Editor's Page

November 13, 1998

Some notices on Euro-Blech '98 and exhibitions generally.

Please understand that all these comments and ideas below are my own and doesn't respect to any other party.

For some years the organizers of Euro-Blech have been inviting Tube Industry to participate on this show which is - unquestionably - the most important Sheet Metal concentrated show in Europe - probably in the world. But why Tube Industry and Euro-Blech? (Blech is a German word and means sheet metal). Why in the first place to have Tube Industry on the show which is for sheets?

I was in Blech and noticed that Sheet Metal was there widely. Also some of the companies related to our industry attended the show. I discussed with many collegues and noticed that exhibitors doesn't like the idea that Tube-Dusseldorf and Euro-Blech take place in the very same year. In fact, there are only some 6 months that separates these two shows. Of course it is understandable that the organizers are trying to attract as many companies as possible, but is that necessarily good for the Tube Industry?

There are no doubts that Tube-Dusseldor is the most important event for our industry. When discussing about this matter on the show, it seems that everybody agrees in this matter, but nobody knows what to do with Blech.

The same problem seems to be with Fabtech in US. It was only last year when it took place in Chicago and now in Cleveland. What these all means? First the exhibitors go to Fabtech in Chicago, then Tube Dusseldorf and then Fabtech in Cleveland. Some exhibitors will also attend to Euro-Blech and some to IMTS. I'm just wondering where this all go if tube industry doesn't find a way to control it. Everybody knows that it's a matter of big amount of money when you make a stand.

Should the exhibitors agree all together what show to attend and what show to pass? To my mind it would be fine if there would be two major shows - Fabtech, Chicago in the odd-numbered years and Tube, Dusseldorf in the even-numbered year. Please let me know what you think.

I can understand that this text will make some people unhappy, but I represent Tube Industry and am listening carefully the wishes that this industry has expressed to me. This text is based on the thoughts that I have heard until now.

Juha Haapala