Daniel Fritz & Sasa Tanasic - the two are the managing directors of Expomech AG.
Interview: Heinz Käsinger
You are launching a new trade fair with the "Swiss Production Forum". Will there also be a surface technology section?
Tanasic: The Swiss Production Forum is a Swiss manufacturing trade fair. As surfaces often play a decisive role directly or indirectly in the manufacturing sector, we are naturally also addressing companies in this industry. However, there will not be a separate surface technology area, as we are aiming for a healthy mix of sectors at this relatively small event.
If I have understood correctly, the new event came about primarily at the request of the Swiss manufacturing industry. Will there also be foreign exhibitors?
Fritz: The exhibitors will mainly be Swiss manufacturing companies or corresponding dealers. Foreign companies are very welcome as long as they have a connection to the Swiss market and can provide added value for Switzerland as a business location.
We will be starting with 7000 square meters - so there is space for around 300 exhibitors. Have you defined growth targets?
Tanasic: The figures mentioned represent the maximum hall capacity. However, in the first year and with very little lead time, we assume that we will end up with around 60 to 80 exhibitors. It is not possible at this stage to give a reliable indication of the space available. This is not primarily important, as it was fundamental for us and our partner SMM/MSM to be able to offer an attractive price-performance ratio. We are convinced that this is the only way to persuade companies to take part in trade fairs every year these days. Growth based on this should definitely be qualitative and sustainable.
Corona risk: Why are you starting at this difficult time of all times?
Fritz: The need for an in-person trade fair is currently very strong in the market. Virtual trade fairs have proven to be a largely useless marketing tool for the manufacturing industry. The desire for a suitable platform where the industry can finally meet and exchange ideas in person again has been and is increasingly being expressed to us by companies. Trade fair organizers and venues already have comprehensive protection concepts in place and are prepared for more difficult conditions. Added to this is the high vaccination rate and herd immunity expected by the planned date of implementation. The market wants and urgently needs a trade fair, so we are trying to satisfy this need.
What will the price structure of the Swiss Production Forum look like?
Tanasic: The price-performance ratio is probably the most attractive in Switzerland and the location in Zurich is also ideal. Exhibitors at the Swiss Production Forum can book an all-inclusive solution with a ready-made stand, online and print advertising for as little as CHF 6,900.
TO THE PERSON
Daniel Fritz and Sasa Tanasic are convinced by the Swiss Production Forum: with its attractive location and low prices, potential exhibitors will not say no.
