Building the future

Using a unique format in Brazil, the Week of Integrated Technologies for Construction, Environment and Equipment shows an overview of industry’s updating

First exhibition carried out by Sobratema in the renewed São Paulo Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, in São Paulo (SP), the Week of Integrated Technologies for Construction, Environment and Equipment was much more than a simple presentation of machines and solutions of the industry. In fact, the event started to innovate in the concept, gathering three trade shows and an event of content during the three days it was carried out, between June 7 and 9. These events gathered together a selected public of 6882 visitors—including professionals and buyers from Brazil and foreign countries—giving an updated overview of Brazilian construction in its more varied links, including services, technology, management, processes and sustainability. It was a long and varied program.

Promoted by M&T and Grandes Construções magazines, the Week was composed by the trade shows M&T Parts and Services (3rd Trade Show of Technology and Management of Equipment for Construction and Mining), Construction Expo (3rd Trade Show of Buildings & Infrastructure Works) and BW Expo (2nd Trade Show of Services and Technologies for Sustainable Management of Water, Waste Materials, Air and Energy), in addition to the event Sobratema Summit 2017, that gathered—in its second edition—seminars, panel, forum, congress and round table. “We carried out these events in a scenario of politic and economic difficulties. This is true. But we fought too much to give this opportunity to companies, technicians and institutions that certainly will contribute too much at the time of retaking, that—I hope—will be soon”, said the president of Sobratema, Afonso Mamede, when opening the event that had also the presence of authorities, executives and pressmen, in addition to representatives from Messe München International (MMI), from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), from the Asociación Española de Fabricantes Exportadores de Maquinaria para Construcción, Obras Públicas y Minería (ANMOPYC) and from World of Concrete (WOC), among others. “The industry was severely hit in the last years but Brazilians will know how to overcome the difficulties”, added the executive. “This is a moment of reflection. After passing this difficult moment, our country will never be the same. It will be much better. In this sense, these events are also an example of the assertiveness of our actors, which refuse to get into the mood of pessimism.”

Itamar Borges—State Deputy and President of the Parliamentary Front of Construction Industry (Fpic)—highlighted the importance of carrying out an event in a context where the country is trying hard to retake the way of development. “These integrated events are a sample of the social responsibility of all areas of the construction industry”, pointed him. “In addition, such initiatives prepare the industry for new opportunities.”

And José Roberto Bernasconi, presidente of Sinaenco (National Union of Architecture and Consulting Engineering Companies), remembered to the presents how the Week of Technologies may represent a turning point for the national life. “Brazil is much larger than any crisis”, commented him. “And carrying out these events is a demonstration of courage and competitiveness of Brazilian engineering.”

The importance of persistence and—above all—of the collaboration between the agents of the industry was also highlighted in the press conference. “Our professional life is permeated by challenges”, said Hugo Ribas Branco, Director of Operations and Exhibitions from Sobratema. “We may overcome the difficulties establishing partnerships and carrying out a lot of effort into each company and into the organizations. And we may be absolutely sure that in the current situation of the country this mutual support is making difference.”

In the same occasion, the director of Construction Expo, BW Expo and Sobratema Summit, Guilherme Ramos, presented the achievement obtained by carrying out the events. “We could carry out—at great cost—an important and well-represented exhibition, with the presence of important brands”, pointed him.