UNITI expo is the leading European trade fair for the retail petroleum and carwash industries. The biennial event, with its program of seminars and compact three-day format, is specially tailored to the needs of its target audience. UNITI expo provides a unique opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to build and strengthen business relationships with customers and professionals alike.
UNITI expo 2018 is scheduled to take place from May 15-17, 2018 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Professional Carwashing & Detailing (PC&D) recently spoke with Bruno Boroewitsch, CEO of com-a-tec and co-founder of UNITI expo, about the upcoming event.
PC&D: How does UNITI expo 2018 compare to its previous fairs?
BB: In 2016, UNITI expo consolidated its position as the leading trade fair for the fuel retailing and carwash industries. For next year, we plan to continue improving and growing. It has been an amazing experience to organize this trade show — we´ve grown from 25,000 m2 (270,000 sq. ft.) of exhibition space in 2014 to 35,000 m2 (377,000 sq. ft) in 2016, and in 2018 exhibitors from around the world will showcase their products across 40,000 m2 (430,000 sq. ft.) in the state-of-the-art Stuttgart Messe.
In terms of carwashing, after we made a huge effort in 2016 to set a major focus on the sector, we can safely say that all the big European manufacturers have chosen UNITI expo as their main trade fair in Europe. As a sign of how important UNITI expo has become for this sector, Europe´s biggest carwash manufacturer, WashTec, has already booked a booth of 660 m2 (7,100 sq. ft.) and is one of our official cooperation partners for the first time.
PC&D: Will there be an increase in exhibition space dedicated to carwashing for the 2018 edition?
BB: Absolutely. We have almost doubled the space compared to the previous editions, and the carwash area will be spread over two exhibition halls. Other leading manufacturers have all increased their spaces up to 400 m2 (4,300 sq. ft.). All of these companies want to show their full offering for gas stations and professional carwashes, including, in many cases, full tunnel washes.
A key aspect for UNITI expo 2018 is that it has set a big focus on engaging with the professional carwash sector, particularly those with conveyers and tunnels, which is one of the fastest growing segments in our industry.
There will also be a Car Wash Forum, just like in the previous edition, where industry experts will discuss the latest trends, ideas and changes in the market. The program for the Forum will be unveiled later on in the year.
PC&D: What kind of visitors can exhibitors from outside Germany expect at the show?
BB: First and foremost, UNITI expo is an international trade show. In 2016, we had 425 exhibitors from 36 countries and more than 15,000 visitors from over 110 countries — something unique in the whole industry. For example, even if, as a supplier, you might not target the German and European markets, at UNITI expo you will meet customers from growing markets such as the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Almost half of the public is from outside Germany, and a large portion from outside Europe. This is the best chance to meet customers from all over the world.
PC&D: What makes UNITI expo an attractive option for exhibitors from the carwash sector?
BB: As I mentioned before, we are the leading trade fair in Europe for the fuel retailing and carwash sectors. You can meet literally all the oil companies from the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region as well as the most important carwash operators. The event offers unique efficiency due to its compact, three-day format that allows industry people to make the most of their visit. The location of the trade fair is also very important. We have decided to continue in Stuttgart, as it offers great value and convenience, especially for our international attendees. Features of the site include: a large, modern exhibition hall with an international airport right on its doorstep; plenty of hotels; good connections to surrounding European countries by German highways; and a location in a business-oriented city that is home to Mercedes and Porsche.
Here you may find data and information about UNITI expo 2016 at: https://www.uniti-expo.de/en/trade-fair/review-of-unitinbspexpo-2016.html
