International Trade Fair
for Pipe and Sewer Technology from 21.03.2013– 23.03.2013 in Kassel /Germany

History

When the first state-recognized further vocational training ‘Trained and Certified Specialists for Pipe and Sewer Technology’ began in February 1996 in Gemany, the time was right for the branch to break away from similar trade activities, as well as from waste and recycling management. In May 1995 and September 1996 the then chairman of the VDRK (Verband Deutscher Rohr – und Kanal-Technik Unternehmen) Mr. A. W. Wutschig, inspired by his vision, laid the foundations for a trade fair that would be well-known throughout europe in the next century. They were laborious and exhausting small steps which then followed. In the course of the year there was always a clear movement forward for the event, even when accompanied by moments of stagnation and errors of judgement. But to develop such a long-term project (in the beginning more of a dream) one has to get through a painful learning process. Many exhibitors who attended the trade fairs of Oberaula, Nauenhof and Leipzig from the first day would be able to tell a few anecdotes here. For example: ‘The small location Oberaula sinks in chaos!’ or ‘The heated battle in Nauenhof!’. With the accomplishment of RO-KA-TECH 1999, first of all in the historical trade fair city of Leipzig, began a new dimension. One stepped out of the shadow of small-mindedness and proudly, and perhaps a little provocatively, opposed the more established trade fairs. From this point on other trade fairs from the branch had to accept the existence of RO-KA-TECH.

The Change of Location

Gradually over several years a number of the long-standing exhibitors and visitors of the RO-KA-TECH expressed increasing displeasure at the location Leipzig. This was not related to the city and its flair. This was due to the visitors’ acceptance of the location. The RO-KA-TECH is and remains a trade fair that appeals to specialized visitors. This requires short routes to the trade fair ground, a central location that is quick and easy to reach and also extensive and professional advice from the exhibitors, accompanied by interesting lectures. It was clear to many that ‘glass palaces’ were also not important, these could actually put off the visitor.
At the start of 2005 the RO-KA-TECH was, contrasting to expressed opinions, located once again in Leipzig. After the changing of the board of directors in the spring of 2005, the further development and organization of the trade fair had to be fundamentally reconsidered. This made it necessary to find an agreed upon trade fair location, to completely rework the costing of the trade fair and, in lengthy discussions, to convince all members of the new srtategy. Time was pressing - not until October 2005 was the date for the Kassel trade fair at the end of March 2006 announced. It quickly came to light that, according to exhibitors, the central and easily reachable location deserved a vote of confidence. However, some doubts still remained. At this point all the people involved in the the RO-KA-TECH organization broke new ground. Each person had already taken part in trade fairs or also organized small fairs, but this task was a big challenge. Everyone was burdened with the pressure for success because it was the only chance, granted by exhibitors and above all visitors, to find a new location for the trade fair. A mistake under certain circumstances could have signalled the end for the RO-KA-TECH project. After the exhibition it was clear that the decision for a new location was made at exactly the right time. The number of exhibitors and visitors exceeded all those from the previous (up until that point) eight events. Not only subjective feelings confirmed that it was the right way forward, but also the feedback from the exhibitors suggested a trend for lasting success. That this quickly circulated and continues to circulate demonstrates the fact that also the ENTSORGA in Cologne registered that RO-KA-TECH represented a serious alternative. Why would one otherwise ask in the exhibitors’ questionnaire whether RO-KA-TECH belonged to one of the most important trade fairs. In the first version of the questionnaire RO-KA-TECH stood in top position of the listed trade fairs. For this involuntary advertising support one can only thank the Cologne organizers. The exhibitors who previously did not know about our event had the name right in front of their noses. This mistake was later seen and the trade fairs were then sorted neutrally in alphabetical order on the following day.

Prognosis 2011

After the 11th RO-KA-TECH there was some constructive criticism from the exhibitors, which is essential for continued further development. Many of the suggestions have been put into place in the preparation for 2011, and in the next phases the other suggestions will be put into place by the organisation. The most apparent latest development in the marketing for exhibitors, visitors and other interested parties is the implementation of a digital graphic hall plan. The VDRK is making an up-to-date plan of the hall available for all interested parties. Each exhibitor can then decide how and where to position his exhibition space. He does not have to rely on the protestation of the organizer regarding capacity and / or placing. The first announcement of this newly implemented system for the environmental branch was greeted with amazement. With this system we will be able to finalize the hall plan three months before the opening and therefore give the exhibitors enough time to prepare and also to prepare for their participants at the RO-KA-TECH 2011.
Never in the history of this trade fair was so much importance placed on national and international target group orientated advertising and visitor information - in this connection all the latest available possibilities will be used. Such as the increasing of press information in all european languages through the susidiary DPA ‘News Aktuell’. Many major specialized magazines are reporting the event in the run-up to the opening of RO-KA-TECH 2011. This interest is also a sign of acceptance. One can clearly see that VDRK and RO-KA-TECH have won recognition. Through these and other efforts we will address the main shortcoming – the lack of international visitors. VDRK is expecting 190 production and service companies from the industrial branch, who will exhibit on a space of 14.500 square metres. RO-KA-TECH regards itself as an international specialized trade fair situated centrally and compactly in central europe. An event addressing the whole cross section of new processes and technologies, which require maintenance, repair, and the stocktaking of waste water equipment. It is a trade fair accessible for the visitor. Meanwhile trends and standards are being set for this trade fair. The trend that more and more specialist trade fairs are being established is not only caused by the overwhelming giant exhibitions that want to present all aspects of the environment area. 2011 will also see the exhibition of a variety of world exclusives from construction, camera manufacturers and other areas. The trade fair will also be accompanied by a moderated series of lectures including leak test and the repairing of house and site drainage systems. With these lectures the various restoration processes – their advantages and disadvantages, judicial and insurance problems, the responsibility of the municipal authority for quality management and many many more will be highlighted. This series of lectures is free of charge for all visitors and take place directly in the trade fair hall at the VDRK-Forum. Day tickets for entry to the trade fair are already available at a special price of 5 euros by fax on +49 561-20756729 or by Internet – we will gladly forward these to you.