Aquarama retains its pulling power

With close to 120 direct exhibitors, plus a host of indirect ones, from 23 countries and trade visitors from an impressive total of 73 countries, Aquarama justified its reputation as the ornamental aquatic industry show of the international calendar. Attendance was high, especially on the second trade day, despite the ongoing economic crisis in Europe and the USA. The organisers were well pleased, therefore, not just with the support received from exhibitors, but also with the wide-ranging international mix of visitors – a mix that was patently obvious at a glance. The exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the results, both in terms of sales and contacts. A few of them reserved booths for 2013 – a sure sign that the Aqua-rama formula retains its pulling power. Clarification of rumours There had been a rumour (of unknown origin) prior to this year’s event suggesting that this would be the last edition, that Aquarama was “in trouble” and so on. All of this was emphatically dispelled in the opening ceremony address given by Chris Eve, senior vice-president of UBM Asia Trade Fairs Pte Ltd. Without making reference to the rumour, he commented on the tremendous trade response to Aquarama 2011 and announced the dates and venue for 2013 (30 May – 2 June, Suntec, Singapore). This news was welcomed by those who were aware of the rumour and couldn’t see the logic of such a successful exhibition being wound up. Backed by an outstanding trade and public seminar programme with internationally renowned speakers from 11 and six countries respectively, plus an eye-popping competition section including a new Freshwater Nano Tank component, and a widely-praised fish farm tour, Aquarama fully lived up to expectations and looked to be in perfect health.  Download: Aquarama retains its pulling power (PDF file)