BAUMA REVIEW: A North American perspective

If you had the opportunity to witness the before and after of the opening gates at Bauma 2019, it could be described as an almost eerie calm before the storm.

As more than 620,000 visitors from some 200 countries rushed through the turnstiles each morning, an eager energy was palpable.

Taking place April 8-14 in Munich, Germany, the 2010 Bauma tradeshow was the largest to date, and appropriately dubbed the “Biggest Bauma Ever.” Boasting 3,700 exhibitors from around the globe, Bauma enjoyed record-breaking attendance since the first show 65 years ago.

Global event

Contrasting the gloomy, overcast skies of Munich, the excitement levels were high as a steady stream of buyers and wanna-be buyers strolled the grounds comparing notes, pointing upwards towards monstrous machinery and toasting with giant beer mugs. With some 152 acres of exhibitor space, almost every language was audible. Whether it was German, French, Spanish, Russian or African, attendees experienced a truly global event.

Equipment demos and handovers were an everyday occurrence, and networking opportunities were unmatched. Bauma planners described the show as “the heartbeat of the industry.”

The American Cranes & Transport editorial team averaged 20,000 steps a day, walking from stand to stand snapping photos, checking out the new cranes, trailers, rigging gear and technologies and catching up with the OEM management teams. The week was filled with opportunities for both work and play, in true German fashion.

By far, the biggest topic of conversation was the Tadano-Demag deal, which is set to close in mid-summer.