The total number of visitors at Cersaie 1999, the international ceramic tile trade show, increased by 4.66% this year to 106,491. There were 1,078 exhibiting companies (an increase of 3.16%), and 136,000 square meters of net exhibit space (an increase of 22.5%).

The opening session of Cersaie 1999 was attended by 650 visitors. The topic was “Challenges of the New Millennium.” Speakers were Angelo Borelli, president of Assopiastrelle; Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, president of the Trade Fairs of Bologna; Vittorio Merloni, president of Merloni Elettrodomestici; Ambassador Sergio Romano, a well-known columnist; and Gad Lerner, columnist, TV producer and event coordinator.

Other Cersaie activities included seminars organized by Assopiastrelle and the Italian Center for Research and Testing of Ceramics of Bologna. The following topics were offered: Italian Tile as a “Green” Product; Research and Development Financing in the Ceramic Tile Industry; Slip Resistance Standards for Ceramic Tile; Why and How, a new book by the Ceramic Center; and the Energy Manager.

The next Cersaie will take place in Bologna October 3-8, 2000. For more information, contact the press office, EDI.CER. spa, at (39) 536-804585, fax (39) 536-806510.