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+++ Final Press Release +++ 47,000 people with special needs or requiring care as well as industry experts got up to speed at REHACARE INTERNATIONAL 2007 in Düsseldorf
09/10/2007
© Messe Düsseldorf
Despite its enormous potential demand, the market for rehabilitation and care also faces constraints. This is the conclusion drawn by Messe Düsseldorf following the 18th edition of the International Trade Fair and Congress – REHACARE INTERNATIONAL 2007 – which closed its doors in Düsseldorf on Saturday 6 October 2007. “
For those with special needs or requiring care as well as specialists in these fields, REHACARE is a firm fixture on the annual calendar. Clearly, the demand for innovative assistive devices is huge. But in the climate of saving prevalent in the public health system, this demand is prevented from reaching its full potential,” said Wilhelm Niedergöker, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, summing up the 2007 run of REHACARE INTERNTIONAL.
A total of 47,000 visitors arrived to explore the latest in rehabilitation products and assistive devices presented by 809 exhibitors from 32 countries. Since the traditional autumn staging of REHACARE coincided with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia’s school holidays this year, the number of visitors took an anticipated dip. What’s more, the interruption to public transport services by strikes staged on Friday, 5 October also took a toll on visitor numbers. In 2006, 51,000 visitors attended the fair.
The exhibiting industry at REHACARE INTERNATIONAL 2007 was nevertheless satisfied with the results of the event. “On a national and international scale, the visitors to Düsseldorf are of the highest calibre. For us, REHACARE 2007 was a successful event,” commented Norbert Aumann, managing director of Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH based in Duderstadt, Germany.
Anyone who wants to gain an overview of the latest developments in the industry can’t afford to miss REHACARE in Düsseldorf. In a representative survey, two out of three REHACARE visitors indicated that they had come for the purpose of investigating new trends and developments. Ninety-six percent found the offer they were looking for at REHACARE. A good half reported already having placed orders at the fair or intending to place them after the event. Visitors were primarily interested in walking aids and mobility assistive devices, wheelchairs and vehicles as well as daily living aids.
REHACARE’s status as the world’s No. 1 trade fair for the rehabilitation and care industry was reasserted with the attendance of 4,800 trade visitors from abroad. They came from all corners of the world – from Australia to Taiwan.
The focal theme of “barrier-free building and living” at REHACARE INTERNATIONAL 2007 was a complete success. The theme park “Living Dream” in Hall 6 proved a magnet for flocks of professionals active in architecture and construction as well as private individuals interested in gathering advice and information on barrier-free home design ideas.
The REHACARE Congress which addressed various aspects of home design for the elderly and was conducted parallel to the fair from 3 to 5 October 2007 also received a warm response. Two symposia and four lecture series served as a forum for 800 participants to forge contacts and exchange experiences.
The German umbrella association of self-help groups, BAG SELBSTHILFE, celebrated 40 years promoting equal opportunities, social integration and quality of life as part of its REHACARE participation. Particularly gratifying for the association was the show of support at the festivities made by German Federal Minister of Health Ulla Schmidt and her subsequent tour of the fair. “BAG SELBSTHILFE considers it a positive sign that after so many years, those with special needs or requiring care, their interests as well as their key information platform REHACARE in Düsseldorf, are once again receiving the attention of the highest political levels,” said Friedel Rinn, head of BAG SELBSTHILFE. During her tour of the fair, the Health Minister herself referred to REHACARE as “an important trade fair that showcases the opportunities created by innovative technologies which are today available to those with special needs or requiring care.”
The next REHACARE INTERNATIONAL will open its doors in Düsseldorf from 15 to 18 October 2008.
Messe Düsseldorf GmbH
REHACARE INTERNATIONAL 2007 Press Office
Manuela Preinbergs
Tel.: +49 (0)211 4560- 542
Fax: +49 (0)211 4560- 87-542
E-Mail: preinbergsm@messe-duesseldorf.de
Internet: www.rehacare.de
Düsseldorf, October 6th, 2007
Messe Düsseldorf