The 2011 Industry and Technology Summit ended in an atmosphere of positivity and optimism, thanks to the number of professionals who attended the event, which amounted to 8,077, and the quality of the business deals made during the exhibition that took place at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre facilities, from 27 to 30 September.

Therefore, as the only domestic trade fair of its kind and as an outstanding reference on a European level, the Industry and Technology Summit not only maintained its activity and diversity levels, in terms of companies, business groups, chambers of commerce and professionals from 26 countries who attended the event, but it also secured its future as a show.

More than 8,000 professionals from France, Portugal, Brazil, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Mexico, Austria, Venezuela and Belgium, among other countries, participated in the exhibit, which was also visited by representatives of all the Autonomous Communities. Specifically, the assistance of professionals from outside the north region increased, once again, exceeding 33% of all domestic visitors. On the other hand, the presence of foreign professionals accounted for 7% of the total visitors.

Among the sectors that stood out for their professional interest the most remarkable ones were machining and processing of parts; engineering; casting, moulding and die casting; plastics and thermal treatments.

The relevance of the professionals attending the Summit, who belonged mainly to technical, purchasing and management departments, should be highlighted. Managing staff in representation of companies such as Mercedes, Siemens, Michelin, Sener, Alstom, Danobat, Aernnova, Areva, or the French railway company SNCF, among others, was present.

In terms of the degree of satisfaction of our exhibitors, expressed once the show was over, we must highlight the comments by Aitor Guerra, Director of the Subcontracting Bureau of the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce, who said "The Industry and Technology Summit is still alive. It was created and it still remains; now it is time to promote it. We must make companies aware that this event is important for the conferences held, with very interesting presentations, and the products showcased. We must convince them that they should be here". As for the professional visitors, Aitor Guerra said that "there have been high-quality visits".

On the other hand, Mila Aibar, Subcontracting Manager of the Chamber of Commerce of Bayonne, stated that “We expected more activity. But we have made very good, select contacts that are of interest for the group".

José Ramón Fernández, Managing Director of Madrid Plataforma de Automoción- Madrid Network, mentioned that “it's the first time that we participate in this event, and it has caused a good impression. The organisation was impeccable. We have had interesting visits from companies that wanted to know us and contact us. In general, the results have surpassed all our expectations with a very mixed lot. Some of us are already thinking of coming back for the next edition with even more partners".

Borja García, Head of the Marketing Department of UNILASER, (3D laser welding, cutting and engraving company), mentioned that “I have a good impression. We have made good contacts, mainly in the automotive, machine-tool, aerospace, machinery accessories and marine sectors. We will definitely come back".

With regards to the celebration of the "Day of France" and the, more than a dozen, technical conferences - including those organised by Siderex (the Spanish Association of Steelworks Exporters), the VII International Foundry Technical Forum and the I Conference on Innovation and Development of the Railway Sector - 700 people attended these conferences which took place in different rooms of the BEC.

The 2011 Industry and Technology Summit had 888 exhibitors in total, who represented the most important sectors related to manufacturing processes, from France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, China and, of course, Spain, among other countries.

For the first time, the event included France as the "Guest of Honour Country". Among the distinguished visitors we must highlight the presence of the Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy of the Basque Country, Mr. Xabier Garmendia, who inaugurated the exhibition and the Deputy for Economic Development of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Mr. Imanol Pradales; the French Consulate in Bilbao, Mr. Didier Ortolland; the General Director of UBI-France, Mr. Nicolas Mouscheron, and the commercial attaché of UBI-France, Jerome Revol. The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Mr. Karel Beran; and the members of the Industry Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Alava, led by its Chairman, Mr. Amadeo Álvarez, among others, also attended the event.

Communications Department, 3 October 2011