INDIAN SHOE BAZAAR - Fair Archives: Simac 2001

Simac: a growing professionalism

A good Simac - certainly as good as the previous editions - was held in Bologna from 8 to 11 May 2001. It is an eloquent sign that, while avoiding triumphalism, the formula works.

On the whole the presence of visitors was the same of last year, thus showing the international flavour due to the increase of the foreign professionals.

Undoubtedly important is the "diplomatic" activity conducted by the organisation, which maintains an ongoing dialogue with countries involved in leather technology throughout the year. The logical outcome of these efforts is seen in the visits by official delegations. This year Simac was visited by delegations from China, Egypt, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. Of particular note was the presence of five delegates from Aflai, the African Federation of the Leather and Allied Industries, which has 22 member countries.

Although Tuesday, the opening day, seemed rather weak in terms of numbers, the flow of operators intensified on Wednesday and Thursday; the final day, Friday, was indeed surprising, when even though Lineapelle had closed the previous day - large numbers of visitors were distributed among the stands. What is most important is the total absence of onlookers and time wasters: visitors entering the Simac pavilions were qualified professionals. One important observation concerns the systematic growth of operators interested in leather goods machinery.

Certainly, most of the credit for the success of Simac must be given to the exhibitors themselves, who interpret the exhibition event in the best possible way. Firstly, by offering the numerous technological innovations that will not have escaped attentive visitors who focus on harmonising machinery; secondly, by improving the quality of the display, with ever more attractive, functional and well-organized stands; thirdly, by focusing attention on the tools now available for the new economy and that are proving an added wealth for the technological sectors.

Despite general concern for the consumption crisis that goes from Japan to the United States, without leaving Europe unaffected, one that could produce a reflux from the manufacturing industry that may hit materials, components and therefore technology, this year's Simac was lived with the serene optimism of those who know they have done their duty.

A good Simac therefore where some of those at the fair made sales - nothing wrong with that.

Next year's Simac will be held in Bologna again in conjunction with Lineapelle, from 7 to 10 May 2002.

For further information please visit www.assomac.it or directly www.simac-fair.it

Contact:

Assomac Servizi Srl
via Matteotti 4/a 27029 Vigevano (PV)
tel. +39 038 178 883 fax +39 038 188 602
Email: info@assomac.it
Website: www.assomac.it

*source: Organization's website www.assomac.it