The representative survey of exhibitors conducted by TNS Infratest shows that bauma 2010, as the leading world fair, is marking a change in mood following a year of crisis in 2009, and that this change is being felt in many international markets, with few exceptions. Almost half the exhibitors are expecting the economic situation to improve, according to Messe München’s final Bauma report.

Even before the fair started, it was evident that worldwide the sector had high hopes of the leading world fair in Munich: with 555,000-square-meters of space, all fully booked, and 60 percent of the exhibitors coming from outside Germany, the fair registered new all-time highs for the overall number of exhibitors, international participation and space booked. From China, India and Turkey in particular exhibitor numbers were up strongly on the previous event.

“Bauma is the Mecca for construction equipment. Though the volcano shaded Europe it is fascinating to see so many visitors from all over the world here,” said Cuneyt Divris, President of the Imder, Construction Equipment Distributors & Manufacturers Association of Turkey, in a Bauma 2010 final report.

Nevertheless, the general economic situation ahead of Bauma and the unexpected ban on air travel at the start of the fair did impact on the final figures for visitor numbers: Over 415,000 visitors from more than 200 countries attended Bauma 2010.

In comparison to Bauma 2007, this was 17 percent fewer. 65 percent of the visitors came from Germany, 35 percent travelled from countries outside Germany.

The 30th Bauma International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment, will take place as planned in three years April 15-21 2013, in Munich.