A+A 2011 Closes with a Significant Rise in Visitor Numbers

A+A 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany, kicked off with record exhibitor numbers and exhibition space and after four days (18 – 21 October) the International Trade Fair with Congress for Safety, Security and Health at Work can also post top visitor numbers. 60,100 trade visitors, more than ever before in the event’s history (2009: 55,800), gathered information here on current trends and product innovations in the field of occupational health and safety and the realisation of smooth-running operational procedures from the good 1,600 exhibitors from 54 nations featured at the fair. One in four visitors came from abroad. The event saw a significant rise here particularly from countries in South and Central America.

“This result has further extended A+A’s global standing as ‘Safety’s No. 1’. No other sectoral event offers such a complete product overview and sets so many trends in the sector thanks to its opportunity for intense exchange between experts,” says Messe Düsseldorf Managing Director Joachim Schäfer summing up the result and variety of innovations on show.

Klaus Bornack, Chairman of the Trade Fair Advisory Board and Managing Director at Bornack GmbH & Co. KG, also reported on the constructive talks held here between suppliers and their customers: “No corners are cut when it comes to staff health and safety. High-quality safety products not only provide better protection, they also enjoy greater user acceptance levels which means they are also in greater demand. The intense exchange with customers at A+A also provided valuable input in terms of further product development.”

Bornack’s positive assessments are also confirmed by current market data presented at A+A. According to a study by macrom Marketingresearch & Consult, the German market for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is experiencing an upturn and currently posting a volume of in excess of some Euro 1.6 b. The largest market segments here are protective clothing (Euro 633 m), hand protection (Euro 371 m) and foot protection (Euro 224 m). In the first half of 2011, depending on segment, some manufacturers were able to post turnover growth of up to 15% more than in the same period of last year – although a good one third of the growth was due to increases in raw material costs. Between 2004 and 2010 the market grew by 27%. The global market volume for PPE is estimated to be worth at least Euro 17 b (Source: Matrix insight).

The new segment in the A+A trade fair range focused on “Specialised Equipment for Disaster Management” went down very well with visitors. The stands of the exhibitors showcasing ranges here including personal protective equipment, ABC protection, technical aids, decontamination and control and communication technology were very well attended.

The next A+A will be held in Düsseldorf from 5 – 8 November 2013.