Higher Attendance – Increase in International Exhibitors and Trade Visitors

From 23 to 26 April 2013, over a period of four days, the international water industry gathered at Wasser Berlin International. The most notable aspect of Wasser Berlin International 2013 was the marked rise in international exhibitor and trade visitor numbers. 31,000 visitors representing business, politics and science took part in this year’s event, an increase of 10 per cent. Occupying six display halls and with a focus on water industry topics, Wasser Berlin International demonstrated its wide-ranging expertise to those present. Overall, 651 exhibitors, including 194 from 35 different countries, showcased their latest technologies, products and services on the subject of water supply and wastewater disposal. Attendance by international exhibitors rose from 25 to 30 per cent. International figures were also prominent at the opening event. Those attending included Dirk Niebel, the Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Abdul Qawi Khalifa, the Egyptian Minister of Utilities, Drinking Water and Sewage, and Melanie Schultz van Haegen-Maas Geesteranus, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment.

Dr. Christian Göke, COO Berlin GmbH: “Water represents a global market and requires a global approach. Water industry companies are doing more and more business on the international market and Wasser Berlin International has taken these developments on board. That was underlined at this year’s event and we witnessed a substantial increase in international exhibitors and trade visitors. High-profile politicians from all parts of the world were here and 43 international delegations from important growth markets such as Eastern Europe, Asia and the Arab world came to find out more from the exhibitors at the event.

The Wasser Berlin International 2013 Congress and numerous specialist symposiums were very well received and the international events at the congress were particularly well attended. They included Schaustelle Wasser, which was organised mainly by Berliner Wasserbetriebe and also featured building sites belonging to NBB Netzgesellschaft Berlin/Brandenburg, Vattenfall Europe and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). 633 trade visitors from around the world were able to gain a unique first-hand insight into how well the latest technologies perform.

Wasserleben, the interactive show for the public, was attended by around 10,000 children, young people and adults. Exhibitors and trade visitors were greatly impressed by the activities organised by schoolchildren for their peers and by the 35 institutions whose focus was on the sustainable exploitation of water resources.

According to a poll conducted by an independent market research institute, exhibitors reported good business results. 82.6 per cent (2011:77.4) were satisfied with their participation in Wasser Berlin International. 75 per cent (2011: 70.6 ) said they would be back at the next event. 92.5 per cent of the trade visitors polled rated their business results at the fair as “good”.