Vitrum’s status in the balance

Vitrum, the biggest exhibition for the glass trade this year, takes place this month at the Milan Portello fairgrounds from 5 to 8 October.

There are great expectations for the 14th edition of this biennial showcase for machinery for flat and hollow glass and processed products.

The last two shows have been dented by outside forces – the 2001 show was shortly after September 11, and the 2003 show was bounced to an unpopular June slot by a computer fair in Milan. So this year’s event should see a return to form, with 16,000 visitors and 400 or so exhibitors.

Great appeal

The great appeal of Vitrum is that it is a show with a global catchment, but compact enough to get around. The focus on machinery and processing products means the show fills a manageable four halls. In contrast, the Glasstec fair is all-encompassing.

So, Glasstec is the biggest but Vitrum still gives glass processors everything they need. The two shows alternate (the next Glasstec is 2006 in Dusseldorf) and have co-existed happily for decades.

However, recent years have shown Vitrum to be vulnerable to competition. The Glass Processing & Technology Show (GP&T) was launced in 2003 and had its second outing in May.

So it remains to be seen how many UK visitors will make it over to Milan, having had a mini-Vitrum at the NEC already this year. The downturn in the UK market may also mean there are fewer British visitors. After all, it dampened the UK show.

Backbone of the show

What the Vitrum organisers can count on is the support of its glass machinery manufacturers – the Gimav association organises the show. Such is the ingenuity of the Italian companies that this is guaranteed to attract visitors from all over the world.

The customary Vitrum press conference was held on 25 June by the Chairman of Vitrum, Dino Fenzi, the Chairman of the Gimav association, Annibale Besana, and the Chairman of the Gimav hollow glass section, Michele Gusti. The room housing the press conference was filled with journalists from more than 12 countries, representing over 35 publications. So, exhibitor booking and publicity for the show is complete. All that remains is the visitors.

Opening hours: Visitors from 9.30 to 18.30, Entrance from Viale Scarampo, Porta Colleoni Halls. 14 - 15, Porta Teodorico Halls. 15 - 16, Porta Scarampo Hall. 16.

Connection services

Green Line Shuttle Bus: Circle line around Milan Fair Grounds and connection with MM Amendola underground station Linate airport shuttle bus: passengers arrival/departure Porta Scarampo 26 (Hall 16 area) Connection with Malpensa Airport: By train from Cadorna Station (Malpensa Express) Malpensa Shuttle bus with bus stop in Viale Teodorico – Hall 16 Glass Age travel tip: Milan Bergamo airport (Oriel al Serio) is closed after 5th October.