The countdown to K 2013
So far, 2013 has made its mark for a great many things – a Brit takes the Wimbledon title, a Royal baby is born and now, the imminent arrival of the K Show. Held tri-annually, the Düsseldorf-based show is renowned for being an important industry event. Here, BP&R gives an insight into what to expect from K 2013 as well as a brief rundown of how to make the most of your time at the show.
Plastics Move the World
The theme for this year’s show is “Plastics Move the World”. Designed around the theme of mobility, the show organiser, Messe Dusseldorf, has planned a series of lectures, panel discussions and presentations held at a specially designed booth around the how plastics have solved some of the most challenging problems of the modern world and their potential to do so in the future.
Make way for K
In terms of visitor numbers, the last K Show in 2010 attracted 222,486 visitors from 109 countries, with 94 percent saying they would return to the show. Given that, Messe Düsseldorf is expecting another good turnout for the 2013 show, despite the volatility the European plastics industry has experienced in recent times, according to a recent report published.
At a glance
There is expected to be around 3,000 exhibitors at K 2013 from predominant areas of industry, including raw materials, semi finished plastics and technical parts; machinery and equipment and services.
Counting the Cost
Tickets for entry into the show can be bought online in advance, which is advisable as charges for admission on the day are generally higher. The cost of a one-day advance purchase ticket is €49, whereas it will cost €65 at the entrance. For a three-day ticket, the advance purchase price is €108, compared with €135 on the day.
Free travel to the show
It is worth noting that your e-ticket entitles the bearer to free travel to and from the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds on the day of your visit, using the local public transport, VRR.
A focus on rubber and TPE
Messe Düsseldorf has collaborated with industry partners to produce a free ‘pocket guide’ for visitors and exhibitors at K 2013 in order to make suppliers of elastomer-specific products visible and, therefore, easier to find. A copy of the guide can be requested before visiting by emailing service@gupta-verlag.de or alternatively can be picked up at the information desks at the Düsseldorf fairground.
Get appy
For the technically minded, a free K Show App has been made available to download from either the iTunes App-Store or Google Play. The app offers offline search, GoogleMaps link as well as an interactive hall map, which allows preparation and pre-planning ahead of your visit.
Office on the move
It is worth noting that although Wi-Fi can be bought for use on individual exhibitor booths, Messe Düsseldorf tell us there is no general free connection in the halls. Worth knowing if you are planning to send that all-important email or touch base with the office over lunch.
Checking in
Düsseldorf Airport is the nearest to the show grounds, only three kilometers away. On arrival, you can get to K 2013 in a matter of minutes by taking the no. 896 bus. Alternatively, taxis from the Airport mean you can also travel quickly and conveniently to Düsseldorf's city centre and your hotel, expect to pay around €15 for the short journey.
When in Rome
If you like to sample some local culture whilst on business, Düsseldorf has much to offer. From guided tours to a run down of the best bars and restaurants, the city’s tourist information centre offers a comprehensive guide: www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de
BP&R at K 2013
British Plastics and Rubber will be both reporting from and exhibiting at K 2013. You can find us in Hall 11, stand C03 – so please do drop by and tell us how the show is going for you.
We will be reporting daily with all news updates being fed onto the website, www.britishplastics.co.uk and we will be announcing breaking news via our twitter feed @BritishPlastics.
Next Issue – K Show Special
Our September issue is our K Show special – which will feature a full-length guide with our handpicked exhibitor news, important announcements and new product launches. We are still accepting editorial, so send your news to leanne@rapidnews.com before Monday 9th September to be considered for inclusion.