To manage the crisis successfully SMM organizers advise providers to keep close to their customers as record bookings received.
The European debt crisis; a weak US employment market; declining growth rates in emerging economies such as China and India: prospects for the global economy are not exactly bright at the moment. These are the challenging coordinates for the decision-makers of the maritime industry as they get ready to gather for the 25th SMM, shipbuilding, machinery & marine technology international trade fair Hamburg.
“Under these challenging economic conditions it is especially important for companies to remain in close contact with their customers,” says Peter Bergleiter, Business Unit Director at Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC), the host of SMM. The world’s leading maritime industry fair offers an ideal platform for this. “As SMM celebrates its 25th anniversary, we can proudly announce record fair attendance,” says Bergleiter.
The Business Unit Director is expecting more than 2,000 exhibitors this year. With more than 90,000 square metres, exhibition floor space is likewise at an all-time height.
Being well prepared for the future: That is the challenge the maritime business needs to meet today. SMM offers industry representatives a wealth of ideas and innovative technology solutions all in one place. “Globalisation will continue, and there will always be plenty of cargo needing to be moved,” says Clarkson CEO Stopford. And more than 90 per cent of that volume will continue to be transported by the international shipping business – with increasingly efficient, environment-friendly ships.
SMM, shipbuilding, machinery & marine technology international trade fair hamburg, is under the patronage of Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel.
The event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. 2,000+ exhibitors from more than 60 countries will be present at SMM 2012 from 4 to 7 September on over 90,000 sqm of exhibition space, and more than 50,000 trade visitors are expected to attend.