ShoW-way 2008

SHOW WAY: only just on the scene but already at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt!
The entertainment trade fair, planned for next February in Bergamo, has already crossed the Italian borders.

Show Way is scheduled for next February and aims to become a key trade fair for professionals in the field of entertainment. It has already crossed the borders of Italy - in fact, it will have a stand at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, which is one of the most important international fairs and which is being held from 28-31 March this year. Show Way's first show, so to speak, will be technology. APIAS, the Italian association of manufacturers and importers of entertainment equipment, has chosen the Bergamo trade fair and will be using the services of Ente Fiera Promoberg (the trade fair organizer), which will be the operating arm of the event. From 24-26 February 2008 the Bergamo trade fair will be hosting everything to do with entertainment: lighting, audio, video, multimedia systems, stage equipment, set design, tour and concert equipment, and architectural and technical systems. So it really will be a show in itself. The open day on March 16 saw the participation of more than thirty journalists, both Italian and foreign, as well as many representatives of the most important manufacturers in the field. Of course the heads of APIAS and Promoberg were there to outline what the mission of the event is. Augusto Andraghetti, head of APIAS which has around 40 affiliated companies, focused on how Show Way will work: "It is a fair that is specifically dedicated to those working in the entertainment field, where both Italian and foreign manufacturers will be able to compare what is going to be on the market in the various sectors. It will not just be a springboard for presenting state-of-the-art technologies, but also a means for both manufacturers and users to reflect on all the issues involved in putting on a show". But not just a show. This particular sector is developing a series of applications that can be exploited in other sectors too. Consequently, as underlined by Marcello Croce who is managing Show Way on behalf of APIAS, "Show Way is aimed at appealing to a huge audience of visitors (there should be around 10,000) who can come to the event on invitation only: designers, architects and consultants; directors of photography; museums and local organizations; TV and cinema producers; organizers of concerts, shows and events; installers and specialist suppliers; and international importers and distributors." Given that the entertainment industry in Italy is made up of around 200 companies with a turnover of around 700 million euros, it is not hard to see the great interest that the event is going to attract. "The organization of the event" remarked Massimo Orsatti, the director general of APIAS, "was called for by the people in the industry itself. We are envisaging a presence of 200 companies". The event, which can already be subscribed to, is being sponsored by da BPU - Banca Popolare di Bergamo, Credito Bergamasco - Gruppo Banco Popolare di Verona e Novara and L'Eco di Bergamo. To give an idea of just how positive the feeling is and the amount of support that will be given, Ivan Rodeschini, the President of the Ente Fiera Promoberg, had this to say: "We guarantee the maximum collaboration in organizing this event. We are always open to new experiences and the trade fair center in Bergamo, along with everything that can be offered to exhibitors and visitors by the surrounding area, is a really perfect location." To highlight the proactive approach of its mission, Show Way will also have its own stand at Frankfurt's Prolight + Sound, which is considered to be one of the most important events in the entertainment industry. This will be an extremely important window of opportunity to promote an event that is aiming high.