It is testament to the confidence invested in the Fastener Fair brand across the fastener world that 171 exhibitors from 26 countries participated in the first Eastern European Fastener Fair exhibition - Fastener Fair Budapest.

69% of exhibiting companies were European, presenting a wide spectrum of products and services to the market. The top five countries were Italy, UK, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. Fifteen companies exhibited from Hungary, and other companies came from Croatia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. “We were very pleased to have the support of Eastern European companies,” says Jerry Ramsdale. “The quality of their experience, we are sure, will give confidence to other companies from the region to exhibit at future events.”

Nearly four hundred exhibitor personnel arrived in Budapest to set up and man the show, which comprised entirely shell scheme stands. “This was a first venture into Eastern Europe,” says Jerry Ramsdale, “and we did not want it confused with the strongly established international Stuttgart show. For that reason we opted for an all shell scheme design with a limit on the size of individual stands – something that met with the approval of many exhibitors.”

In all 1,012 visitors came to the Syma Center during the two days, over half registering on line in advance – important, says Jerry Ramsdale, in achieving a smooth flow of visitors into the exhibition hall. 96% of visitors came from European countries, over two-thirds from Hungary and adjoining target markets. “One of the factors in locating the show,” notes Jerry, “was the number of direct flights direct to Budapest from all over Europe. Combined with the strength of the Fastener Fair brand this was very important in attracting additional visitors from as far as Estonia, Finland, Cyprus and Malta as well as Russia, Israel and Saudi Arabia.” Three quarters of visitors had purchasing authority and nearly half were senior managers and directors. Fastener Fair is normally a trade show and 80% of Budapest visitors were from within the fastener sector. However, recognising that the market would be new to many exhibitors, fastener users were also invited to the Budapest show and many exhibitors reported being rewarded with high quality user contacts.