20.01.17
Exhibitors prepare for France’s rail technology showcase
Source: RTM Dec/Jan 17
Florence Gaidet from Mack Brooks gives RTM an update on what people can expect from SIFER 2017, France’s showcase for railway technology, products and services.
SIFER, France’s showcase for railway technology, products and services, returns to the Lille Grand Palais exhibition centre from 21-23 March. It will be the tenth in a successful series of shows that since the first event in 1999 have consistently grown in size and stature. The exhibition now occupies a special place in the industry’s calendar, providing a great opportunity for discovering the latest innovations, exchanging ideas and networking with colleagues.
Organised by Mack Brooks, the company responsible for Railtex and Infrarail in the UK, SIFER is France’s only regular railway industry exhibition. It serves as a valuable shop window for the country’s internationally-renowned expertise in this sector, and also performs an important role in providing domestic and foreign suppliers with opportunities to present their capabilities in one of Europe’s major rail markets. In addition, the event helps participating companies to pursue export opportunities, thanks to its track record of attracting foreign visitors. Of the 4,900 rail industry professionals who attended the last SIFER show in 2015, 17% were from abroad, representing 40 countries.
Strong demand for stands
By the end of 2016 more than 300 companies from 20 countries had confirmed their participation in this year’s event, with more expected to join them as demand for stand space continued. At least 70 firms will be exhibiting at the show for the first time, many bringing new concepts to the rail market.
Exhibitors will be covering the entire rail sector, with a strong focus on the specialised subsystems and high-tech components that play vital roles throughout the industry – in many instances these are companies acting as suppliers to larger undertakings. As a result, the exhibitor list features many firms with expertise in fields such as electronics, electrical systems, mechanical engineering, communications technology and asset condition monitoring, as well as specialists in rail vehicle maintenance equipment, track products suppliers and companies providing infrastructure maintenance products and services.
With the railway infrastructure sector experiencing growth in France, a well-established feature of the show will be an Infrastructure Area dedicated to companies serving this part of the market. And a key element of this familiar to visitors to Mack Brooks’ UK shows will be On Track Displays where exhibitors will present rail-mounted vehicles and track-related equipment in an authentic industry setting.
Broad industry support
SIFER is supported by key organisations leading the development of railway policy and technology in France. They include the Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, SNCF, rail industry umbrella organisation Fer de France, the suppliers association FIF and French regional government authorities and industry groups. Also supporting the event are international bodies like UNIFE and the European Union Agency for Railways. Some of these organisations are contributing to the show’s busy supporting programme, comprising conferences, workshops, B2B meetings, technical seminars and an awards ceremony. These all add to the special role that SIFER plays for the rail industry in France.
To learn more about SIFER 2017 visit the website listed below. The site includes the very latest list of exhibitors, plus show opening times and venue information. Details of the supporting programme are being added as they are finalised. A link to register online for a discounted entry fee for a visit to the show will appear in the weeks before SIFER takes place.
A visit to this event is highly recommended for anyone keen to understand the rail market in France, learn about business opportunities and see what its suppliers have to offer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
E: [email protected]
W: www.sifer2017.com