The show recorded an increase of 31% in terms of exhibitors compared to the previous year and a rise in the total number of participants of 27% up to exactly 9,808. The Real Vienna 2008 lasted three days (27th - 29th May) and closed with some truly remarkable results.
Commenting on the fair Reed Exhibitions Messe Wien's manager responsible for new business, Matthias Limbeck (Dipl.Ing.) stated, 'The third edition of the Real Vienna was an immense success. The Real Vienna has now permanently established its position as the platform for commercial real estate and investment in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. The concept and the direction have proven themselves well. There is still great demand for industrial and commercial property, as well as for residential, individual and integrated all-round projects. The Real Vienna offers everything under one roof'. New Business Group Manager Michael Mandl (Mag.) added, 'Since the launch in 2006 the number of exhibitors has increased by 65% and overall participation has risen by 78%. In 2006 we registered 198 exhibitors; this year there were 326. The first ever Real Vienna attracted 5,500 participants, the third 9,800'.
Vienna's head councilor for municipal planning, Rudolf Schicker (Dipl.Ing.), was full of praise. 'For me the success of this year's Real Vienna proves that Vienna has become the hub of the real estate sector for central and eastern European countries; for cities and regions, and above all for businesses. The constant increase in the numbers of Turkish representatives is a particularly pleasing aspect. In cooperation with Renate Brauner (Mag.), deputy mayor and Vienna councillor for finances, we intend to ensure Reed Exhibitions Messe Wien has the support of the City of Vienna next year too to guarantee the >Real Vienna< even more success'.
The Real Vienna 2008 welcomed a total of 326 exhibitors from 27 countries. Two thirds of them came to Messe Wien from outside Austria. The largest number, 37 exhibitors, came from Russia, followed by Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Ukraine. Of those participating, every second person came from outside Austria, mostly from the featured countries of the CEE/SEE regions. The largest number of foreign participants came from Germany, followed by a solid phalanx of Eastern and Southern European countries led by the Czech Republic, then Russia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Croatia. 'As can be seen, the core countries for the Real Vienna are represented in sufficient depth for the sector. A veritable bull's-eye, so to speak', remarked a buoyant Matthias Limbeck.
Michael Mandl explained 'the Real Vienna stands out internationally due to its unmistakable conceptualization and look. It provides a perfect blend of business and networking. Hard work in the daytime allows visitors to succumb to the charms of Vienna in the evenings. One of the foundations of the show's success is Vienna's importance as a geographically central hub of activity for the newly established member states of the EU and the further neighboring states.
'The majority of participants at the Real Vienna are executives within their companies', added Reed's exhibition manager, G
