The International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Kielce is underway

Can I say what a real privilege it is speaking here today. In the UK we are always impressed by the resilience and the determination of the Polish people (…). It is, therefore, no surprise, even with all the challenges that the world is currently facing, Poland has laid on a first-rate trade show today. We may be lower on numbers we would normally expect, but looking around the halls earlier today, and peering through the lights at all of you in the seats – I know we may be lower on numbers, we are certainly high on quality here today. And we are all delighted to be here. There is a lot to see and business to do. - Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement, UK, said at the opening ceremony of the 28th International Defence Industry Exhibition now held in Kielce, Poland (8-10 September 2020).

All eyes are on Targi Kielce; not only do the exhibition industry insiders but also a multitude of expo-participating companies watch the first large-scale trade show held after the economic lockdown restrictions have been lifted. MSPO is ranked third in Europe, just after Paris and London trade show. None of Europe's defence and military trade show has been held this year. The lockdown has caused a similar situation in all economic sectors. The expo organisers' determination and strenuous efforts culminated in success - MSPO brought together 185 companies from 15 countries. The trade show is an evident impulse for the whole exhibition sector. It is time to recover from COVID hibernation. The Expo has been organised with strict observance of sanitary rules and regulations. 2020 MSPO has been the showcase for the elite of rocket weapons manufacturers - from US Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to the British MBDA European Missile House.

- Many companies find that the trade fair offers the opportunity to regain the market positions they have lost, to recover after the economic collapse. This is also a perfect chance for those looking for new business ideas - says Andrzej Mochoń, President of the Board at Targi Kielce.

A better tool designed to boost economic recovery is hard to find because trade shows bring together various industries. The Kielce exhibition and congress centre has offered maximum public-health safety and security level - all the more reasons to join the Expo.

- The Expo, just like all the trade shows before, has been organised in a most professional way. The show has been put together professionally, as it is every year. Of course, it's been challenging with current COVID situation, but it has been a lot of safety measure in place, it very effective to again have a chance for all the companies' representatives to meet. - says Ronald Farkas, Poland - US Operations (Defense Consulting and Representation).

Targi Kielce has gone an extra mile to be ready for the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) and all other autumn events. The centre's entrances are equipped with non-contact temperature screening as well as automatic disinfection and decontamination booths.

In addition to the standard security measures such as mouth and nose covering, hands disinfection complemented with surfaces, handles, doors, mirrors cleaning and disinfection, the expo centre has resolved to increase the distance between the expo stands, install plexiglass security dividers. All people the exhibition area fill in the epidemiological survey upon entering the facility.

- No reservations regarding this year's expo organisation - the trade show has been as professional as it has ever been. - says Bogdan Kaliński, ELMARK AUTOMATYKA SA Sales Manager - - The trade show is much smaller than it used to be. (...,) Yet we are getting back to normal. We are glad we have a good location in a nice expo hall, and we have gained new customers.

- HYUNDAI ROTEM has presented its solutions for the first time - says Lee Han - Soo, Senior Manager, Global Defense Sales & Marketing Team, HYUNDAI ROTEM. - We have good feedback from many customers; we keep building positive relations with Polish companies. The expo is also an opportunity for us to establish business contacts. We do understand and appreciate Targi Kielce's health safety policy. We appreciate the measures implemented to increase the safety of guests, e.g. face-protecting masks and cleaning regime. We hope our visit will bear its fruit.

About Targi Kielce

Targi Kielce Exhibition and Congress Centre is ranked second in Central and Eastern Europe. Every year Targi Kielce hosts over 276,000 visitors and guests from nearly 60 countries, 6,900 companies take part in the trade fair.

The Targi Kielce calendar comprises 70 events - trade shows, exhibitions and 700 conferences, including

· International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing PLASTPOL - Poland's largest event in plastic and rubber industry, one of the biggest in Europe.

Upcoming expo: 6-8.10.2020. More info: www.plastpol.com

· STOM – the expo cluster combines the 10 international exhibitions - which showcase metal-processing machines, sheet metal processing, laser technologies, measurement technologies and 3D printing. STOM is the most important and dynamically developing event in this business sector.

Upcoming expo : 22-24.09.2020. More info: www.stom.targikielce.pl

· International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO MSPO which is ranked third among Europe's defence industry expos (after Paris and London).

Upcoming expo: 7-10.09.2021 More info: www.mspo.pl

· KIDS’ TIME – the International Fair of Toys and Products for Mother and Child. Every year, Targi Kielce is the home for Central-Eastern Europe’s largest and most dynamic child products trade fair.

Upcoming expo: 17-19.02.2021. More info: www.kidstime.pl

Targi Kielce operates 90,000 m2 of exhibition grounds including 36,000 of indoor space in the 7, fully equipped and cutting-edge exhibition halls. There are six international airports (including Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice) located within 180 km radius.

More information at: www.targikielce.pl/en

Contact:

Małgorzata Róg-Giacosa

phone: (+48) 413 651 456

Mobile (+48) 510 924 489

e-mail: rog.malgorzata@targikielce.pl