The first visitors to pavilions 5 and 7 passed through the Fiera Milano Rho turnstiles as the show opened at 9:30am.
From the very first day, Vitrum proved its status as a pivotal event. Known for its focus on top range global glass processing machinery, special products and accessories – representing the present and future of glass processing – it attracted an audience of top buyers and high-profile glass professionals to view the latest technological innovations and business solutions.
During the inaugural press conference at 11:00 am, the show was declared officially open with remarks by Vitrum President Dino Zandonella Necca and Giovanni Rodia, Director of External Relations for ITA (Italian Trade Agency).
“This exhibition, that ITA (Italian Trade Agency) has been promoting for some time now, is on a continuous growth curve as tangible proof of the growing importance and development of the Italian glass processing industry,” said Giovanni Rodia. “The 3 percent increase in exports in 2018 is noteworthy but even more significant is the 20 percent rise in exports posted in the first half of 2019.”
An instant success, the 12 Vitrum Specialized themed pathways were understood and used by visitors to lead them to technologies of interest. Many commented on how the new maps, divided by specialization, directed them toward possible, previously unknown, business partners. “Even in a relatively small sector, like glass processing machinery, manufacturers may have products in areas unknown to the trade, perhaps due to diversification, or because they marketed other products more intensely,” commented Vitrum Director Laura Biason. “With the Vitrum Specialized, we made even our exhibitors’ less-well-known products visible to everyone and visitors immediately embraced this innovation.”
Curiosity and wonderment abounded among those who visited the Cultural Area where the “Arte del Vetro” Glass Art exhibit is being held. The displays retrace the history of artistic glass from that of a rare and valuable object to becoming a design symbol. In the Artisans Area, Venetian glass decorator Lucia Santini painted Murano glass vases using the ancient painting technique with Murano polychrome colors. Wednesday, bead-maker Alessia Fuga demonstrated the art of Venetian glass bead making throughout the entire day using the ancient lampworking technique.
In the Agents and Representatives Area, the first agents were registered and met with manufacturers.
Among the must-do events of yesterday, October 2nd, was the first of four Seminars. A rousing success last year, the “What’s hot in glass processing” seminar was back – with all new content – for an in-depth look at some of the most intriguing technological innovations applied to the glass industry.
At 6.30pm yesterday, after the show closed, business continued in a fun, casual atmosphere with a fantastic DJ-set by world-famous artist Kay Rush, who performed at the Service Center, under the magical glass canopy designed by Fuksas.
Useful links:
Vitrum website: https://www.vitrum-milano.com/en/
The on-line catalog: http://en.expopage.net/portal/tradeshow.do?TS_ID=89&
List of Exhibitors with Vitrum Specialized categories highlighted:
https://www.vitrum-milano.com/website/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Confirmed-Exhibitors-List-Vitrum-2019.pdf
The Seminars: https://www.vitrum-milano.com/en/news/vitrum-2019-seminars/
“Arte del Vetro” Glass Art exhibit: https://www.vitrum-milano.com/en/comunicati-stampa/glass-art-culture-design/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VitrumMilano/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VitrumMilano
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitrum-srl/