Classic Expo, the first trade fair after a long break, was a success, welcoming visitors and exhibitors back to the exhibition center from October 16 to 18, 2020. The program focused on an extraordinary special show on "110 years of Austro Daimler" and an exciting auction of "classic vehicles" by Dorotheum. Classic Expo scored points with the smooth implementation of its Covid-19 prevention concept.
Good business, satisfied exhibitors
"Despite the difficult current situation, the 16th Classic Expo was a success," concluded Hermann Schwarz, the initiator of Classic Expo. "Business was good and the exhibitors were very satisfied with the sales figures," says the classic car fair founder, passing on the positive feedback from the trade fair participants.
"The Messezentrum team was happy to take on the challenges of planning under constantly changing conditions, not least because of the positive signals from the classic car scene," says Classic Expo project manager Maria Kneidl, who is delighted that "around 300 exhibitors were able to work with Messezentrum to make the safety concept such a success."
Encouraging visitor figures
Last weekend, Classic Expo counted 10,783 visitors over three days on 44,000 square meters of exhibition space. Not least thanks to disciplined compliance with hygiene measures, social distancing and the obligation to wear face masks, the trade fair went off without incident, with visitors and exhibitors in good spirits.
Celebrated trade fair highlights
As part of the Classic Expo supporting program, the 110th anniversary of Austro-Daimler was celebrated this year with a special show by Ferdinand Porsche Erlebniswelten fahr(T)raum in Mattsee. Two aircraft on display were spectacular eye-catchers: a biplane from the First World War and a revolutionary light aircraft developed in 1925. Visitors to the Classic Expo were also able to take a virtual flight using 360-degree virtual reality goggles.
"This year's Classic Expo was a very special highlight for us due to the "110 Years of Austro Daimler" special show," summarizes Jakob Iglhauser, Managing Director of Fahrtraum GmbH. "We were all the more pleased that the trade fair was able to take place despite the current situation and that we were able to welcome many visitors to our stand. In addition to our beautiful classic cars, this year we also had the opportunity to present the two aircraft "Hansa Brandenburg C1" and "Klemm", which was a particular hit with visitors," continued Iglhauser.
Successful auction
Another highlight of the fair was the eagerly awaited Dorotheum auction, at which 75 cars and 4 two-wheelers were auctioned off. "Despite all the adverse circumstances, almost 95% of all vehicles were found a new home at the Dorotheum's "Classic Vehicles" auction," said Wolfgang Humer of the Dorotheum, "There was particularly great interest in the two pre-war Steyr cars, which far exceeded their estimated prices."
"For us as organizers, the safety and health of everyone involved is paramount," says Alexander Kribus, Managing Director of Messezentrum Salzburg GmbH. "With our prevention concept, we have proven that large events can take place safely. The technical equipment at the exhibition center, the highly trained staff, the enormous space available and the excellent contact with the local authorities - all these factors speak for themselves. Classic Expo has proven that safe trade fairs can be held under these conditions."
The 17th Classic Expo 2021 will take place from October 15 to 17 at Messezentrum Salzburg.
Further information can be found on the Classic Expo website.
