Doors Open for the 2019 Vitrum Glass Machinery Trade Show in Milan

The 2019 Vitrum glass machinery trade show opened today at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy. It is the 21st edition of the event. The show runs through October 4.

According to organizers during the opening day press conference, pre-show data points to growth for the show, including a 9 percent increase in total number of exhibitors, backed by a 21.37 percent rise in international stands, and an 11 percent upswing in net surface area. Vitrum 2019 hosts 45 new exhibitors on the floor, including companies returning after two or more years of absence, and the number of direct manufacturers of glass processing machinery, special products and accessories is up 17 percent over the previous edition.

“If Vitrum 2017 marked the turning point, these figures reveal tangible growth for the Milan-based show,” says Dino Zandonella Necca, president of Vitrum. “In planning the show, we paid close attention to all the feedback from Vitrum 2017 visitors and from the various glass associations. We then focused on strengthening the quality of the product, in terms of technological content, ease of navigating the exhibits, and services that support the exhibitors and trade professionals. All in the spirit of creating business opportunities for a highly qualified visitor roster that knows it can find the best the world has to offer at a well-organized show designed just for them.”

Organizers introduced several new programs at the 2019 event, including Vitrum Specialized categories, 12 themed pathways that allow visitors to instantly find the stands they are interested in and sharpen the opportunities to do business. Also new is the Agents and Representatives Area, located in Pavilion 7 (stand B07-B09). It is an area where agents can register, indicating their availability, and manufacturers can consider opening up new destinations for their products.

The educational seminars have also been expanded, with four meetings covering the key topics of interest to the glass processing community, from cyber security to machine compliance for international markets, and from the most exciting innovations in the “What’s Hot” seminar, to technical standards for the glass industry. All of the seminars will be held in the new Meeting Area in Pavilion 5 (stand V21-Z30).

As always, Vitrum also honors glass history and culture. The “Arte del vetro” Glass Art Area in Pavilion 7 (stands A17-B18 and A21-B30) will lead visitors along a historical/artistic journey among prized examples of the ancient art of Murano glass. “To understand where you have to go, you have to know where you came from. History is very important,” says Zandonella Necca, speaking during the press conference.