The 20th International Forestry Trade Fair will be staged in Lucerne from 20 to 23 August, 2009. Exhibitors are approaching the trade fair with optimism. In spite of the current economic crisis, optimism and a belief in the importance of the forestry and timber industry today and tomorrow are prevalent.

 

"The considerable demand from exhibitors and the positive mood in the run-up to the trade fair are pleasing. The forestry trade fair combines tradition and innovation. It is the leading trade fair in Switzerland for the forestry industry and its supply industries and enjoys widespread international prominence, which in turn is reflected in the exhibitors and visitors it attracts. Apart from clinching excellent sales, which every exhibitor expects to do, the forthcoming key trade fair is also an important social meeting point", according to exhibition boss Marco Biland.

Tradition and innovation
Since first being staged in 1971, the forestry trade fair has developed continually into an ever larger event. It was initially held in Spreitenbach as the "Swiss Trade Fair for Forestry". In 1973 it boasted 74 exhibitors and 8,000 visitors and, under the guidance of exhibition pioneer Hans Biland, was one of the first trade fairs to be held in Lucerne. Since 2003, this trade fair which is staged every two years has been known as the "International Forestry Trade Fair Lucerne". Now marking its 20th anniversary, it still remains the industry's most highly regarded exhibition and combines tradition with innovation. With 280 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors taking up a floor area of 30,000 m2, it will occupy the old halls in Lucerne for a last time before the new Minergie Exhibition Hall is inaugurated in the autumn.

Export sales under pressure
Currently, it is especially international and export-focused timber industry companies that have been affected the most by the economic crisis. This has resulted in both demand and prices for raw timber from forests coming under pressure. "Even the Swiss forestry industry will not escape entirely unscathed from this" surmises National Councillor Max Binder, President of the Sponsorship Committee and of the Swiss Forestry Association.

To Lucerne with optimism
Nonetheless, the industry will meet up in Lucerne with optimism. Because the forestry and timber industries are industries of the future. Wood as a raw material has numerous advantages that already come into their own when wood is used as a construction and fabrication material, a raw material for industry and an energy source. In future, it is especially the outstanding energy balance and climate neutrality of timber and timber products that will confer greater impetus to forestry and timber-based industries as well as the sectors supplying these. This year, exhibitors will again showcase the various products that enable productivity, ergonomics and occupational safety in forests to be further improved and the scope of what is technically feasible to be broadened. Visitors to the trade fair will find it the perfect place to gain an insight into all the latest developments and prepare themselves for the challenges in their own forest holding.

Convention and special show
On Friday morning, 21 August 2009, the Swiss Forestry Association will organise a convention under the banner: "Forest certification: King's road or pauper's path". Various speakers will debate the present-day significance of certification to either the FSC or PEFC label, and place into context what certification has achieved for forestry holdings.

As in the past, CODOC, the Swiss Federal Coordination and Documentation Office for Forestry Education, together with industry associations and training providers will organize a special show. This will focus on the central theme "Forestry Careers are in". The "Forester's Cinema", which will offer an interesting program of talks, presentations and films, will form a special highlight.

Exhibition: 20th International Forestry Trade Fair Lucerne
Dates: 20–23 August 2009, 09:00–17:00 hrs, Allmend Lucerne
Information: www.forstmesse.com

Travel by public transportation and benefit from discounted SBB/RailAway exhibition offers! www.railaway.ch/messen

Organisation and secretariat:
ZT Fachmessen AG, Pilgerweg 9, CH–5413 Birmenstorf
Tel.: +41 (0) 56 204 20 20,  Fax: +41 (0) 56 204 20 10
info@fachmessen.ch    www.fachmessen.ch