EMECA general assembly in Verona, April 2009

The current economic crisis also affects the European exhibition industry. But the members of EMECA (European Major Exhibition Centres Association) prove the strength of exhibitions in Europe at times of sudden market changes - despite all the individual differences. Overall, the 19 member centres are appreciably better positioned than their colleagues in Asia and America. This became clear at the last General Assembly of this European exhibition club, which took place in Verona. "This shows where the strong and attractive exhibition brands are at home," says EMECA President René Kamm, CEO of the Swiss MCH Group. As exhibitions function as seismographs of industry, the members expect a substantial recovery towards the end of 2010, beginning of 2011. Landesmesse Stuttgart has been admitted as a new member of EMECA.

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