New reality, new opportunities

This year’s Industrial Cooperation Fair will be implemented in a hybrid formula, combining traditional fairs with the concept of virtual meetings. This means that it will be possible to take part in it both on site and ONLINE.

Although the past year was very difficult, both for the industrial sector and the whole world, it brought many changes in the functioning of business. Online meetings, virtual conferences and webinars have become our everyday life, and although we all miss live conversations, we appreciate the possibility of maintaining long-distance business relationships.

Trade fairs in a new reality

In recent months, we have been working not only on a new, interesting programme of upcoming events, but also on the development of online competences. Thus, as part of individual projects, webinars and conferences in the online formula were organised, making it possible to stay in touch with the industry and to respond to the current demand of exhibitors and fair visitors for a reliable and solid dose of knowledge in the field of the latest trends.

− We understand and appreciate the opportunities offered by new technologies, especially valuable for people who, for various reasons, cannot appear at the fair in person, comments Marta Szydłowska, SUBCONTRACTING Fair Director. − That is why we decided to meet the expectations of the industry and enable participation in our matchmaking meetings and the event itself, both online and offline. It is not only a method of being present in two communication channels, but also extending the reach to the markets and industries that have been unavailable so far.

Optimistic forecasts for the industry

The latest expert analyses are very promising. The Polish industry has shown more than once that it is strong, but the latest reports have surprised even economists. According to the data of the Central Statistical Office, production in March of this year was almost 19 percent higher than the year before. This is an all-time record. And although it should be remembered that the reference point is the month when the crisis caused by the epidemic began, the result is very optimistic. Economists expect more “surges” in the coming months. According to preliminary data, compared to March last year, an increase in sold production (in constant prices) was recorded in 27 (out of 34) industrial sectors.

We also receive positive news from abroad. Italy has eased the pandemic restrictions and announced the organisation of the first trade fair open to the public in mid-June, and congresses and conferences from July this year. This is good news for the entire meetings industry. The plan to unfreeze the Italian economy from April 26 was announced at a press conference by Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

The most important thing for the meetings industry is the announcement that from mid-June it will be possible to organise trade fairs, and from July 1 also congresses and conferences. − This is optimistic news that our entire industry has been waiting for, comments Tomasz Kobierski, President of the Management Board of Grupa MTP. − I hope that the declining pandemic will soon allow the Polish government to take a similar bold decision,  he adds.

Stationary and online

Grupa MTP has implemented a new tool addressed to both exhibitors and visitors. This is a special platform for online meetings. It will allow you to reach potential customers with your offer, regardless of the location of the company’s seat. In turn, buyers interested in such an offer will be able to meet in a virtual space to talk directly with manufacturers about products they are interested in.

 − We are convinced that no solution can replace the atmosphere of direct meetings during trade fairs. However, the online platform will be an additional element that will enrich the offer of the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE block of fairs. We tested this tool on the occasion of other events and we can confidently recommend it. Online meetings give the opportunity to meet contractors from all over the world and gain new sales markets. The platform will not only allow you to create a varied showpiece for the company, but will also allow precise search for potential business partners and facilitate contact. It is a very intuitive and easy-to-use tool, synchronised with the Outlook and Google calendars. Moreover, each user will be able to follow the conference events taking place during the fair on an ongoing basis. We will take care of LIVE broadcast and subsequent access to all video materials. I can assure you that the program will be very rich this year, we will focus in particular on the technological transformation in the new reality,” informs Anna Lemańska-Kramer, Director of ITM Industry Europe.