2 fairs, 2 industries, 2 countries.
April was Bauma Munich. May belonged to Autopromotec Bologna.
A commitment but an investment in the future.
I wanted to write two separate articles, but I ended up deciding to capture the essence of both fairs in a single story.
What did Bauma mean for us?
And what did Autopromotec represent?
BAUMA
Bauma was a reaffirmation. Our first fair with 3 team members. And our first time with a co-exhibitor.
From the 2022 edition, we learned the survival tricks: how and when to choose the hotel, departure times, parking, packed lunches, and a list of our favorite restaurants.
We started planning more than a year in advance.
We redesigned the stand layout to increase product visibility. We removed and added while trying to picture the result. A result that pleased us.
But we’re also perfectionists and for 2028 we’ll be making a few tweaks.
Bauma is a long, intense, and tongue-twisting event. It made us mix up words and travel the world.
We reached 45 countries and spoke with over 120 people — Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas.
We spoke Italian, English, French, Spanish, stumbled in German, used a translator for Chinese, and pulled out the few words we knew in at least 5 more languages.
Some visitors looked at the products and explored our new catalogue, giving us the opportunity to explain what was new.
Some simply picked up the catalogue but reached out afterwards.
We reconnected with people we’d met in 2022, exchanged ideas, requests, and feedback.
Some wanted to understand the difference between Copper and MCM Buffing Discs, others asked to see the Belt Cutter in action because they couldn’t believe it cuts up to 50 mm.
Some lifted the Extruder to feel its weight, others asked what the Star-Wheel Grinder was used for.
Another new thing at Bauma this year: we had a co-exhibitor, Cima Impianti.
Cima designs and manufactures presses, and working together helped widen the range of interest around our stand.
We exchanged contacts, introduced clients to one another, gathered insights on market movements, and explored new growth areas.
AUTOPROMOTEC
Just over a month later, we moved to Bologna for our second time at Autopromotec.
For this show our team added a temprary member: Alejandro Versini, a friend and customer.
As I believe it is important to tell the whole truth I must start with a grey note: the space and number of exhibitors in the Retreading Hall (or better half-hall) shrank compared to 10 years ago.
Some major players and regions were absent.
Since the pandemic, many companies have shifted towards online events and meetings, and some have decided not to exhibit anymore. It’s a felt void, especially when it comes to visitors deciding whether to attend.
It is also known that the Retreading market is struggling. More than other sectors, it needs support and visibility.
Visibility that came through the Recircle Awards (we’ll get to that shortly) and the conferences hosted by Retreading Business.
Despite these nuances, our days were full: of new contacts and long-time customers, of supplier meetings and potential new collaborations.
We received over 100 people from 40 countries, with strong Italian attendance.
After all, we were in our element and the fair was a much-anticipated event for the Italian Retreading and Tire Repair Community. We had invested a lot in Autopromotec, with a design booth that has reflected our style since 2022: open, bright, and simple.
There are 3 fun facts I want to share with you.
1. We introduced 2 new Bead Breakers. They were well received, and a few already left the warehouse. You can see them on our website: items 13874 and 13878.
2. On Wednesday, May 21st, I was interviewed by Richard Wilson from Retreading Business.
I don’t yet know how the interview will turn out, but I hope it will be interesting. I’m not a fan of the spotlight but I enjoyed the moment.
Richard and Patxi, the videographer, made me feel at ease, and I let my thoughts and impressions flow naturally.
RECIRCLE AWARDS
3. On Thursday, May 22nd, we attended the Recircle Awards Ceremony. And we got a wonderful surprise.
We were nominated for Best Retreading Accessory and Consumables Supplier.
It was our third nomination, and this time, despite fierce competition, we did it! We won!
We celebrated as a team and immediately shared the news with our colleagues at HQ.
It was a win for all of us. A recognition of the added value we build into our products. A celebration of the journey we’ve travelled over the past 5 years.
You can watch the full ceremony at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/_T5vRRd6q74?si=l3mfSekEMHLs811x .
Two months later, we’re still working on turning the new contacts into loyal customers. The feedback received helps us sharpen our direction and evolve what we offer, with 2026 already in sight.
These experiences helped us understand we’ve built a circle of essential partnerships. For our growth and for raising awareness around the Tire Retreading and Conveyor Belt Industries.
We know hard work pays off. And this is the reason why we want to grow. Not just in terms of revenue, but in skills. Because our competitors aren’t giving up and neither are we.