In an optimistic press release, the organisers of electronica 2010 claimed the show “confirms upward trend in the electronics industry – Energy efficiency, renewable energies, medical technology and electromobility are the driving-forces behind growth in the next few years.”
Without doubt the show was a great success. Getting around the halls – particularly on Wednesday and most of Thursday was hard work as the large number of visitors caused congestion. Although there were a few small gaps that could have been filled with stands, the event filled 13 halls – an impressive achievement.
So I was shocked to see the final report from the organisers. They reported “over 70,000 trade visitors”, which presumably is a slight fall on the “about 73,000 people who attended in 2008”. This year saw 2, 595 international exhibitors, which again is down on the “almost 2,800” in 2008.
Although the slight fall in exhibitors does make sense, the visitor numbers have left me confused: I was certain we’d see an increase in numbers. The show definitely felt far busier than two years ago, and all the exhibitors that I talked with said that they had found the show far more productive than in 2008.
I can only think that the visitors at the event were far more engaged than in 2008, and presumably spent longer at the show. I certainty believe the event was much more positive than 2008, with exhibitors finding more opportunities and getting more leads. Sometimes it really is the quality that matters!
