Cebit 99 Computer Fair Bigger and Better This Time
March 16, 1999 - 0:0
HANOVER Bigger, better and primed to receive even more visitors than before the world's largest computer fair, the Cebit 99 in the German city of Hanover, is set to break all the records. A total of 7,500 exhibitors from the world of telecommunications and information technology 261 more than last year are displaying their latest wares in the exhibition halls with companies from 63 countries represented.
The current event from March 18-24 is a far cry from the forerunner of Cebit which took place in 1970. Back then the show was called the Center for Office and Information Technology and virtually everything that was on display then has long become obsolete. After press days on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Cebit opens its doors officially on Thursday morning.
The floor area of the fair has been boosted this year by 14,000 square meters, bringing the total in the 26 exhibition halls to 385,000 square meters. Imagine 52 football pitches and that is how large it is. Organizers Deutsche Messe AG in Hanover are calling the Cebit 99 the business event of the year for the entire information technology and communications sector.
In view of sustained growth worldwide the industry expects continued innovation across the board. Heading the tally of exhibitors behind Germany is again Taiwan (514) in front of the United States (484) and Britain (304). Information technology occupies the most floor space in Hanover, with 30 percent, followed by telecommunications with 23 percent. Software manufacturers occupy 20 percent of stand space.
The number of visitors looks set to be far in excess of 600,000 for another year running. The fair has become the high-powered industry meeting place, a trend that was enhanced by the decision in 1996 to hold a separate Cebit-home for consumers. Record attendance of 755,326 visitors was notched up at the Cebit in 1995 but traffic problems around the site may prevent that figure being matched this time round.
Unfortunately for visitors the Cebit is not a dry run for Expo 2000 due to be held in Hanover. Much of the new infrastructure tram lines, traffic direction systems and parking areas for that event has not yet been completed. (DPA)
The current event from March 18-24 is a far cry from the forerunner of Cebit which took place in 1970. Back then the show was called the Center for Office and Information Technology and virtually everything that was on display then has long become obsolete. After press days on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Cebit opens its doors officially on Thursday morning.
The floor area of the fair has been boosted this year by 14,000 square meters, bringing the total in the 26 exhibition halls to 385,000 square meters. Imagine 52 football pitches and that is how large it is. Organizers Deutsche Messe AG in Hanover are calling the Cebit 99 the business event of the year for the entire information technology and communications sector.
In view of sustained growth worldwide the industry expects continued innovation across the board. Heading the tally of exhibitors behind Germany is again Taiwan (514) in front of the United States (484) and Britain (304). Information technology occupies the most floor space in Hanover, with 30 percent, followed by telecommunications with 23 percent. Software manufacturers occupy 20 percent of stand space.
The number of visitors looks set to be far in excess of 600,000 for another year running. The fair has become the high-powered industry meeting place, a trend that was enhanced by the decision in 1996 to hold a separate Cebit-home for consumers. Record attendance of 755,326 visitors was notched up at the Cebit in 1995 but traffic problems around the site may prevent that figure being matched this time round.
Unfortunately for visitors the Cebit is not a dry run for Expo 2000 due to be held in Hanover. Much of the new infrastructure tram lines, traffic direction systems and parking areas for that event has not yet been completed. (DPA)