Having extended across four halls occupied by over 270 exhibiting companies drawn from 20 different countries, ICE 2007 - the International Converting Exhibition (27-29 March, Munich M,O,C,) – delivered a record number of 4169 attendees, to lift overall traffic levels through the show by 37% over the previous event of two years ago (3034 attendees).

The international flavour of the event was illustrated by 38% of all visitors coming from outside Germany, with 54 countries represented. Notable increases were from Western, Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Asia-Pacific. Indicative of the positive visitor response was an unprecedented 49% higher attendance on the final day of the show compared to ICE 2005.

Commenting on behalf of the ICE 2007 organisers nimble shows & media GmbH, event director Michael Boyle said: “We’re delighted for our exhibitors, whose confidence in the event has been returned by three full days of buoyant trading conditions. The weather fit the mood, with clear blue skies over Munich and warm spring sunshine throughout.”

“Unlike most other exhibitions, ICE is on a markedly upwards trajectory in terms of exhibitor participation, hall occupancy and most importantly, domestic and international visitor attendance levels. Our objective for the next event in November 2009 will be to capitalise on what is clearly a winning formula based upon close co-operation with the converting industry to deliver more of the same,” added Boyle.

ICE sales director Franz Hermann reported from the show floor: „Already some 100 exhibitors have rebooked ICE 2009, with many taking much bigger stands. There has also been some orders and a lot of interest in our next event, ICEChina, which will take place from 16 to 18 January 2008 in Shanghai.“

During the traditional VIP dinner on 28 March in „Lenbach“, one of Munich’s finest restaurants, the ICE 2007 Innovation Awards were presented to three companies for their outstanding achievements. Dienes Werke, slitting systems manufacturer, received an award for their new knife holder „Depth Control“, incorporating a special safety feature within the setting system. Nordson Engineering GmbH was presented with an award from the independent jury for its FS200 drum melter. Siemens Automation and Drives received a special Innovation Award for service for its „megatronic support“, which provides users of converting lines with advanced process control using both electronic and mechanical measuring systems.


Statements from exhibitors and visitors:

Chris Barton, sales and marketing director of Davis-Standard, summarised the buoyant mood: „Our high expectations have been surpassed. We met 30% more visitors on our stand than at the last ICE two years ago. ICE is quite clearly the leading coating and converting show and absolutely indispensable.”

Horst Engelmann, area sales manager of Haug GmbH, added: „We exhibited at ICE for the first time. The show was absolutely incredible – the best one in many years. Next time we will need more staff to man the stand.“

Katharina Neuerer, sales assistant of UniMaTec, summarised her visitor experience: „We are a manufacturer of embossing tools and machinery. As the show is compact and easy to get around, I had a perfect opportunity to meet and have meaningful conversations with both suppliers and customers. This was my first ICE and I am very satisfied, We are now considering exhibiting at the next show.”

Gerhard Schlager, head of production at Constantia Teich, was also a very satisfied visitor: „We are in the packaging business. ICE was good, both in terms of getting an overview of the market and collecting information. I am here for all three days along with several colleagues. We already know most exhibitors, as the market is clearly defined . We have been particularly interested in inspection systems and other ancillary suppliers.“

The next International Converting Exhibition will take place from 24 to 26 November 2009 at the M,O,C, Munich.