K 2013 attendance figures released

The K 2013 trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany drew approximately 218,000 visitors from over 120 countries – a slight decline from the 222,486 that attended the previous K in 2010, according to trade show operator Messe Düsseldorf.

The K show – which ran from October 16 to 23 – also featured 3,200 exhibitors from the ranks of raw material producers, processors, and machinery producers, which is an improvement on the 3,094 exhibitors taking part in 2010.

Results from a visitor survey conducted by Messe Düsseldorf suggests that 58 per cent of 2013 visitors came from abroad, and just under half of all foreign visitors came from overseas. “As expected, the proportion of trade visitors from Asia accounted for the largest group of foreign visitors – some 30,000 specialists came to the [show] from South, East, and Central Asia, as well as from the Near and Middle East,” the organization said in a statement. “Visitors from India were once again the largest group here, while the number of trade visitors from China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, and Taiwan rose considerably.”

Some 8,100 visitors were registered from the U.S. and Canada, the organization also said, 1,300 more than at K 2010. Also, some 11,000 specialists came from Latin America – approximately the same as three years ago. ”Forming the largest contingent were experts from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia,” Messe Düsseldorf said.

Among the visitors from neighbouring European countries, the Netherlands dominated with 8,000 visitors, followed by France, Belgium, Great Britain, and Italy.

Across all national borders, there were also a “disproportionately” high number of managers among the 2013 visitors, Messe Düsseldorf said. “About two-thirds came from top or middle management,” the organization said. “Well over half played a decisive or co-determining role in their companies’ investment decisions. The proportion of visitors from research, development and design was also considerable.”