Brussels. The EMECA General Assembly hosted by IFEMA Madrid mid-October 2013 revealed a stable and sound picture of the leading exhibition companies in Europe although operating in a challenging economic environment. Some Members even report record results while few others, mostly in the Southern European Members States, are affected in their daily operations by the tough business environment. The trend to innovate and diversify continues among EMECA Members. “All EMECA companies offer a variety of initiatives to increase international visitor numbers and quality, thus generating a higher lead rate, lead quality and opening up additional business opportunities. Furthermore, new services enhancing information, contacts and tailor-made offers up to full-service packages play an increasing role for the success of the leading European Exhibitions”, summarises EMECA-President Andreas Gruchow.
A cautious but positive outlook for the Spanish economy was presented by Professor Gonzalo Gómez Bengoechea (ICADE) to the EMECA General Assembly. He offered a history view on various economic indicators and policy areas, showing where Spain had tackled reforms that lead to an end of the recession, and which issues are still pending. “Spain suffers economic cycles as every other country, this time it lasts a bit longer, but it is a normal v-shaped recession”, summarises Gonzalo Gómez Bengoechea.
