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| Stone+tec 2015 a big hit with exhibitors and visitors  Stone+tec 2015 closed its doors on Saturday 16 May after welcoming a total of 15,162 trade visitors. Over a period of four days, the trade fair presented the entire spectrum of modern natural stone processing, from traditional natural stone and innovative materials through machinery, tools, chemical care products and cleaners to gravestones and religious masonry. "Stone+tec 2015 was able to create a positive outlook for the industry, " says Petra Wolf from the NürnbergMesse management team. "The booths were well frequented and the mood in the halls signalled much more confidence than in previous years. In particular, the new compact hall layout was very well received by exhibitors and visitors." A total of 446 companies from 31 countries exhibited in Nuremberg.Along with the organisers, the fair's sponsors, the German Natural Stone Association (DNV), Association of German Stonemasons (BIV) and German Tile and Natural Stone Association (FFN), are especially pleased about the positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors. "Stone+tec offers the natural stone processing sector a highly focused range of products, materials and services. It's where our stonemasons get valuable ideas and inspiration for the promising development of their businesses, " explains Gustav Treulieb, Federal Guild Chairman of the BIV. Joachim Grüter, President of the DNV, also sees the show as being on a successful course: "Stone+tec is and will continue to be the key product and services trade fair for the European natural stone industry, " says Grüter. "Increasing environmental awareness and discussions about sustainability in architecture have put the spotlight back onto natural stone as a material. Demand for locally sourced natural stone is increasing, especially for use in upmarket residential projects, gardens and landscaping." Exhibitors pleased about outcomes During Stone+tec 2015, visitors and exhibitors were polled by an independent market research institute. The results confirm that they were impressed by this year's trade fair. Exhibiting companies were satisfied above all by the calibre of visitors to their stand (86 percent) and the number of professional discussions that ensued (83 percent). Franziska Petri, Managing Director, J. König GmbH & Co: "Stone+tec has been upgraded this year and there was a definite improvement in quality. The industry has acknowledged how important this platform is for all of us and customers are very receptive to the wide range of products on display. For many visitors, the in-depth dialogue is so important that they allow two days for the show. The response to our stand was huge; it was absolutely packed out on Thursday in particular." Nine out of ten exhibitors were able to reach their most important target groups and/or establish new business connections, while three-quarters of exhibitors expect specific follow-up business to result from the conversations they had. For the exhibiting companies, Stone+tec continues to be a key component of their marketing activities: seven out of ten exhibitors say it is significant or extremely significant, while 69 percent regard Stone+tec as important or very important compared with other trade fairs. More stonemasons than at the previous event The majority of visitors were tradespersons (58 percent), followed by industry representatives (16 percent) and wholesalers and retailers (15 percent). The fact that more stonemasons attended this year's event in Nuremberg than in 2013 underlines the key role that Stone+tec plays for the stonemasonry trade. Among trade visitors, 40 percent are in leading roles in their company, while 25 percent are from the production area and 13 percent from sales. Nine out of ten visitors are involved in purchasing and procurement decisions at their firms, with almost half in a pivotal role. The poll revealed that 90 percent of visitors were happy with the range on offer at Stone+tec. The stated reasons for visiting the show are primarily to obtain information about innovations, followed by nurturing existing business contacts, sharing experience and knowledge and general market orientation. Visitors were mainly interested in the range of machines, equipment and tools (46 percent) and in natural stone for interiors, facades and outdoor use (40 percent). Attractive accompanying programme The special shows and events included in the supporting programme were also very popular with visitors. As well as the prestigious accolades for outstanding architectural and stonemasonry achievements, the German Natural Stone Award and Peter Parler Award, the key highlights of Stone+tec 2015 included six special shows representing an informative and inspiring focus on the current trends and challenges in the sector. One of the key themes of the supporting programme and lecture series was the need to recruit young people to the industry and this was also a major feature of the comprehensive presentations by the participating professional associations. A date for your diary: Stone+tec 2017 As usual, the next Stone+tec will be in two years and will take place at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 24 to 27 May 2017. write your comments about the article :: © 2015 Construction News :: home page |