As a fix appointment since 22 years now, this first hybrid Vitafoods event was the first large event, in Europe, since December 2019.
On the building day, Monday the 4th of October, most of people were wearing a face mask but we were many companies walking on the Palexpo’s aisles, in Geneva. In many places, it was indicated the mandatory it was to wear a mask.
Tuesday morning, all with a big expectation, how it is going to be? First important detail, as there was an entrance control about covid vaccines, mask was not mandatory anymore. 9:30 am, the bell rings and first meetings started. 10.00am, a few more people, but still very few. 11:30 planes from all over Europe have just landed a couple of miles away and people are arriving, all together. Vitafoods 2021 starts really for us.
After a first day we finished at 6:20 pm (the show closed at 6), we have a first conclusion: less people… Yes! But much better prepared. People are coming asking for specific concerns so there is no place for general introduction, and we go straight to the point.
Wednesday, usually the busiest day. We are there at 8:45 am to avoid any queue at the entrace. We were right. At 9:30, we were told by some visitors that the queue outside is 30 – 45 minutes wait. First meetings started on time and we had no time for lunch. 6 pm, we finished the second day. Same feeling that the first day, less attendees than other years, but high quality.
Thursday, the last day of the show and usually the quietest. No queue at the entrance but people are coming to the booth. As every year, after 1 pm, very few people and the time to have something for lunch (the first in the three days). Time to walk around and exchange feelings with other exhibitors and just the time to say bye and see you in May!
At the end, we all agree the quality of participants. Less people, but much more interesting. In any case, on our booth we had around 150 interesting meetings which is equivalent to previous year.
The aisles were wider than usually and a certain number of booths were empty but business needs to run again, and we all need to recover the social activity. The hand we shake, a kiss with a friend or a hug, this is what, from my humble point of view, I was missing more during those last almost two years.
Once again, to all visitors, thank you very much for coming to our booth and see you on the 10th of May, once again, in the town I grew up and lived during 19 years.
Axel Salomon
European Sales Director
Monteloeder S.L.
