Crisis as sensitive subject
The economic and real estate crisis was present as a subject but the context was changing: During the fair, discussions regarding “Not to lose is to win”, “Return of the Investors” or “What the sector has learned” were held.

The answers given to such questions were rather alike:  The gamblers have left the scene or definitely lost their game. The remaining  companies have had their problems during the last year, but confidence  is growing once again.

The fair was also used to display courage for the year to come. Networking’s goal was not only to do actual business but also to prepare the field for the better times (hopefully) ahead.

Developers showed confidence, that (since the “patient” economy seems to g

et better in Western as well as in Central and Eastern Europe) funding can be a bit easier arranged. Experts estimated the real estate sector to be at a level comparable to the year 2002, hushing fears regarding further decline of prices. On the other hand, during the three days nobody was found who would have the confidence to predict a near future without any problems at all.

But also the organizers were able to present a satisfying resume: 21.000 visitors from 73 countries attended the fair. Although last years numbers (24.800 visitors from 78 countries) were out of reach, many of the 1.580 exhibitors expected worse. It seems that after a year of concerns and uncertainties the world of real estate is about turn upward again.