More foreign visitors for 2007
According to organisers, the first Technolfolies event held in association with Interschau was a success, attracting approximately 4,000 visitors to the Fiera di Genova exhibition centre in Genoa, Italy, from October 25 To 27 – about 200 more than last year.
Concerns that previous exhibitions have been a little too domestic were dispelled to some extent by a 30% increase in foreign attendance this year. Whether or not this was the “Interschau effect” – Messe Stuttgart encouraging more Germans to make the trip – is unclear, but the partnership can’t have done any harm.
“Very important foundations have been laid for future co-operation,” said Gerry Robinson of the Amusement Industry Council for Europe, a collective of various national suppliers’ associations. “Fiera di Genova, together with Messe Stuttgart, was able to organise a trade fair which, although there is still room for improvement, can already boast a European level.”
The poor transport links to Genoa and the show’s close proximity to IAAPA were surely factors in preventing significant growth in visitor numbers, but this event does have a purpose. For those buyers wanting something off the shelf, it was worth a visit just to see the latest wares from some of the ride factories nearby.
A pat on the back for several amusement operators came during the 5th Golden Pony Awards, held on the second night of the show at the magnificent Genoa Maritime Station. This warm-hearted awards ceremony, hosted by publisher Facto Edizioni, is now in its fifth year and this time 25 individuals and companies were honoured with a bronze Pony.
The exhibition moves to Stuttgart for 2008, reviving the spirit of Interschau at the city’s new exhibition centre. Will the Italians join the German showmen that always patronise this event and help get the numbers up? Either way, the dates for your diary are October 29 to 31.
More information – and pictures – from Technofolies and the 5th Golden Pony Awards will appear in forthcoming December/January “Winter Issue” of Park World.
