Messe Duesseldorf North America

CARAVAN SALON DUSSELDORF shows "Green Caravanning"

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DOTmed interviews Joachim Schaefer, managing director, Messe Düsseldorf

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		Barbara Kram, editor of DOTmed News recently conducted an online interview with Joachim Schaefer, the Managing Director of our corporate headquarters in Germany.  Messe Duesseldorf is organizer of the renowned MEDICA and COMPAMED trade fairs, held annually in Duesseldorf, Germany, as well as other leading medical trade shows around the world.
Mr. Joachim Schaefer Managing Director Messe Duesseldorf GmbH		Below is a transcript of the interview.

JS: Our medical trade fairs target medical users such as doctors and health care professionals, as well as decision-makers from the clinical management sector, medical specialty retail and decision-makers from the medical engineering field. Next to traditional markets with high demand in North America and Europe, the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) nations, as well as specific markets in the Near East, are characterized by growth. Here the demographic development creates an increase in prosperity and an escalated interest in health and well being, which in turn generates more demand for medical services.

DM: Have recent economic woes in Europe impacted your work or have you seen an impact in the medical technology sector?

JS: Compared to the development in other industries, the medical industry has remained largely unscathed by any dramatic declines in demand. In several markets, for example in Germany and France, the medical industry is even benefiting from economic stimulus packages designed to support the economy. Regardless of the financial and economic crisis, the basic conditions of health policy are much more decisive for the medical sector. In this regard we can ascertain that cost-cutting measures are being implemented in almost all industrial nations in order to ensure continued financing of medical care. While this does affect the demand for medical technical products, the demand volume remains consistently high. At the same time, manufacturers are continually increasing the efficiency of medical treatments and improving the therapy success rate with their innovations. This in turn stimulates demand.

DM: From your global perspective working with suppliers and OEMs in the medical technology sector, what megatrends would you say most significantly affect these markets?

JS: Due to the increasing cost pressure in the health care field, it is more important than ever to ensure that the treatment process is as efficient as possible. This is why digitization is advancing at such a fast pace in both the outpatient and inpatient sectors. Systems are in demand that optimally connect the individual departments and doctors to ensure that the patient workflow is not interrupted by paucity of information. Accelerating precise diagnoses is of course also a major priority. The current trend is toward rapid tests that are executed directly on the patient, as well as compact devices for imaging processes. Both deliver critical images and data to aid in determining further treatment. Telemedical services should also be mentioned here. Although they currently represent a niche market, they will undoubtedly be gaining importance in the near future, for example within the framework of remote care of chronically ill or elderly patients.

DM: What are some of the regional differences in delivery of health care?

JS: There are no basic differences between cultures in regard to technology trends. The approval process, however, can vary greatly. The same applies to the financing of, or the access to innovations. In many markets, innovative methods are reserved for the private health care sector. In the end, good medical treatment for broad sections of the population is dependent on whether and to what extent the government participates in the development of the treatment, whether through tax money or the creation of government-controlled insurance systems. In many countries, including for example the USA, such discussions are currently being held and new health care concepts developed.

DM: Which medical technologies attract the most attention at your shows?

JS: The medical trade fairs organized by the Messe Duesseldorf Group cover the entire treatment process, from laboratory technology and diagnostics to innovative medical technology, physical therapy and orthopedic technology to medical IT. Visitor interest is equally high in all of these main areas.

DM: Is medical tourism, in which patients leave their home countries to seek care in another, a growing or significant trend? Which nations stand to gain or lose in this area?

JS: This is a topic with many facets. Basically, growing globalization and the increase in prosperity, along with the rise in health consciousness, is creating enormous growth potential even in the emerging markets. The winners here will be those who can offer excellent professional knowledge combined with an extraordinary infrastructure. Due to the high density of care and in some cases highly specialized facilities, the European market -- particularly Germany -- as well as of course the USA, are in an excellent starting position. But keep in mind that other nations in growth markets are also preparing for this lucrative competition. Factors such as marketing, quality management and outstanding patient care will become increasingly important alongside purely medical aspects, as will uncomplicated dealings with public authorities.

Obama Lauds U.S. Exporters: MEDICA Exhibitor Attends White House Briefing

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San Fernando, California-based    Medical Illumination International is a leading medical lighting manufacturer for surgeries, minor procedure/examinations, oral surgeries, magnifying and UV "Woods" lights, and has been an annual exhibitor at  MEDICA in Düsseldorf, Germany for the past decade.

At the beginning of July 2010, the company was invited by the White House to attend a briefing by President Obama on his new National Export Initiative (NEI).  The participants received a first-hand explanation of the U.S. Government’s plans to increase its support of U.S. manufacturing businesses  - including the goal of doubling U.S. exports within five years, hammerig out   more trade agreements, increasing pressure on trading partners to further   open their markets to U.S. products, and a proposal to create an export   promotion cabinet.

Chosen as one of 150 American companies because of its strong embrace of export operations, Medical Illumination International was represented at the briefing by VP of Sales & Marketing Mr. Larry Debord.  U.S. President Barack Obama outlined his vision for this new export initiative, as well as the various facets of the program and how they would to be implemented, including more financial support for export promotion.

Messe Duesseldorf North America congratulates Medical Illumination International for its participation in this special and unique event, and for its embrace of exporting and seeking new markets overseas.

President of the United States  Barack Obama	Mr. Larry Debord  Vice President, Sales & Marketing  Medical Illumination International

Since 1982, Messe Düsseldorf North America has been a resource for US companies seeking new international market opportunities.  We have served as an international like to innumerable U.S. companies over the years, assisting with everything necessary to exhibit at or visit one of the trade shows organized by the Messe Düsseldorf group of companies in Germany, Czech Republic, South East Asia, China, India, Russia, The Middle East, and South America.

 

FOCUS BRAZIL: Shipping, Customs, and How to Stay on Top of your Game

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HOSPITALAR 2010, Latin America's largest and leading medical industry trade fair, concluded recently to resounding success with a record-breaking 89,000 trade visitors from 41 nations and 1,250 exhibitors from Brazil and 35 other countries.  This year, the number of direct U.S.-based exhibitors at the show also excelled past projections with 42 companies!

Despite these successful results, many companies from overseas get caught in the Brazilian shipping and customs “quagmire” that can turn a company’s best-laid plans inside out.

Brazilian customs clearance procedures for incoming and outgoing freight shipments for trade shows within Brazil are very detailed and time-consuming, and the authorities are rigid and exceptionally rigorous in the enforcement of the prevailing Brazilian customs regulations. Standard Brazilian cargo handling, transfer, and storage charges, along with compulsory Brazilian customs bonding fees, taxes, and other sometimes unforeseen cargo handling expenses often may be viewed as high by American exhibitors. In some cases, the cost of shipping alone can far exceed the cost of the exhibit space itself!

To ensure that each international exhibitor’s requirements are handled expertly and as smoothly as possible, Brazilian show management companies appoint a locally-based customs broker to handle ALL in-coming and out-going shipments to and from their trade fairs.

Far in advance of the trade show, it is highly recommend that the U.S. exhibitor start working with its U.S.-based freight forwarder of choice to review its shipping options, paperwork requirements, and of course to secure cost estimates. It is particularly important to select a freight forwarder that has experience in shipping to Brazil, or better yet a freight forwarder that specializes specifically in international trade show shipping. Simply selecting an international freight forwarder based upon the lowest price quotation, or attempting to send show materials with an international courier service in order to save a few dollars, can be risky and result in a shipment not arriving at the booth in time for the show!

Furthermore, all export documentation must meet exact requirements, and all shipments must be pre-authorized by Brazilian customs authorities before they can be shipped out of the United States to Brazil. Items for temporary import and items that will be given away and/or consumed during the exhibition must be packed and precisely documented separately, and sent in separate crates. Failure to follow the instructions provided to the US-based international freight forwarder and by the officially appointed Brazilian customs broker may result in delayed shipments and quite possibly some additional charges.

Messe Duesseldorf North America has been the official marketing and sales office for HOSPITALAR for more than a decade and can coach U.S. companies in all aspects of their trade fair planning for this important event.  Contact us for details!

It’s a Big Deal in Chicago

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The move came after Chicago had already lost several conventions over the past year, and several trade shows had threatened to leave and seek alternative convention venues elsewhere in the U.S. that offered more flexibility and affordability.


Some key “exhibitor-friendly” reforms in the legislation include labor rules that reduce work sizes and require less overtime pay, expanded exhibitor rights (allowing customers to do more of their own setup and dismantling), and permitting show organizers to select outside electrical and food & beverage vendors.

And now the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau has announced an anticipated $1 billion in new spending from trade show commitments coming to town!

The International Housewares Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Cardiology, the American Wind Energy Association, Lions Club International and the Society for Neuroscience have announced plans to return to the city, and newcomers Ace Hardware, Lego KidsFest and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have announced they will now hold their events here too!

Messe Duesseldorf North America has been a proud member of Chicago’s business community for the past 20 years, serving as a marketing, sales, and point-of-service office for U.S.-based exporters seeking international trade show opportunities.  It’s no coincidence that when our corporate team selected Chicago for its U.S. operations base, proximity to McCormick Place and the major U.S. trade shows held here was a key factor.  Every year our company participates in various capacities at important events staged at this convenient, world-leading convention facility.

We applaud these reforms that were designed to retain and continue attracting important events that are immanently vital to economic growth in Chicago and the State of Illinois.

make-up artist design show Duesseldorf 2011

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Trade Fair for Make-up Artists
March 19-20, 2011
Düsseldorf, Germany
www.make-up-artist-show.de

Creative, colorful and vibrant - the make-up artist design show is an all-professional trade show featuring product presentations, talks and seminars that is reserved exclusively for make-up artists. So far only London, England has hosted such an event in Europe for professionals.  make-up artist design show, however, is the only major international trade event covering the European mainland.

At the premiere of the make-up artist design show last March, 1,900 trade visitors came to Düsseldorf to learn from the leaders in the make-up business. A well-attended conference featured international make-up artists from films, TV shows and theater productions, such as Vittorio Sodano, who was nominated for an Academy Award in 2007 and 2010, Barney Burman, Academy Award winner, and Bernd Staatz, head make-up artist for the German Opera am Rhein.

Additionally, two top-notch beauty industry events are held concurrently with make-up artist design show:

BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL DÜSSELDORF 2011
Trade Fair for the Cosmetics, Nail, Foot Care and Wellness Industries
www.beauty-international.com

TOP HAIR INTERNATIONAL DÜSSELDORF
Trade Fair, Show and Congress for the International Hairdressing Industry
www.top-hair-international.de

We hope you’ll be there to expand into new markets and introduce your products to international prospects!

Experience "360 degrees watersports" at boot Düsseldorf 2011

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Sporting some of the new attire is your boot Düsseldorf team from Messe Düsseldorf North America in Chicago: Anne Meerboth-Maltz, Justin Kesselring, Eva Rowe and Tom Mitchell.

From its modest beginnings in 1969, the idea of organizing a boating & watersports trade fair so far inland was first met with a lot of skepticism.  The first ever boot Düsseldorf filled up a single exhibition hall with 116 exhibitors.  As it turned out, that was just the first chapter in a major success story.  Now in its 42nd run, boot Düsseldorf is renowned worldwide as the leading fair for boating and watersports, and as a testament to how much the show has grown, boot Düsseldorf now fills 17 exhibition halls on 2.3 million square feet, features over 1,500 exhibitors and brings around 240,000 trade visitors.

At the helm for 39 out of those past 42 years, former project director Abdul-Rahman Adib lead boot Düsseldorf on its way to the top.  Now the torch has been passed to new project director Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel, and with this new project director come some new, innovative ideas:  Mr. Jungmichel has been working to rebrand boot Düsseldorf to keep things fresh. It begins with embracing a new motto: to "enjoy a 360° water sports experience".  This sets a new standard and extends boot's concept proving that joining in water sports and having fun in the water is for everyone!  Attendees are encouraged to actively participate in one of the many “infotainment” areas:

1) Suit up and submerge yourself in a second dive tank in Hall 3

2) Try out some trend sports (such as wakeboarding & stand-up paddling) in a giant pool in Hall 1

3) Test your fishing skills at the Sportfisher Center in Hall 12

It’s no easy task to take a concept that has worked so well over several decades and completely rethink the entire process, and of course, no one would completely scrap the entire backbone of the show.  Mr. Jungmichel has, over the past year, struck a good balance between the old concepts that turned boot Düsseldorf  into the powerhouse that it was and new concepts that will sustain the leading trade show for many decades to come.

Potential exhibitors wishing to take advantage of this premier event for boating and watersports should consider signing up soon to be considered for prime placement – hall planning begins after June 30!  To request exhibitor materials, you can download registration forms here, or contact us at MDNA for more information!

So How Did We Do?

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2009 was a pretty tough year for just about everyone – and boy was it ever a stinker and aren’t we all glad it’s behind us…

All things considered, though, the Messe Düsseldorf Group seemed to weather the storm better than predicted.

The nature of our business is cyclical in nature – some of our events are held every four years or three, many are held every two years and several are held annually.  So after the sun, moon, and stars all aligned for part of 2007 and most of 2008 (all of the leading “mega shows” were held in Düsseldorf back to back over an 18 month period), things slowed down as planned – to the tune of around 50% - but with better results than anticipated:  a sales volume of approximately 256 million Euro (approximately US$ 307 million).

Last year’s leading events:  MEDICA, boot, A+A and CARAVAN SALON.

In 2009, Messe Düsseldorf produced a total of 14 self-owned events and hosted 18 partner and guest events at the Düsseldorf fairgrounds.  A total of 21,961 exhibitors (2008: 32,488) presented their products to 1.123 million visitors (2008: 1.964 million). The hall space rented amounted to nearly 10.5 million square feet (2008: approximately 16 million square feet).

On the international trade fair scene, Messe Düsseldorf organized 37 commissioned events and 21 of its own.  Primarily due to the economic downturn in Russia with sales losses of 30%, Messe Düsseldorf closed its international trade fair business year 2009 with sales of Euro 37 million – 25% percent less than in 2008.

So after the 2009 worldwide recession there are now signs of an overall upward trend.  Based on the trade fair cycles, Messe Düsseldorf predicts a sales increase in 2010 compared to last year.  However, the economic recovery still appears slow, it’s still a relatively quiet year in our show cycle with a few exceptions, and so we are expecting as our CEO called it, a "black zero.”

Let’s see how we do!

Altstadt

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The ‘Altstadt’ (Old Town) is the historic town center of Düsseldorf.  There is much to see and taste!  Here is a glimpse – then you can explore this wonderful part of town on your own during your visit to Düsseldorf.

On the south side of the Altstadt a quiet and romantic flair prevails, dominated by the Marxkirche (church) and the small, dreamy Citadellstrasse. If you are lucky, you might just catch an organ concert in the beautiful Baroque church. The Citadellstrasse is lined with neoclassical house fronts, looking much as they did during Heinrich Heine’s day.  At its end is the former palace of Count Spee, which houses a part of Düsseldorf’s City Museum.  In Bäckergasse you’ll find a wrought iron gate, behind which is the most romantic park in the city:  the old Palace Park with its stately trees and idyllic Lake.

On Bernrather Strasse is the very lively Karlsplatz, where a market is set up daily. This is the center of Karlstadt in the Altstadt, where you’ll find quite a few 18^th century patrician houses.  Cultural institutes, galleries and countless gastronomical possibilities, an active pub scene as well as quiet streets await you here.

At the Marktplatz (market square) you’ll discover the famous monument to Electoral Price Wilhelm von der Pfalz, lovingly called ‘Jan Wellem’ by Düsseldorf’s residents.  Those who seek the hustle and bustle of crowds will find what they are looking for in the streets that lead away from the Marktstrasse and Bergerstrasse:  Boutiques, pubs and taverns where Düsseldorf’s world-famous Altbier (ale) is served.  Here you’ll be able to experience just why Düsseldorf’s old town district is repeatedly referred to as ‘the longest bar counter in the world’.  A surprisingly different atmosphere can be found in the little Schneider-Wibbel-Gasse, a small street filled with Spanish restaurants, one next to the other, which invite you to stop and sample their cuisine.

To finish your tour, take a walk along the Rhine river promenade to enjoy the beautiful view of the Altstadt. The river path is busy with residents, visitors, sunbathers, as well as ship traffic on the Rhine.  The former Stiftsplatz in front of the church with its beautiful old façade is one of the most idyllic squares in Düsseldorf’s Old Town and the Altestadt Strasse is the oldest street in Düsseldorf.  In the Ritterstrasse you’ll find facades from 18th and 19th century homes and – for even a bit more history stop in the Ursulinengasse, where markings show just where the medieval city wall from 1288 ran.

Succeed with us Around the World: A Primer to How We Organize Trade Shows

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We often get asked about how we “do” shows in comparison.  Indeed our system is set up differently in Germany than in the United States, starting with the structuring of the company and its approach to how things are managed.

How WE do it

Messe Düsseldorf not only owns and produces many of the events held in Düsseldorf, it also owns and operates the convention center (a.k.a. “The Fairgrounds” or “das Messegelände”) – something unheard of in the U.S.  The Düsseldorf Fairgrounds is one of the world's largest and most modern convention centers, featuring 18 halls offering over 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space.

Shareholders of Messe Duesseldorf include primarily the City of Düsseldorf, along with the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and other affiliated public chambers of commerce and trade.  Dusseldorf’s mayor is the Chairman of the Board, who appoints and oversees the company’s CEO.

The company is structured as a full-service trade show management company – not only does each trade show that we produce have a dedicated team of project management specialists, all related goods and services to the exhibitor are provided under one roof:

• Facilities Management

• Traffic and Logistics Control

• Technical Services

• Stand Construction

• Protocol

• Press and Public Relations

• IT and Internet Support Services

Since 1947, Messe Düsseldorf has been operating world-class and industry-leading trade shows across a wide variety of industries.  Today, 23 of the 50 events that take place in Düsseldorf are the No. 1 events in their respective industries.

And as the company has grown, so too have its international operations.  We’ve branched out over the years into all major markets, and are now on location in 127 countries, with 66 agencies abroad and more than 1500 employees.

For over 30 years, Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA) has been your local partner for trade fairs in Germany and beyond.  We were the first German trade fair company to establish roots here in the United States and for the past 20 years have been based in Chicago.

Succeed with Us Around the World isn’t just our slogan – it’s how WE do business.