Outstanding response from exhibitors
Trade fair organiser Dr. Friedhelm Rese remarks: “We are incredibly pleased about the unstoppable popularity of steinexpo 2023. Of course, we had hoped that our trade fair would remain a focus in the calendars of many exhibitors and interested parties, especially after the difficult years for all sides. But even we were positively surprised by the ‘trade fair hunger’ that is now visible. Already at the old exhibitors’ meeting in April, it became apparent that many were eager to finally be able to show themselves and their companies on site in the quarry again.”
This is also confirmed by the figures. Because, as with all trade fairs and events, there were initially quite a few question marks behind the bookings for steinexpo 2023, but today – about one year before the demonstration trade fair – it can be stated: steinexpo has lost none of its appeal. This is also shown by the renewed high level of participation by leading industry names such as Kiesel, Komatsu, Liebherr, Volvo and Zeppelin for the construction machinery side and Finlay, GIPO, Keestrack, Sandvik, SBM and Wirtgen in the processing sector.
The quarry “lives"
There is also movement in other places. It is in the nature of an active quarry that it is subject to change due to the extraction of raw materials. By holding steinexpo in Europe’s largest basalt quarry, the organisers can therefore expect a changed site situation every time, which always results in a new trade fair plan. This leads to increased planning effort compared to other trade fairs, but at the same time also to ever new perspectives and possibilities of how the areas and conditions can be used.
For example, there is more leeway for demo area A for the 2023 orientation. Most recently, this area was already used for the unique performance shows of the large-calibre construction machinery. This time, there will also be the opportunity to set up a high-speed and/or mogul track for dumpers. A construction machinery parking area is also planned again. In addition, the static stand areas of the participating exhibitors are compactly placed on this area. So it remains to be seen with excitement how the new conditions will be used for the “choreographies of the giants”.
The area for accessories continues to be located on demo area B. Compared to 2017, it is now slightly narrower. And the rear area of the upper demo area C has also thinned out slightly. Nevertheless, there will still be enough space to admire the dimensions of the fair in 2023 during a ride on the popular elevator. This also shows itself again and again with a “wow effect” when entering the quarry to the entrance area. The latter will be located next year on the approx. 15 000 m² new demo area D (former backfill).
Another highlight awaits those arriving there. Because as the quarry changes, so do the innovations and perspectives that go with it. The motto “Quarry Vision” of steinexpo 2023 is therefore representative of the visions within the industry, which will be offered an appropriate stage: On an area of approx. 2000 m², renowned exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their future innovations, which are not yet necessarily ready for the market, in a way that is visible and tangible for everyone. On display will be highly intelligent machines, vehicles and services. Adjacent to the main entrance, the special “Quarry Vision” area will be hard to miss. Every arrival will be rewarded with the extraordinary innovation park.
In general, steinexpo 2023 will look at how smaller exhibitors can be presented in a way that appeals to the public, even with large dimensions. Thus, the area for indoor exhibitors will be doubly focussed. For this purpose, the previous large pavilion will be divided into two parts – at two locations on two levels, one theme-focused exhibition pavilion each will be open to visitors.
Those who stand by each other can grow together
This give and take in the form of successful cooperation and mutual support has always formed the backbone of this successful trade fair. Even at its first edition in 1990, steinexpo could rely on flank protection from associations. While at the beginning it was the predecessor association BVNI (Federal Association of the Natural Stone Industry), now known as MIRO (Federal Association of Mineral Raw Materials), which supported the young, then completely unusual trade fair, it was later joined by the European Aggregates Association (UEPG), the VDMA Construction Machinery and Building Material Plant Association and the VDBUM (Association of the Construction Industry, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering). With the entry of the German Demolition Association in 2021, the demolition technology segment was also fully manifested.
With the newly acquired technical and conceptional partnership of steinexpo with the Industrial Minerals Association Europe (IMA) – officially since July 2022 – a further milestone has been reached in the successful international industry cooperation. The new partnership will further strengthen and massively expand the international orientation of steinexpo. Together, the associations of the umbrella organisation IMA represent over 500 companies in 28 countries. This is an important step towards making the unique demonstration fair even more visible beyond national borders. Already at the last steinexpo, more than 23 % of the trade visitors came from abroad.
