial property fair.” The increased quality of professional attendees was stressed by exhibitors. Dr Lutz Aengevelt, Senior Partner of Aengevelt Immobilien: “More decision makers, more front line visitors.”
The themes of the trade fair revolved around how to cope with the crisis and what opportunities it provided. Sustainability, especially from the economic point of view, was also a much-discussed topic: “Sustainability can provide an important perspective on the crisis” said Rainer Kohns, Global Coordinator for Green Building Activities at Siemens Real Estate. “EXPO REAL has thrown new light on many important new aspects.”
1580 companies from 34 countries exhibited at EXPO REAL 2009. For the first time there was a large participation from Luxembourg and also from Belarus. Turkey’s group stand this year was their largest participation yet. Feyzullah Yetgin, General Manager of Emlak Konut GYO in Turkey: “We are here to share our expertise with international investors and to discuss possible forms of co-operation. EXPO REAL provided the perfect platform for this.”
The next EXPO REAL takes place from 4-6 October 2010 in Munich.
More information at www.exporeal.net
