A successful international event

I am writing this on my return from Expo Detergo in Milan. LCNi was both an exhibitor and a press visitor and I am pleased to report that the show was extremely encouraging from both points of view.

The official figures were not available when I left but most of the comments on the stand were positive both about the event itself and about business in general.

The show took place for the first time in Fiera Milano Rho, the state of the art modern exhibition venue that will host the prestigious world fair, Expo2015.

Expo Detergo certainly benefited from its new home. The two halls had a light airy feel and were connected at ground level so that visitors could easily pass from one hall to the other whereas in the old showground going to the next hall involved going onto an upper gallery floor then down again.

Perhaps the most notable achievement for the show and its organisers is that its character showed definite signs of change. Until now the Expo Detergo has been a show where drycleaning took the central place and laundry had more of a secondary role.

Drycleaning is still very important but the show is now more fully representative of the textile care industries as a whole. The laundry companies certainly felt that their sector had now come into its own at the show and had been encouraged to take much larger stands than previously and that this investment had been worthwhile.

Another frequent comment was that this event could now be called truly international and exhibitors reported that they had seen visitors from right across Europe and beyond. Those involved in the organisation are to be congratulated for the success in encouraging this international representation.

A couple of exhibitors even compared the Detergo exhibition favourably with Texcare International, feeling that the Frankfurt show might eventually have a rival.

The stands were busy, but more importantly they were more than just a product showcase. After a difficult time globally laundries and drycleaners were once again beginning to feel confident enough in their business to consider investment. Exhibitors were not only discussing future possibilities they were taking orders on the stands.

So when the official figures arrive, they will surely

confirm that the show has been a success both nationally

and internationally.

Look out for LCNi’s full report on the event in the January 2011 edition.

Janet Taylor Jtaylor@laundryandcleaningnews.