EIMA Turns a Fragmented Market Into a Matchmaking Exercise: 14,000 Business Meetings Planned

The 47th edition in Bologna will host 1,800 exhibitors and 830 buyers from 120 countries, up sharply on 2024

When the market is uneven, a trade fair has to do more than display machines. EIMA International is trying to prove it with a larger international programme for its 47th edition, from 10 to 14 November at the Bologna Exhibition Centre.

The numbers

Of 1,800 exhibitors already confirmed, 650 are foreign, from 45 countries. The 2024 edition drew over 63,000 visitors from 150 countries, out of 350,000 total attendances, and organiser FederUnacoma expects more foreign visitors this time.

The main change is on the buyer side. ICE offices around the world have selected 830 trade visitors from 120 countries, against 450 from 85 countries in 2024. They will take part in 14,000 business meetings during the first three days, in a dedicated pavilion with interpreting services and contract assistance. A separate “Special Guest” scheme will host about 1,000 further professionals.

Why the approach matters

Presenting the show at ICE’s Rome headquarters, FederUnacoma Director General Simona Rapastella described a “highly fragmented and uneven” market, with manufacturers operating selectively in the countries that are most receptive. “EIMA is in tune with the new demands of marketing and promotes a ‘tailor-made’ approach to business management,” she said.

The programme beyond the stands

An EXTEND section will host public institutions, professional associations and agri-food supply chain organisations. The conference programme includes a session on drought in African agriculture, an Italian-Indian Day on agricultural machinery markets within a Europe-India free trade area, and a conference on the Europe-Mercosur trade landscape in Latin America.

For manufacturers and dealers, the message is that EIMA wants to be a selective sales platform and not only a showcase.