Whilst the economic situation remains precarious, the 40th MIDEST, one of the the world’s leading industrial subcontracting show, should open with exhibitor numbers and space up on 2009, which itself did well in a difficult situation. The results for these two shows demonstrate that subcontractors view their industry’s major event as more central than ever to their commercial future and to their image.
Between 2nd and 5th November, MIDEST should draw nearly 1,750 exhibitors to Paris Nord Villepinte. These are specialists in the processing of metals, plastics, rubber and composite materials, electronics and electricals, microtechniques, surface treatment and finishes, industrial fastenings and industry services. Innovative SMEs will appear alongside sector leaders on their own stands or on joint venture pavilions organized by the show’s hundred French or foreign, institutional or professional partners.
37 exhibiting countries As always, French subcontracting continues to form the bulk of MIDEST and contributes 60% of the exhibitors, a figure that has held steady since 2009. Seventeen of France’s twenty-two regions are on hand with some 600 exhibitors occupying group stands totalling 6,500 m² in the joint venture sector. Beyond France, exhibitors from 34 countries have already booked and the likelihood is that the number will eventually reach 37, the same as in 2009. Over a score will have official stands. Of these, Bulgaria is making its return, whilst South Africa is present for the first time. French and international exhibitors will also be heavily involved in the Villages, which are enjoying increasing success. This year, the seven present in 2009 (Foundry, Materials treatment, Shaping metals, Plastics, Forging, European fastenings and Electronics) will be joined by two new ones: Machining and special machines and Rubber.
MIDEST 2010: request the program In 2009, MIDEST achieved a significant 5.5% increase in visitor numbers to reach a total of 39,710 professionals, who came from all over the world to ‘feel’ the market, probe their suppliers, discover innovations, identify new service providers and prepare for their projects. Once again, MIDEST is striving to ensure that these visitors enjoy a fruitful and effective visit, especially as this year’s show, the fortieth, is a symbolic milestone. A brochure featuring numerous reminiscences by some of the show’s pioneers, a history of its 40 years and a timeline for the industry has been specially produced to mark this occasion and it will be both mailed out and available to pick up at the show entrances. Special awards will also be presented to companies who have been continuously present since the launch of MIDEST.
From July onwards, visitors to midest.com have been treated to written or video interviews and a wealth of information about this event. It is also highly significant that more and more visitors have realized that this site represents a comprehensive international directory of leading subcontractors and a precious source of information. The number of visits to it over the first seven months of the year rose by more than 50% between 2008 and 2010 and online badge requests have now passed last year’s figure. Added value program The show constantly strives to improve the information it delivers to its visitors and to this end it is focusing on the railway supply industry this year. This is one of the driving forces of industry and subcontracting and it will form the subject of a round table, “Subcontracting at the heart of the railway sector”, and three major conferences bringing together major players in the sector. Building on their growing success, the MIDEST Awards are returning for the fifth time. They provide the industry with the chance to discover exhibitors whose performance and strengths are out of the ordinary in five major categories (Innovation, Model implementations, International, Organization and Design offices). Finally, MIDEST 2010 will host some sixty free lectures, some short, some extensive, which will provide a review of the latest technical, strategic or economic advances in subcontracting. It will also again be hosting its Technology Centres, where experts from CETIM (the mechanical engineering technical centre) and the CTIF (the development centre for the shaping of metals – Foundry) will help visitors fill out the gaps in their knowledge of innovative techniques and processes. This year, for the first time, they are being joined by the LRCCP (the rubber and plastics research and monitoring laboratory).
MIDEST 2010 will be held in conjunction with MAINTENANCE EXPO, the show for the full range of industrial and service sector maintenance solutions, and EXPOPROTECTION, the risk management and prevention show.
KEY FACTS Dates: from Tuesday 2nd to Friday 5th November 2010 Venue: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre - Hall 6 Exhibitors: 1,750 exhibitors from 37 countries
Sectors:
- Metal processing
- Processing of plastics / rubber / composite materials
- Electronics and electricals
- Microtechnics
- Surface treatments and finishing
- Industrial fasteners
- Industry services
Expected visitors: 39,700 professionals from 78 countries
