COVID prompts move of site for 2021 expo; fewer foreign exhibitors and guests attend.
Though the pandemic was still foremost in many people’s minds, organizers of this year’s iteration of Russian Elevator Week were determined to put on the event. Even with many fewer foreign visitors and component companies — plus being forced to move the event to different pavilions — organizers VDNH and the National Elevator Union expressed their feelings that the expo was, in general, a success.
The 10th Russian Elevator Week event was held at VDNH on June 1-3 in Pavilions 55 and 57, which was a change from previous years, when it took place in Pavilion 75. This late change, announced in April of this year, was imposed in view of the pandemic and restrictions on some countries ordered by the Russian Federation. This resulted in a small turnout of foreign exhibitors. The three-day fair drew some 3,600 mostly-domestic visitors in a 7,000 m2 space.
Attendees of Russian Elevator Week had a chance to see and examine the latest elevator models and innovative developments during the three days. Moslift introduced its smart panoramic elevator cabin with a UV circulator that can optionally change its optical properties. Shcherbinsky Elevator exhibited its new, easy-to-install machine-room-less elevator at its booth. Germany-based Wittur took part in the event with its complete elevator systems for the Russian market. As in previous years, various Russian aviation and space vehicles on exhibit at an open area outside the fairground attracted significant attention.
Presentations Draw Interest
During forums held simultaneously with the fair, participants made industry-focused presentations with titles like “Vertical Transport Industry and Accessibility in Russia,” “Current Occupational Safety Requirements in Elevator Installation and Maintenance” and “Competition in Vertical Transport Industry in the Russian Federation.”
As in previous years, a professional jury awarded candidates in 10 categories. Russian firm Moslift received six awards in six categories, while company Mogev Lift won the “Best Elevator” award.
Small Foreign Numbers
As noted, the pandemic and government restrictions kept the number of foreign guests low, and many companies ultimately canceled their planned participation. For example, 20 Turkish companies had booths in the previous Russian Elevator Week, but for 2021 only four companies — Arkel, Genemek, Özbeşler and Prolift — participated in the expo. The companies are already operating in the Russian market.
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