Boom in visitors at Expo Build China

The 2008 edition of Expo Build China, the Shanghai building exhibition organised by Bologna Fiere and Shanghai CMP Sino expo International Exhibition, came to an end on 4 April.

It includes Ceramics, Tile and Sanitaryware China 2008, a section reserved for the ceramic and bathroom industries, and China International Building and Interior Design Festival, a key appointment for local and international design professionals.

The key event of this edition was the congress entitled Ceramics and Innovative Materials which featured addresses by illustrious figures from the Italian design, architecture and production sectors. The speakers included: Aldo Colonetti, scientific director of the European Design Institute and director of the magazine Ottagono, Aldo Cibic, designer and architect, Luca Scacchetti, designer and architect, Paolo Boffi, chairman of Boffi spa, Gianluca Guzzini, chairman of Teuco spa, and Gianfranco Schiava, managing director of Zanussi Electrolux spa.

Another new feature of this edition was Expo Deco, an exhibition section devoted to excellence of interior finishings which showcased some of the world's leading ceramic and bathroom furniture brands. Open by invitation for just one day, this section saw the participation of Grohe, Villeroy & Boch, Versace, Roca, Pozzi Ginori, Emilceramica, Dc Design, Inalco, Novabell, Floorgres, Master, Cerdomus, Fincibec and Panariagroup.

Expo Build China saw the participation of 482 companies and was attended by 29,278 visitors, including 3,200 foreigners from 105 different countries (about 40% up on last year's event).

Expo Build China 2009 will be held from 31 March to 3 April.