Finally, Coverings held in a more relaxed atmosphere

摘要

For the first time in three years the Coverings showcase can confirm to have had overall positive results as far as the ceramics industry is concerned. In 2002 the exhibit was held in a context of great nervousness following the Twin Towers attack, with the terrorist threats at maximum levels on flights and at all large-scale events. In 2003 the show was held right during the week in which the United States was launching its attack on Iraq, and even if, at the time American Television was not considering the attack as the main news story, a part of the world's potential visitors stayed at home. Again, for these reasons the pre-show announcements were always marked with a note of great caution, the event was to be considered a success only if the attendance levels remained the same as the previous year or if they only fell slightly (as was the case the year before, the fall was only limited). This year, with the war being still underway but practically "metabolised" and with the terrorist alarms being still alive but obviously having less influence on events being held around the world, Coverings was able to dedicate itself mainly to being a Trade Fair event, instead of to external and collateral situations. The result? The most convincing American show of the past few years.