The joint Samoter and Asphaltica exhibition in Verona has now been rescheduled and will be run from 21st – 25th October.
The two trade shows at Veronafiere dedicated to construction equipment and the bitumen & road infrastructure sector were scheduled to be held in Verona 16th – 20th May. These will be run together with ICCX Southern Europe, the precast exhibition-conference and alongside Oil&nonOil, the energy, fuel and mobility services trade fair.
The decision to postpone these events was taken in view of the evolution of the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 health emergency and the latest dispositions in the decree of the President of the Council of Ministers dated 11th March which imposes a blockade until 25th March of all activities that do not involve ensuring essential minimum services.
The requirements of this measure are incompatible with the organisational timing associated with the specific nature of these trade shows characterised by significant logistical and set-up complexities as regards handling and assembling large machinery. The October dates are also the best option as regards the seasonal work needs of the reference supply chains, which are concentrated in Summer.
“We continue to monitor the scenario, together with the steering committee involving companies, partners and associations such as Unacea and Siteb which co-organises Asphaltica with us,” explained Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Veronafiere. “The new postponement agreed upon is consequently the result of real time listening to the market and careful assessments. We took into account the need to ensure safety in health terms and safeguard the important investments planned by companies taking part. This unity of intent with stakeholders once again highlights the sector's confidence in the capacity of the trade fair system to support it and be a tool for relaunching the sector, even in times of great crisis such as those we are currently experiencing.”
“Faced by an emergency that is having a dramatic impact on the economy,” said Mirco Risi, president of Unacea, “we appreciate Veronafiere's capacity for reaction and the repositioning in October. The new dates respect the seasonal nature of the construction machinery sector and will enable us to focus on starting up the entire sector again.”
“The repositioning of Asphaltica in October is a positive decision for our associates and one we share fully with Veronafiere,” said Michele Turrini, president of Siteb. “We will ensure our utmost collaboration in terms of attendance by companies and encourage incoming visitors. We are also convinced that the co-presence of Oil&nonOil may well develop interesting synergies with the value chain in our road-building sector.”
