The first meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Ferroforma-Bricoforma 2011 combined international hardware and DIY fair has taken place. The meeting was attended by representatives of major manufacturers and distributors, associations and BEC management staff.

This year the Committee will be bringing purchasers into the limelight by having them take part directly in the organisation of the event through their leading co-operatives. In line with this strategy, Fernando Bautista, Manager of the COFAC hardware co-operative group, was appointed as Chair of the committee. His first words on accepting the appointment included a commitment "to support, strengthen and promote this event among manufacturers and especially among purchasers at home and abroad". COFAC is one of Spain's biggest purchasers of hardware goods, power tools, hand tools, gardening equipment, construction material, locksmithery, household goods, etc.

BEC General Manager Xabier Basañez and Ángel Pereda, Director of Ferroforma-Bricoforma, then set out the general objectives of the event and the strategies to be used to reach them. Among the objectives set, Xabier Basañez highlighted the importance of making Ferroforma-Bricoforma a core meeting-point for the sector at domestic and international levels, so that "everything significant that happens in the sector" takes place during the event. Other objectives include encouraging greater participation on the part of exhibitors by offering a highly favourable pricing policy and attracting not only hardware specialists but also technical specialists from associated sectors, who after all are end users of the products on show.

Ángel Pereda, Director of Ferroforma-Bricoforma, broke down the strategy and the various innovative actions planned by the Bilbao Exhibition Centre to draw exhibitors, including offering all exhibitors discounts per area of floor space hired, turnkey package participation including, among other things, floor space, construction and complete fitting out of stands and, depending on size, discounts of up to 25%. An additional package will also be offered that includes hotel accommodation, guaranteed parking and lunches on every day of the event at highly advantageous rates.

During the meeting information was also provided on plans to encourage trade specialists to visit the event, and on the communication and advertising campaign currently being designed. This included everything from the organising of group travel to special offers at hotels and the promotion of the event among trade specialists and purchasers in more than 20 countries trips. It is also planned to hold the 1st Ferroforma-Bricoforma Design and Innovation Contest, aimed at all exhibitors, and to organise an international congress.

Communications Department, July 2010