78
SPN DEC 2012 ShowReview
INTERBAD, STUTTGART, GERMANY 2012 EVENT SETS NEW STANDARDS
Interbad – the biennial international trade fair for swimming pools, saunas and spas – goes from strength to strength with an improved international showing and a record level of exhibitors
By Jon Wadeson E
ven before Interbad 2012 opened it’s doors, with over 500 exhibitors, it had already
set a new record.
The event took place 9 to 12 October and covers the swimming pool, sauna and spa markets and during the four days, it was clear why the biennial show held in Stuttgart is rapidly becoming the international meeting place for the wellness industry.
In addition to Austria and Switzerland, more emphasis had been put on attracting visitors from Eastern Europe and the Benelux countries. Visitors also came from a number of other European countries and further afield. Easy access to the event is made possible with excellent transport connections to one of Europe’s most modern exhibition centres and nearly 16,000 visitors from 53 countries came to meet exhibitors from Europe, Asia and North America, to hear about the latest industry trends and see the latest products on offer. Initial feedback from exhibitors at the show has been positive with one commenting: “As a Czech manufacturer of pool chemicals we would like to expand our cooperation with German companies and strengthen our position in the German market. After the first day of the show I had a good feeling. We had quality trade visitors that were interested in our products and asked many technical questions.” Christian Roigk, CEO of pool equipment manufacturer Roigk GmbH & Co said: “Interbad is the
best show for us. The new schedule has proved extremely popular and has balanced the flow of visitors.”
Another exhibitor, Stefan Schöllhammer, CEO of sauna company Klafs added: “Interbad has changed considerably in recent years – they used to be more fixated on Germany and the public spa industry. The show is now well established and strong internationally and we meet hoteliers fitness operators and other target groups. For us it is the top event of the year.” The show is organised by the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry (DGfdB) and Messe Stuttgart and both were pleased with the level of international participation and the proportion of decision- makers among the visitors.
The 64th Congress for the spa industry, the Spa Market Conference, membership meetings and other trade association events were well attended and saw over 1,500 attendees.
“Our convention for the spa industry was as broad as ever, and we saw more than 1,000 additional people attend compared to the last Interbad. Particularly well attended were the presentations on the topics of technology, sauna and operation," says Dr Christian Ochsenbauer, CEO of DGfdB. “With approximately 30% of visitors from abroad and visitors from 53 countries, we were able to meet the high expectations of the industry,” concluded Ulrich Kromer, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart. “In addition to the increase in international exhibitors we were impressed by the high quality of visitors and the willingness to invest,” he added.
TRADE FAIR, CONGRESS AND SUPPORTING PROGRAM PROVIDES THE PERFECT MIX FOR VISTORS Interbad is an international event that covers swimming pools, saunas and spas for both the public and the private sectors.
The ‘wellness’ claim is reflected in the structure of visitors with 50% being operators of spas, hotels, fitness and spa facilities and sports facilities. The other half of visitors come from the swimming pool construction and retailing sector or are architects / planners and private investors. The accompanying conference programme is an important element for Interbad and offers for the different audiences a number of opportunities for professional development and to exchange ideas.
One of the highlights at Interbad was the special ‘Green Pool’ of the
European Waterpark Association (EWA), especially as the theme of environmentally green products is playing an ever greater role in the planning and operation of swimming pools and spa facilities. The special feature illustrated sustainability from a number of angles – from resource-saving design, innovative materials, and renewable energy, to sustainable offerings for guests.
A first for the show was a special ‘Natural Open-air Pools’ area. Organised by the German Association for Near-Natural Bathing Waters, the area occupied 600m2. It allowed planners, managers and interested parties to see how a natural pool with biological cleaning can be successfully implemented. A second new section, ‘Corporate Health’, illustrated corporate health management and was provided by The European Waterpark Association and focused on a number sustainability issues. The next Interbad runs from 21 to 24 October 2014, at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre. spn
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F INTERBAD ( +49 (0)711 18560 0 :
www.interbad.de
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92