Just six weeks before the next edition of Autopromotec, which will be held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre May 25-29, the organizers are saying that the numbers of foreign exhibitors and buyer/dealer delegations confirmed so far are a "clear sign that the Bologna event is in pretty good health." 
To date, the number of exhibitors confirmed for Autopromotec 2011 remains at the record level seen at the last show in 2009, with an outstanding 35% of foreign companies to highlight the increasing internationalization aspect of the event.
The increase in exhibition space seems to demonstrate that those who were there last time will be back. Only this time they are said to be booking larger spaces to increase their visibility in the professional automotive aftermarket sector. Indicators of this type, in a period that cannot be referred to as one of economic stability, are seen as ways the organization committee has channeled efforts in the right direction.
The new AutopromotecEDU concept is described by the show’s organizers as “absolutely innovative…even with respect to other international initiatives in this sector.” The idea is for this part of the overall event to foment a melting pot of experiences and professional skills, with the purpose of helping operators in their daily automotive after-sales.
According to the people behind the show, Promotec SPA, it is not going to be a drawing room for niceties, but a unique opportunity for debating and widening the sector-related issues, involving all actors of the automotive business, and neglecting no category and element of the chain. From maintenance to non-conventional marketing, to safety and widening related to regulations and future market trends, all of this shall be dealt with, always with an international approach.
The series of AutopromotoecEDU meetings will be opened by the traditional inaugural convention May 25. Topics under discussion include: maintenance, safety and overhauls. Two regular Autopromotec rendezvous follow: GIPA prizes, in which prizes will be awarded to individuals and businessesthat have especially distinguished themselves in the after-sales service; and the European Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (EAAS) on May 26, which will be joined by international experts and operators in this sector, on the issue “Future opportunities of the automotive aftermarket in Europe.”
Of the 1,443 exhibitors at Autopromotec 2009, many of them offered products (such as tires and parts) and customer service for commercial vehicles. Autopromotec 2011 is set to keep a hall-by-hall focus to allow visitors to plan their visit according to their own specific needs and professional interests. (Tyres & Accessories)
