Silmo reports fall in attendance

Silmo visitor numbers were significantly impacted by the global economic crisis according to the trade exhibition's organisers. Attendance was down by approximately 20 per cent to around 32,000 from 42,234 in 2008.

Business was still good according to the organisers at what was termed a 'transitory show' during the crisis, before Silmo moves from its long-established home at the Portes de Versailles centre to the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition centre in 2010.

Concerns over the severity of the global swine flu pandemic also affected visitor numbers said the organisers, although approximately 50 per cent of those that did attend were from overseas.

The decision to change venue was driven by the need for improved international accessibility, according to the organisers.