The first SMM Istanbul, from 21 to 23 January 2009, had more than 4,000 trade visitors from 66 nations and 150 exhibitors from 30 nations.
“The premiere was a success, despite the difficult economic environment in a financial crisis which has just now hit the shipbuilding industry’s order books in full force,” said Bernd Aufderheide, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC). “We would like to thank our Turkish partner Goca Fuar Kongre ve Sergi Hizmetleri Ltd.Şti (Goca Exhibitions), who organized this international trade fair together with us at the centrally located Istanbul site Lütfi Kirdar Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICEC) and implemented the technical concept.” The overall view of Fatih Goca was that “The first SMM Istanbul was much more than a successful launch. We had satisfied exhibitors including the major industry-leading companies; we had international trade visitors and a high-calibre supporting programme which was just right for this event. All of that has laid the foundations for a successful future for this shipbuilding fair, which will in future be held in larger, more modern halls, once the ICEC site has been completed.”
The visitor survey conducted by an independent market research agency showed that 42% of trade visitors were from other countries than Turkey, with most of them coming from EU countries, especially Germany, the UK, Greece and Italy. Trade visitors from all the target industries were present, led by the shipbuilding and shipyard industry, followed by ship owners and shipping companies, and in third place by ship outfitters. 81% of trade visitors have direct influence on purchasing decisions.
Osman Çamözü – Marine Engineer and Surveyor at Germanischer Lloyd, said “This event should be extended by at least one day, into the weekend, because the timing prevented some of the shipowners from attending. SMM Istanbul event is a very important event, especially for the machine companies.”
Turgut Pamuk, Noske-Kaeser (HATKO Group), said “The quality of both exhibitors and visitors was good. SMM Istanbul is a very important event for us, to strengthen our profile with clients. That is why we want to be there again next time. The conference dealt with really important and useful issues”.
The event featured a three-day supporting conference, where speakers addressed the current subjects of the global shipbuilding and marine equipment sectors, and also synergy subjects such as “Wind Energy and Shipyards”. Further highlights at this international shipbuilding fair were a well attended exhibitor evening held on the first day, and a shipyard visit with a dinner hosted by the Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association GISBIR at the invitation of the Mayor of shipyard city Tuzla on the second day.
The second SMM Istanbul, shipbuilding, machinery & marine technology trade fair Istanbul, will be held at the centrally located site Lütfi Kirdar Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICEC) Istanbul from 26 to 28 January 2011.