Although the number of trade-fair visitors – 7,934 to be exact – is slightly less than the targeted figure, the organiser as well as the exhibitors themselves were convinced of the success of the fair. Thus, 94% of the interviewed exhibitors stated that they had indeed reached their main target group at the SENSOR+TEST. “For us, the SENSOR+TEST is the standard fair for sensor suppliers”, says Dr. Olaf Kiesewetter, CEO of UST Umweltsensortechnik. “As a sensor manufacturer, we’re in good hands here. In fact, we’re more than satisfied with this year’s results. As opposed to other fairs, there are a lot of experts here, who are looking for specific solutions in the sensor field.” A total of 92% of the exhibitors were successful in making new contacts at the SENSOR+TEST 2008, while 86% expect significant follow-up business.

 

A foremost concern of the exhibitors in their assessment of the fair is the level of competence and professionalism of the visitors. “The Exhibitor Committee emphasizes that the most important criterion for invitations to the visitors of the fair will continue to be their technical or scientific orientation,” stated Joachim Achenbach, the chairman of the Exhibitor Committee and CEO of Sensitec GmbH. “Young people and students with a technical interest are always welcome, of course, but the so-called trade-fair tourists are not the objective of our effort to provide an efficient event for both exhibitors and visitors.” This also has the advantage, says Achenbach, that the published visitor figures do not reflect such effects, but rather the actual number of potential clients.

 

The fact that the SENSOR+TEST has found the right concept is also confirmed by the visitor resonance: 97% of the visitors are satisfied or very satisfied with the information offering at the SENSOR+TEST. The majority, 77% of the visitors in fact, come from the electrotechnical, electronics, engineering, construction, and aerospace industries. Almost two-thirds of the visitors work in research, development, or engineering. A further 13% have upper management functions (executive, company, or corporate management). Almost all visitors (93%) are purchasing decision makers. Just about every fifth visitor (19%) comes from abroad -- 65% from the European Union.

 

The inclusion of fair stands in the Action Hall at this event, especially the “Young Innovative Enterprises” community stand, was well received by exhibitors and visitors. The high number of participants at the community stand confirms the special role of sensor and measuring technology for innovative start-ups. The special job market for young talents in sensor, measuring, and testing technology attracted numerous prospects. The appealing action area with its multiple demonstration and display facilities as well as the “Young Innovative Enterprises” community stand will also be a part of the SENSOR+TEST 2009. And the Job Tea-Time at the job market will be expanded to include presentations by potential employers.

 

This year the OPTO and IRS² Conferences attracted even more visitors than they did two years ago and the organiser is rightly pleased about this fact. Due to a restructuring of the conferences they will both be held again at the next SENSOR+TEST, from 26 to 28 May 2009 – again in Nürnberg. The VDI/VDE expert forum 2008 was especially well received at this second event at the SENSOR+TEST and a continuation for 2009 is definitely planned.

 

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Reference to the editorship:

Holger Bödeker, Geschäftsführer AMA Service GmbH

 

Brita Pape

 

Tel +49 (0) 50 33. 96 39-14

Fax +49 (0) 50 33. 91 14-05

info@sensorfairs.de 

www.sensor-test.com

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