Shipping literally makes the world go round and the whole world revolved around Posidonia 2012 which has closed with a bang setting a new record in terms of visitor numbers and number of countries represented in a stellar week which also saw the signing of many deals and partnerships on the floor of the spectacular Metropolitan Expo. Αlmost 19,000 visitors from 92 countries attended Posidonia 2012, making this year’s event the most successful of all times. From Brasil to Japan and from every latitude and longitude in between, shipping and maritime professionals from the whole world gave Posidonia a vote of confidence celebrating its status as the most prestigious event for the global maritime industry.
They came to meet, network and do business with representatives of the powerful Greek shipping community as well as with those from a total of 1,870 companies from 87 countries who occupied no less than 35,000 square metres of total gross space.
Twenty countries deployed national pavilions to showcase their might in various shipping sectors, from shipbuilding to quality flag registries and from engineering to new technologies.
Visitors, exhibitors and even the international media were full of praise for Posidonia’s ability to constantly reinvent itself without ever losing its unique lustre and appeal. “These facilities are the best of the other shipping events I have seen around the world. My impression is that the exhibitors are very satisfied with the attendance, especially all the companies I have spoken to”, said veteran shipping reporter Bob Svenson, from Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications.
And even before the dismantling of the eye-pleasing stands of Posidonia 2012 had started just after 17.00 on Friday June 8th, organisers said that early bookings for the next event were coming in fast and thick.
“Major companies and organisations from the USA, Far East and Europe have already committed their presence for Posidonia 2014, which is scheduled for 2-6 June, 2014”, said Theodore Vokos, Project Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., the organiser of the biennial event.
“The feedback we received from exhibitors and visitors alike during the entire week was overwhelmingly positive and everyone seemed to enjoy the show, the quality of the interactions and networking as well as the robust conference and seminar schedule which were extremely well attended. We are also particularly pleased with the success of the Cruise Update at Posidonia 2012, which set the stage for the 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, to take place in Athens on 28-29 May 2013. We look forward to again welcoming the global shipping community to Greece for the 2013 Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum and Posidonia 2014!”, he said.