40% of the exhibitors will attend the Nuremberg show for the first time
In only four weeks IMA 2000 will open its doors in Nuremberg and everything is well prepared. With its high share of first-time exhibitors, the industry's first event in 2000 promises to become a true stimulator - "and this, despite all negative predictions", explained Petra Lassahn, IMA Event Director in an interview with Münzautomat.

Münzautomat:
   There are some four weeks left until the first IMA will take place in Nuremberg. Could you please tell us more about the present state of affairs, Miss Lassahn?

Petra Lassahn:
   There are no secrets. Booking intake has been good, even better than I would have expected it to be under the completely new circumstances. We have already sold about 90 percent of the exhibition space available and thanks to the enormous demand, we need not worry about the remaining 10 percent. The IMA 2000 will be an highly interesting event for all visitors.

Münzautomat:
   The market, however, is still a bit doubtful with view to an IMA taking place in Nuremberg. The companies mainly fear the show may lose its international character. Do you share these fears?

Petra Lassahn:
   I know these arguments and I myself was a bit concerned in the beginning. Fortunately, we can state that the surprising number of 40 percent of all exhibitors having already registered for the IMA come from abroad. We rarely enjoyed such a high share in the past and I may say that this also attributable to our obviously successful preparatory work. On the other hand, the fact that so many other nationalities will be represented also indicates that foreign companies apparently worry less about the fair location Nuremberg than some German companies do.

Münzautomat:
   Does this mean that German companies were more aloof?

Petra Lassahn:
   It means that the need to justify the IMA location Nuremberg was significantly higher than if we had opted for Frankfurt, and to say this quite clearly: unfortunately, we could not convince all of those who have been participating in the Frankfurt event for quite some years now. On the one hand, this is very regrettable but on the other hand it also opened completely new perspectives. 40 percent of all exhibitors in Nuremberg will be represented at the show for the first time and present a product range which has so far never been presented at a German machine show. This is truly fascinating.

Münzautomat:
   Nevertheless, there are concerns whether their will be enough visitors to the show.

Petra Lassahn:
   Whenever you create something new there will be people who worry whether it will work or not. Breaking new ground does make nervous - and this IMA is new territory because it is organized at a new location and the date has been postponed twice. According to the laws of trade fair activities this represents a high risk and those applying the Frankfurt standard just compare the incomparable.

Münzautomat:
   So you expect less visitors?

Petra Lassahn:
   I do not expect anything. I am curious about what will develop. The experience had when selling the show has made me very optimistic. When IMA 2000 will open its doors our job will be done 120 percent. Advertising and promotion are also running very well and, not to forget, the industry is doing very much to motive as many companies as possible to be represented in Nuremberg. For example: I really appreciate the initiative "For 100 Deutschmark to Nuremberg" taken by companies, associations and expert magazines. A lot has been done for the IMA in Nuremberg to be a great success and I can assure that the Nuremberg IMA will be rewarding for every visitor.

Münzautomat:
   Will there be a change in how the companies present themselves?

Petra Lassahn:
   Of course, I do not know how the various stands will look like in the end but I can assure you that in terms of exhibition space the stands will be either of the same size or even a bit bigger than at the last show. So, the IMA will remain a show literally providing for enough space to do profitable business - also in Nuremberg there will be no bustle. In this respect, we will continue our successful tradition.

Münzautomat:
   However, among some companies, we notice a trend towards doing one's business already in the IMA's run-up - in the north for example, a small regional show was held. Do you fear any negative impact on the IMA?

Petra Lassahn:
   Just let me say this beforehand. As far as I know, this is a free country. Everyone can do as he pleases and to the extent of his capabilities and as long as he respects the law. Being responsible for the IMA I, of course, carefully observe the market developments following the slogan: everything which is to the economical benefit of the machine industry is also advantageous for the IMA. Companies being successful throughout the year will gladly participate in the IMA. A successful regional show strengthens the attendants' awareness of how useful and important fairs are in general. So, I do not see any problems. However, the "racing horse" IMA would get into a difficult situation if one tied up its front legs afterwards complaining that it was unable to run - but I do not see any respective trend.

Münzautomat:
   Talking of trends: which sensational product developments may the visitors look forward to?

Petra Lassahn:
   Of course, gambling machines will continue to play a dominating part - and, by the way, this is increasingly also true for machines produced in Germany for the international market. Especially foreign visitors may look forward to new products in this segment. However, I also expect the traditional strength in the sector of gaming machines to even further grow. Touch screens, fun games and again the video game sector are strongly represented and many of the 40 percent in first-time exhibitors will launch new products thereby exactly meeting the market's need if I read the trade journals correctly. Last but not least, I notice many new trends in the service and accessories segment.

Münzautomat:
   So, Nuremberg will generate new stimuli?

Petra Lassahn:
   In a world of globalisation the discussion about bases and locations is becoming more and more superfluous. Whether there will be new stimuli coming from Nuremberg or anywhere else is rather unimportant. The IMA 2000 will set trends and this is exactly what is organized for and those, who like to be at the forefront of this development are more than welcome to come to Nuremberg.

Münzautomat:
   Miss Lassahn, thank you very much for this interview.