Tanning Tech chemicals sold out

Assomac, the organisers of the Tanning Tech exhibition, say that the chemicals sector (Hall 34) has sold out as is customary, with some names standing by. However, the edition in Bologna from October 28-31 is being awaited with some 'apprehension but also the hope that it will lead to concretely positive indications for the tanning sector.' Held a week earlier than usual to remain in conjunction with Lineapelle, the 2003 Tanning-Tech is once more experiencing the difficulties that have for several years affected the entire western leather sector. Nevertheless, the numbers clearly show that the fair remains steadfast; by mid-July, 242 exhibitors had confirmed their participation. The aim of equalling last year's final figure of 267 stands may still be achieved. It is not, however, one exhibitor more or less that will change the structure of Tanning-Tech; 13,500 sq m net have already been allocated (14,000 last year). Assomac say that there seems to be greater suffering in the machinery sector, in pavilions 33 and 35, whereas the international structure of the exhibitors remains unchanged and they come from 25 countries (22 last year). On the visitor front, advance requests for passes are exactly the same as in past years. All is also proceeding as forecast as concerns the 'collective' visitors, in the sense that the official delegations from countries with a high tanning vocation are about to be decided, and missions of operators and representatives of official bodies from many countries have been announced. The 'quality' of the visitors is evolving in the sense that, now the diplomatic phase has ended, the political delegations have gradually given way to technical delegations - visitors to Tanning Tech are, without doubt, more directly involved in purchasing.