AQUATECH’S INTERNATIONAL APPEAL CONFIRMED
Aquatech 2002 had 23,366 visitors and confirmed its position as the world’s largest water technology and water management exhibition. It attracted more international visitors than the previous edition. No fewer than 109 countries were represented. Moreover, the number of visitors able to decide on purchases rose by 20%. The International Aquatech Innovation Award was presented during Aquatech to the firm of Waterblock for its ‘Watershell’ underground water storage system.
Although Aquatech 2002 was attended by roughly the same number of visitors as the previous edition, the visitor profile has changed. For example, Aquatech now attracts more visitors from the higher echelons of industry. The number of visitors in managerial positions rose by 20%. This is evident from an independent survey conducted by IBT, a research agency. The market prospects for the water industry are good. Over half of the visitors had plans to purchase products exhibited at Aquatech. They were also very interested in water treatment. Water disinfection, industrial water, sewerage and process management were also frequently mentioned.
Satisfied exhibitors
Over 680 businesses from 42 countries presented their state-of-the-art products for the water industry at Aquatech. The exhibitors were positive about their participation. Indeed, they have already reserved 40% of the exhibition area of the next Aquatech. Aquatech 2004 will be held from Tuesday 28 September to Friday 1 October 2004.
‘Watershell’ acclaimed as best innovation
The International Aquatech Innovation Award is intended for the best innovation in the field of water technology and management on display at the Aquatech Amsterdam trade exhibition. The jury unanimously chose Waterblock’s ‘Watershell’ as the winner after assessing the innovative character of 40 entries. Other criteria were the value-added in terms of durability and water chain management, applicability, integration of water sectors and social relevance.
The Watershell system means that rainwater can be disconnected from the sewer. The underground water storage is achieved by means of dome-shaped polypropylene cassettes. These cassettes function as permanent shuttering on which either concrete is cast or sand/soil are deposited, depending on the desired traffic load. The buffer storage does not have any structural limitations in terms of its dimensions. The jury stated: ‘You can use this storage system in confined spaces such as greenhouses used for intensive horticulture and under roads, car parks and heavily built up areas, which is a major advantage.’ The jury therefore regarded the Watershell as a major innovation which has a variety of applications and is simpler and cheaper than the alternatives.
Exhibition Calendar
Aquatech Central & Eastern Europe 2003
International Exhibition & Conference on water technology and water management
February 2003
EXPO XXI Warsaw International Expo Centre, Warsaw, Poland
Aquatech Asia 2003
International Exhibition & Conference on water technology and water management
October 2-4, 2003
Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
IWEX 2003
International water and effluent treatment exhibition
11 – 13 November 2003
NEC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Source: RAI Amsterdam
