175,000 visitors at interpack 2002; fewer from North America

From April 24 to 30, interpack 2002, the 16th International Trade Fair for Packaging Machinery, Packaging and Confectionery Machinery in Düsseldorf, Germany, attracted 175ꯠ visitors from 103 countries and 2긍 exhibitors from 51 nations. Although the number of attendees exceeded the trade show organizers’ expectations, fewer visitors from North America traveled to interpack 2002. More than six out of 10 interpack 2002 visitors came from European countries, with 39% traveling to the show from outside of the continent. Compared to the previous show, visitors increased from Eastern Europe, Japan, Israel, India, and Iran. “From the first day on, visitor participation was outstanding, and the percentage of international trade visitors was high,” says Ernst H. Berndl, president of interpack 2002. On the exhibitor side, 46 U.S. companies displayed products within the North American Pavilion, organized by Messe Düsseldorf North America and co-organized by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute. Among the exhibitors, 63% were based outside of Germany. Italy was the leading foreign exhibitor nation (453 companies), followed by Great Britain (156), France (149), the Netherlands (127), and the United States (99). Exhibitors showcased their new products and technologies within 1.6 million sq’ of net exhibit space in 17 halls. The next interpack is scheduled for April 21–27, 2005, at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at interpack 2005, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone: 312/781-5180; fax: 312/781-5188; e-mail: [email protected]. Or visit the Web site: http://www.mdna.com.