The Event Fair – a summary

Such a fair was exactly what the industry needed – that is the first thought which springs to mind after the first Concert, Event and Congress Event Technology and Services Fair which took place at the Trade Fair and Congress Centre MT Polska in Warsaw between 6 and 8 November 2009. A total of 85 exhibitors and 2655 visitors attended the fair.

The first appearance of any event is always accompanied by an aura of uncertainty and anxiety about the final effect which, in the case of the Event Fair, turned out positive. The participants of the fair stressed repeatedly that the event has a great potential which however needs to be directed properly for the fair to develop in accordance with the industry’s expectations. One thing is certain – the event became a valuable meeting place, grounds for exchanging the most up-to-date market knowledge and for establishing business contacts, even for concluding agreements and contracts. – The fair was undoubtedly a breakthrough moment for the Polish event industry. For years I have been following the domestic event market and up until now we haven’t had any real fair. Międzynarodowe Targi Polska proved that it is possible to organize a fair also in Poland, not only abroad – says Przemysław Kaczmarski, the owner of Leisure Industry Services.

From idea to reality

The fair was attended by 85 exhibitors, who presented almost everything that is essential for the proper organization of an event: starting from the idea, through marketing, all the way to the realization. The offer presented at the fair consisted of: fair and conference facilities, event technology (including stage organization, lighting and sound systems), event attractions, advertising merchandise and media, systems for constructing stands and fair scenography as well as personal service, catering and security.

Many exhibitors prepared presentations of their new items on offer, among others: a modern system enabling swift registration of participants at large events and ideas for different event attractions. That made the fair an event in itself: colourful, exuberant and attracting the visitors’ attention.

Targeted recipients

The event fair was created for those who organize events, co-operate during this process, either directly or indirectly, and for those who need the necessary equipment, ideas and knowledge – and such representatives of the industry were most abundant. The fair was also visited in vast numbers by competing companies who watched the first edition of this event and its participants with curiosity. A total of 2655 visitors from the industry came to the Event Fair, representing the following groups:

• representatives of event, advertising and PR agencies
• organizers of fairs and congresses as well as sporting, policital and cultural events
• event managers from corporations and big companies
• artistic agencies
• representatives of local governments and promotion departments responsible for the promotion of regions, gminas and towns
• representatives of companies providing:
  • audio-visual systems and multimedia
  • pyrotechnic services
  • advertising merchandise and accessories
  • insurance, security services and alarm systems
  • accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, resorts).

A drive for knowledge

The events accompanying the fair proved to be of great interest, which only proves that the Polish event industry is still very young, that it is still developing and needs professional knowledge.  – The turnout at the conference rooms exceeded our wildest expectations – says Joanna Sawicka-Mordak who was directly responsible for conferences, presentations and training – We had to disassemble the acoustic wall, to enlarge the room and put in extra chairs – she adds. About 160 people attended the presentations: How to organize a technically perfect event? prepared by the “Muzyka i Technologia” monthly and Crisis at the event prepared by ITBC Communication (a member of the Polish Public Relations Consultancies Association).

During the other meetings the conference rooms were full as well. The Event Industry Association (Stowarzyszenie Branży Eventowej) prepared a conference entitled Event in the company’s business strategy, whereas the representatives of local governments could attend a presentation PR event as an ideal tool for promoting the region, town, institution, prepared by Telma Group Communications (a member of the Polish Public Relations Consultancies Association). Moreover, the latest report concerning the even market in Poland was presented during the conference on the organization and influence of an event at the point of sale organized by the “Trade Marketer” magazine. On the agenda of the fair there were also: The clients’ needs and expectation versus an agency’s everyday life (Agencja EmLab) and a presentation concerning systems for monitoring of event participants (Infrared Group). 

Entertainment zone

Event fairs, as is believed worldwide and as other international events of this type prove, are a big show and spectacle. It was nothing else in the case of the Event Fair, where the “entertainment zone” was all but missing. In a separate sector one could acquaint oneself with the offer of artistic groups as well as a full range of bartending services. One of the main features of the fair was a professional scene constructed by Stołeczna Estrada, for which the sound and lighting systems were provided by J&J Music Art. Among the reputable Polish soloists and bands who appeared on the Fair were: Patrycja Markowska, Jacek Stachursky, Szymonersi, Papa D (a band previously known as Papa Dance, celebrating 25 years of existence) and an acoustic trio Free Your Mind.

On the second day of the fair one could listen to rock musicians who were taking part in the project of Stołeczna Estrada entitled “Rock Loves Chopin.” Arrangements of some of the well known works of Chopin were performed by Radosław Chwieralski, Wojciech Pilichowski, Tim Flavio, Rafał Bajus, Tomasz Mądzielewski and Anna Serafińska. Groups such as the Latino Siesta Fiesta, the drumming Ritmodelia, the reggaeton group from Cuba called La Formula, the dance-music group Secret, the folk Samokhin Band as well as the dancing group Samba Art performed at the event. The event would not be complete without the international carnival variety Afro Carnaval featuring dancers from Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Tunisia and Brazil, alongside performances of masterly penny-farthing and exceptional bartending skills.