| At the end of the first day of �wire Russia� in Moscow on the 26 May 2003, there were mostly smiling faces amongst the 200 or so exhibitors from 19 countries. The total attendance for the four day show is reported to be circa 10,500; however, it is clear that this figure actually represents attendance at both �wire Russia� and �Metallurgy-Tube Russia� held in adjoining and seamlessly integrated exhibit areas. This was the 11th time Metallurgy has been held in Moscow. Both events appeared to be a success for the exhibitors and presumably the visitors, although the real test comes from later reports by exhibitors when they have a chance to assess order value against participation expense. A major complaint was that the organiser�s seemed to have ignored the ferrous wire industry sector, when choosing local Russian partners and visitor promotional activities.
The privilege of exhibiting in Russia, or should we say Moscow, is mighty expensive. Floor space alone was �325.00 per m2, compared to �164.00 per m2 in D�sseldorf next year. Add to this the very high cost of services, hotel accommodations, restaurants, most difficult customs procedures and intimidating immigration formalities, and you are soon aware that doing business in Russia has to be very good to be a viable proposition. While we are currently suffering a down turn in the economy in most other areas where wire and cable product and materials are to be made or sold, the excitement of a crowded exhibition hall in Moscow, with visitors most of whom only spoke Russian, was a refreshing and promising experience. Some would ask why it was necessary to stage a wire show in Moscow, when D�sseldorf, which presents the world�s largest display of machinery and technology, is not that far distant in geography or the trade show calendar. The answer is of course that Russia is not dissimilar to the PR China, when it comes to letting their own industry people travel around the world, should they even be able to afford it to neighbouring countries. To do business in Russia, you have to swallow the Dollar just as much as you have to in China. Whilst this kind of control/restriction persists in certain market areas, our industry has to accept these and other obvious reasons for the high-cost of exhibiting in those theatres.
At both the �wire and Metallurgy/Tube Russia 2003� exhibitions, the limited floor space was sold out months before the opening date. Dates for a repeat show in 2005 are now being considered, and those disappointed and wait-listed exhibitors for 2003, will hopefully be given a more equal chance to participate in 2005. That is if the price is not too high. Mind you by then there may be new located �hot� market areas, or the traditional and less costly markets have recovered, which could make Moscow appear too expensive, even for the most ardently serious marketing manager. Still, we have another wire D�sseldorf to look forward to before then. Who knows, the Russians may come to visit us.
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