Posidonia 2012

In response to the international maritime community’s growing demand for more floor space and improved services at next year’s Posidonia Exhibition, which will take place from June 4th to 8th 2012, the organisers of the world’s most prestigious shipping trade event have announced the show’s switch to Metropolitan Expo, Greece’s largest and best equipped exhibition centre.

Managing Director Nana Michael and her team set the wheels in motion last year when India, China and many European countries submitted their early booking applications for more space to accommodate the need for bigger pavilions and stands.

“We have swiftly responded to offer exhibitors what they want which is a combination of more space, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent location supporting all modes of transport,” said Michael.

“Posidonia’s 23rd edition will be held at a venue which provides excellent facilities empowering exhibitors to better meet their demand for more floor space and more creative and innovative stand structures,” she added.

Situated next to the Eleftherios Venizelos Athens International Airport, Metropolitan Expo spans an area of 45.000 square metres segmented across four halls connected through a central wide corridor.

The venue, which is nearly 50 per cent larger than Posidonia’s previous venue, boasts wall-to-wall Wi-Fi connectivity, a high capacity conference hall and a variety of seminar and meeting rooms, a business centre and a dedicated Press centre. Two luxury restaurants, seven coffee shops and even mini market and ATM facilities are also available for maximum convenience.

It offers over 100,000 sqm of parking space and is easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi or private vehicle and even by air thanks to its proximity to the airport.

Organisers believe that the new venue will further improve the image and global appeal of Posidonia as the shipping industry’s ‘finest forum’ and seamlessly be able to significantly increase the record number of exhibitors it usually attracts, which last year stood at approximately 1,860.

Exhibitors will also benefit from the many events organised by leading sponsors and trade associations, which will take place at the new Centre and which will act as a magnet for many Greek and international shipping industry professionals. The organisers are certain that next year’s event will also set a new record in visitor numbers to break the 18,000 mark achieved in last year’s edition.

“Old and new exhibitors will find a greater level of promotional and networking opportunities and more innovative and creative ways to interact with their existing and potential clients,” said Theodore Vokos, Project Manager, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. “The new venue gives us the opportunity to design a unique experience for exhibitors and visitors at a time when Posidonia is entering a new era of growth in tandem with the global economic recovery.”

Posidonia 2012 week will set sail on June 1st with the Lloyd’s Register-sponsored Posidonia Cup sailing regatta, which has been the traditional prelude to the event since 2002. The Posidonia ShipSoccer Tournament kicks off two days later with the main exhibition event scheduled from June 4 – 8.

Posidonia 2012 is sponsored by the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Shipowners, the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners’ Association, the Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies and the Union of Marine Enterprises.