ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK 2023: Lively atmosphere in Cologne
Just one year after the last edition of the industry event, this year‘s motto was again „See you in Cologne!“. Around 3,000 trade fair visitors and 560 congress participants took advantage of the exhibitors‘ offerings and the numerous educational opportunities at the 7th ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK at the Cologne Exhibition Center on October 20 and 21, 2023.
There weren't as many visitors as last year, when the previous coronavirus lockdown and the IVO Congress, which took place at the same time, led to a record number of visitors to the trade fair and congress. However, the exhibition hall was packed with visitors on both days and the exhibition stands were bustling with activity. The exhibitors were delighted to welcome very interested, competent and also keen-to-buy visitors who came to Cologne to find out about the latest products and innovations in the industry.
New technologies on the rise
As at previous trade fairs, the exhibitors made a significant contribution to the positive appearance and trade fair experience for visitors with their high-quality and attractively designed stands. The technology providers in particular, whose numbers had once again increased significantly compared to 2022, not only presented products, but also complete workflows - from taking measurements to the finished product. However, it is unlikely that new technologies will soon completely replace traditional techniques. The suppliers for the still very strong craftsmanship side of pedorthics and the participating comfort shoe manufacturers were also delighted with the keen interest shown by visitors to the trade fair.
Many new exhibitors
The good attendance and the positive response from both visitors and exhibitors naturally also pleased the organizers. „It was not a natural thing that only one year after the last event, our trade fair was once again met with such great interest in the industry,“ explained Carl Otto Maurer, Managing Director of C. Maurer Fachmedien. „We are delighted that so many exhibitors from previous years were back again and, of course, that so many new exhibitors presented themselves for the first time this year.“
According to Carl Otto Maurer, this also shows the importance that this event has gained in recent years: „When it comes to foot care, there is no way around ORTHOPÄDIE SCHUH TECHNIK.“ The trade fair has also further expanded its international significance: The proportion of exhibitors from abroad is 26 percent - they come from the DACH region, the Benelux countries and eleven other countries - including China, Canada and the USA.
The get-together after the first day of the trade fair at the C. Maurer Fachmedien stand was once again an important meeting point for exchanging ideas and networking over cool drinks and tasty snacks. The get-together was sponsored by Optica.
A picture gallery of the trade fair can be found on the website of the journal Orthopädieschuhtechnik.
