Vitrum 2001: Press release

During the long months of preparation preceding the opening, a considerable increase in the number of exhibitors and the ensuing expansion of the exhibit area had nourished hopes for setting unparalleled attendance records. The tragic events of September 11th and growing political tensions around the globe gave rise, in the days immediately prior to the opening, to fears that such optimism might be premature.



Instead, following a muted opening day, business at the trade fair livened up with the arrival of interested visitors, determined to initiate concrete negotiations. On closing day, October 6th, most exhibitors agreed that the fears of opening day had been allayed and were encouraged by the statistics gathered at the entrance gates. Those figures indicated a decline in admissions, but one well below the most dire predictions. In actual fact, the -2.5% recorded was largely offset by the rise in "quality" of the contacts generated between exhibitors and visitors. Official press release available on the source link bellow.