fbpx

Title: Cersaie 2023: Unveiling the Future of Ceramic Industry at Tower Unipol, Bologna

Open Cersaie 2023 B

In a highly anticipated press conference held at the iconic Tower Unipol in Bologna, the official presentation of Cersaie 2023 took place. The event, scheduled to be held in Bologna from September 25th to 29th, saw the presence of notable figures such as Giovanni Savorani, President of Confindustria Ceramica, Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere, Emilio Mussini, Vice President of Confindustria Ceramica, architect Massimo Iosa Ghini, and Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna. The conference was moderated by Giorgia Cardinaletti, a journalist from TG1.

Before delving into the details of Cersaie 2023, the attendees expressed their heartfelt condolences for the victims of the recent flooding in Emilia Romagna. The conference commenced with a video presentation highlighting the ongoing emergency, which has also impacted several ceramic industry companies. Giovanni Savorani emotionally acknowledged the overwhelming solidarity received in the past weekend, with volunteers pouring in from all parts of the region. Despite the challenging situation, signs of recovery have already begun to surface in Romagna. However, many households in Faenza are still struggling, with one in five residents having uninhabitable homes. Water shortages have forced people to take showers at their workplaces. The devastation has also affected businesses, with damaged infrastructure and multiple landslides preventing workers from reaching their workplaces.

Reflecting on the performance of the ceramic industry, Savorani noted that in 2022, the sector achieved a remarkable turnover of over 8 billion euros, experiencing substantial growth. However, the industry faced a 10% decline in revenues during the initial months of this year. Undeterred by the challenges, Savorani emphasized the significance of Cersaie as an international trade fair and a global showcase for “Made in Italy” excellence. As a testament to its international appeal, Savorani announced that Adolfo Urso, the Minister for Enterprises and “Made in Italy,” would be among the keynote speakers at the inaugural conference on Monday, September 25th, at 11:00 am at the Palazzo dei Congressi.

Gianpiero Calzolari emphasized the pivotal role of trade fairs in revitalizing the local economy during difficult times, with Cersaie serving as a leading exhibition for the ceramic industry and the region as a whole. Calzolari confirmed that the ongoing investment program at the exhibition center would enhance its international standing in the coming years. Given the imperative of addressing climate change, important decisions regarding infrastructure and new production technologies lie ahead for all stakeholders, including businesses and institutions. Calzolari assured that the fair would stand by the families and companies affected by the recent flooding.

Emilio Mussini provided insights into the upcoming Cersaie edition, highlighting its exceptional popularity. With a total exhibition space of 145,000 square meters spread across 15 pavilions, this year’s event surpasses the previous year’s floor area by several thousand square meters. The number of exhibitors has also increased by a few percentage points compared to the 624 participants in the previous edition. Ceramic companies constitute nearly 57% of the exhibitors, while the bathroom furnishings sector represents 15%. Notably, the international component accounts for approximately 40%, reaffirming Cersaie’s global appeal.

Mussini outlined the commemorative initiatives planned for Cersaie’s 40th anniversary, including an exhibition divided into five thematic stations. These stations, located in different areas of the fair, will feature graphics representing products and personalities from each decade, accompanied by videos showcasing product applications, historical context, and significant events at Cersaie. Building upon the fair’s strong digital presence, Cersaie has been running a communication campaign on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, targeting the ten most important ceramic and bathroom furnishing markets, including Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. The campaign involves all exhibitors and focuses on highlighting the products, projects, and events that have shaped the industry over the past four decades while also looking towards future developments and applications of ceramic products.

Architect Massimo Iosa Ghini centered his intervention on reimagining architectural spaces and the evolving role of ceramics in the construction industry. Highlighting the need for harmonious development, he emphasized the significant advancements in the ceramic sector, fueled by technological innovation. Ceramics and bathroom furnishings no longer exist in isolation but are seamlessly integrated into the new applications of building design, presenting fresh challenges concerning space, quality of life, and sustainability. Iosa Ghini emphasized that ceramics are the prime material for surfaces, as they allow for diverse aesthetic interpretations and usage possibilities while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental preservation.

Mayor Matteo Lepore underscored the ongoing emergency in the Bologna metropolitan area, particularly in the Imola region, where landslides and disrupted roadways are the primary concerns. The infrastructure damage witnessed today has not been seen since the post-war period, and significant investments of several billion euros will be required for recovery. Lepore noted that Bologna has seen a substantial influx of over 10,000 new families in recent years, and the planned investments from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) will exceed one billion euros without encroaching on additional land. The city’s focus lies in urban redevelopment projects, including former railway areas concentrated around the high-speed train station, the creation of six new urban parks, and reducing emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Lepore emphasized that Cersaie plays a crucial role in the development of the region and perfectly showcases its competitive prowess in international markets.

As the conference came to a close, anticipation for Cersaie 2023 reached new heights. The event promises to be a resounding success, with full participation from exhibitors across the industry and an engaging program encompassing cultural activities, renowned architects, and inspiring projects. With the fervent desire to rebuild after the recent devastation and embrace a sustainable future, Cersaie is poised to shape the trajectory of the ceramic industry and showcase the innovation and resilience of the Bologna region to the world.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments