Attendance for CeBIT increases to 200,000
Exhibition pulls in massive crowds as industry movers and shakers take to their stands
Visitor numbers to CeBIT 2007 in Hanover leapt by 10 per cent compared with 2006, with more than 200,000 hitting the event over the seven days.
According to the organisers, more than 6,100 exhibitors from 77 countries showcased their products and ideas, including big-name industry players such as Microsoft, Apple, Nokia and Cisco.
Ernst Raue, Deutsche Messe board member responsible for CeBIT, said: “There has been a marked increase in the number of exhibitors from the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe and Latin America, as well as new, upcoming markets.”
Organisers added that the event has evolved to reflect the general swing towards more consulting, information transfer and networking styles of business. As a result, CeBIT 2007 featured more than 1,000 conferences and lectures.
CeBIT 2007 also included the first European Summit of Ministers for Information Technology and Telecommunications from all European Union (EU) member states.
During the week, ministers made an agreement in principle that could see roaming fees from mobile phone operators cut by 70 per cent. The proposals could come into force as early as July if EU ministers agree to the plans in May.
Also, the Russian telecoms minister reassured CeBIT delegates that his country was cracking down on software piracy and criminal activity. The assurances followed recent claims that a high percentage of malware writing is traced back to Russia.
The show was also the scene of a revival. Nostalgic brand Commodore, chose CeBIT to showcase its Commodore Gravel range, which included media players and consumer electronic devices.
Frank Simonis, chairman of the European Blu-ray Disc Association, was feeling bullish at CeBIT. He claimed his format will have crushed HD-DVD within three years. He cited the example of the PlayStation 3 console increasing Blu-ray media take up in Japan and the US and said he expected the European markets to follow suit.