CeBIT 2009 Sparks New Optimism

CeBIT 2009 got off to a powerful start and ended on a successful note, boosting optimism in the world ICT industry. “A majority of the 4,300 companies from 69 countries drew fresh optimism from being here at CeBIT,” commented Ernst Raue, the Deutsche Messe Managing Board member in charge of CeBIT, on Sunday in Hannover. “A huge number of exhibitors and visitors are now leaving Hannover with a renewed sense of buoyancy as well as bulging order books and a solid foundation for new business.” The show had lived up to their expectations, he added.

More than 400,000 visitors — a drop of just under 20 percent on the previous year’s figure — came to CeBIT 2009 to generate new business. A marked increase in the trade visitor ratio however meant their expectations were often exceeded. “Companies who came well-prepared reported a jump in significant business leads of more than 20 percent,” Raue reported. “In terms of all the significant parameters, CeBIT 2009 attained the same high level as last year’s event. We are delighted with the run of the show. This CeBIT has been a good investment for exhibitors and visitors alike, delivering real benefits to everyone.”

The percentage of visitors from abroad remained steady at 20 percent. A decrease in attendance from Asia was offset by increased attendance from the Americas and the Middle East.

The opening address by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, representing this year’s partner state, set the right tone to kick off the event. “His optimistic and determined attitude strengthened the ICT industry’s resolve to capitalize on all the available opportunities,” asserted Raue. “This spirit of new momentum was felt tangibly by everybody at the show.”

CeBIT’s growing role as a key communication forum for the international ICT sector and its user industries was reinforced at this year’s event. Thanks to the organizers’ collaboration with the ‘CIO colloquium’ — an independent network of Chief Information Officers from leading German enterprises —, CeBIT was able to create an ideal match between supply and demand.

The strong level of visitor interest in the CeBIT Global Conferences highlighted the vital importance of meeting face-to-face to debate the issues and exchange ideas, particularly in times of crisis. “This year’s list of speakers read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the international ICT industry,” said Raue, adding that CeBIT’s significance as an economic policy platform was also emphasized by the presence of over 100 political delegations from around the world.

The spotlight this year was on higher efficiency and lower costs in all areas of business IT.

In Green IT World, exhibitors from international big business demonstrated that the deployment of green technologies can result in significant reductions in corporate cost structures.

The new Webciety area featured business-oriented Web applications and business models. “This new concept was a real success, and has broadened the appeal of CeBIT in the corporate sector. Half of all Webciety exhibitors have already confirmed they will be back next year,” Raue said. The automotiveDAY event was also a great success. “We plan to continue this move towards verticalization to achieve an even greater in-depth focus on the issues.”

The new generation of smart phones, netbooks and navigation systems highlighted future trends for the mobile Internet. And Planet Reseller — a special display open to trade visitors only — gave resellers an opportunity to place their orders directly at the show.

‘Security World’ featured discussion and debate among leading experts on the future challenges in IT security. Future Parc provided research institutes with an opportunity to showcase their role as ICT innovations drivers. The TeleHealth congress and expo featured the use of IT solutions in the health care sector, while exhibitors at Public Sector Parc presented solutions for greater efficiency in public administration.

“The organization of a trade fair with a truly global impact, involving the participation of 4,300 exhibitors and more than 400,000 attendees — particularly in times like these — is a real achievement for us and the industry as a whole, underlining the drawing power of CeBIT,” Raue said. “We are once more seen as a dynamic event. Several companies who decided against having their own stand this year have expressed a clear interest in rejoining the event in 2010.”

The next CeBIT will be staged from 2 to 6 March 2010 in Hannover.