Despite the situation at many airports in Europe as a consequence of the volcanic eruption in Iceland, VIV Europe will take place as planned in Utrecht, the Netherlands on April 20 to 22.
VNU Exhibitions Europe Director International Exhibitions Gerard Leeuwenburgh states is monitoring the situation on Schiphol Airport constantly and will inform all exhibitors and pre-registered visitors immediately once the airport is re-opened. (Note: As of 17.00 local time on Monday, April 19, Schiphol Airport was still closed.) So far, 85% of the exhibitors have been able to reach Utrecht in time. All market leaders from Feed to Meat are ready to show an unrivalled number of innovations. Utrecht is easily accessible by train, bus or by car for Europeans.
The 2010 edition of the VIV Europe exhibition opens in Utrecht, Netherlands Tuesday morning. WATT will be represented there by members of our editorial and commercial teams from Europe and the USA. We will be bringing you news updates throughout the three days of the show.
"The hot topic among the exhibitors setting up their stands today is the present restriction on air travel to and from northern Europe and what effect it will have on the number of visitors," comments our international sales manager, Frans Willem van Beemen, after walking round the show floor on set-up day. "You can see from the stand construction how some exhibiting companies have been affected. The ones who are from Europe are all here and their displays are just about complete. This includes some large stands with big equipment, so the first impression is that the exhibition halls are as full as ever. But there are companies from outside Europe who have had to make alternative arrangements about building their stands because their own construction crews did not arrive and there are exhibit spaces allocated to Asian or Middle East companies that have stayed empty until now.
"However, it is also clear that the VIV show organizers are doing their utmost to make the event as agreeable as possible for everyone despite the circumstances created by the volcano in Iceland. They have even arranged that anyone traveling to VIV Europe by car can park at the showground free of charge! The people who come are sure of a good welcome. We know that the show will receive many European visitors, the only question is how many people will succeed in attending from other parts of the world despite the travel problems."
A warm welcome is guaranteed for visitors who make the effort to attend VIV Europe. Parking at the Jaarbeurs venue is free of charge for visitors. Upon arrival, free coffee and croissants are served.
For more information on VIV Europe, including how to reach Utrecht, please visit www.viv.net or call the VIV hotline.
HOTLINE 1: +31-30-295 2898
HOTLINE 2: +31-30-295 2201
