PMT anniversary edition

For

95

Congratulatory Letter

Warsaw, 29 March 2016

An entry for the anniversary issue of the Poznań Fair Magazine celebrating 95 years of the Poznań International Fair

Ladies and Gentlemen!

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Poznań International Fair, an event that for 95 years has been successfully promoting our economy and supporting cooperation between Polish and foreign business, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this inspiring success.

The history of the Fair closely matches the history of Wielkopolska. The Poznań International Fair is a hallmark of a region that was the birthplace of the idea of organic work. The first Poznań Trade Fair, organised in 1921, was yet another symbol of the rebirth of free Poland, here in terms of the economy. It was only four years later, in 1925, that the event became international, while in 1929 the building complex used for the Fair hosted the General National Exhibition, presenting the achievements of ten years of the independent Second Polish Republic. Nowadays, it is probably the most internationally recognised event promoting Polish companies.

I am glad that, despite the diverse forms and themes taken up by the Fair through the years, it is still underpinned by the same idea – to present Poland as a country that is modern, practical and committed to reaching its ambitious goals. The latest achievements of Polish companies are showcased in increasingly large and modern exhibition facilities. Numerous talks and meetings between people from the worlds of business, science and politics result in new ideas, cooperation initiatives and concepts guiding the development of individual companies and the economy as a whole.

Already in Ancient Times the growth of fairs and trade was considered to be one of the most important factors in the development of cities and entire countries. Still today, an active exhibition market promotes domestic and international economic cooperation and stimulates innovation. This is directly reflected in the growth of a country’s wealth. I am pleased to conclude that the Poznań International Fair is an excellent proof of this relationship. I would like to wish you many more such impressive anniversaries and express my conviction that this positive trend will be maintained in the decades to come.

Congratulatory Letter

UFI is proud of its links with Poznań International Fair (MTP), and grateful for the company’s strong support as an active and loyal member since 1927. Today UFI has six members in Poland, of which Poznań International Fair is the oldest, having represented Poland’s trade show industry in UFI single-handedly for 69 years. UFI membership is a confirmation of MTP’s position as one of the leading, high-quality exhibition organisations in its region. In the 95 years since the Poznań Trade Fair first took place, both Europe in general, and Poland in particular, have faced many challenges influencing the trade fair sector and MTP’s business activities. Through these times, MTP has drawn on its strong traditions and extensive experience to successfully ensure its position as a prominent European trade-show organiser. There is no doubt that the company deserves its respected position in the European marketplace and is heading towards a bright future.

Continuing growth in the number of UFI members and UFI Approved Events is an encouraging reflection of the strong worldwide recognition of the value of UFI membership. It is thanks to committed members like Poznań International Fair that our standards of excellence remain as high as they were 90 years ago, when UFI was founded. MTP is not only the oldest UFI member in Poland, but it has also organised 24 trade fairs eligible for the “UFI Approved Logo” – more than any other in the country.

Our association’s strength lies in our ability to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among peers in the exhibition industry, as well as supporting their business initiatives. While UFI helps its members to expand their networking potential, it is also up to everyone to actively participate and contribute to the association. It is a „give and take” philosophy, and we encourage our members to be brilliant givers rather than simply takers. Poznań International Fair has demonstrated time and again how to support our association, helping boost the global exhibition industry as a whole. It is no wonder that UFI members around the world often describe being part of our global network as the most valuable element of their membership.

We are very pleased to witness MTP actively showcasing how members can get involved within our association. Recently, MTP hosted UFI’s Operations & Services Focus Meeting, welcoming an international delegation to its premises. This meeting was very much appreciated by participants, not only for the excellent hosting experience Poznań International Fair provided, but also for the key role they played in developing the meeting’s content. MTP is, moreover, involved in UFI’s Committee activities, for which we are very grateful.

The 95th birthday of Poznań International Fair takes place in the same year that UFI, together with many partners worldwide, is organising the first ever Global Exhibitions Day. The launch is set for 8 June. It is a testament to the great partnership between UFI and MTP that Poznań was among the very first companies of our industry worldwide to pledge their support for this idea. We are looking forward to this and many other future projects.

On behalf of UFI, it is my pleasure to congratulate MTP on their 95th anniversary and wish them, and the exhibition industry as a whole, a bright and successful future.

Kai Hattendorf UFI Managing Director

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Congratulatory Letter

Anniversary Greetings to Poznań International Fair It is with great pleasure that on behalf of EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association, and all its members I congratulate Poznań International Fair on its 95th anniversary. Today, MTP is the leader in the Polish exhibition industry and one of the most prestigious venues in Central and Eastern Europe.

EMECA represents the leading 22 trade fair venues and exhibition organisers in Europe, and we are proud to count Poznań International Fair among us. MTP joined EMECA in 2014 and ever since it has become a highly esteemed and active member. The constructive input and inspiring experience of Poznań International Fair’s representatives contributes greatly to the work of EMECA. At the same time, we believe that the EMECA meetings and exchange among members are also of considerable value for MTP. The association was formed in 1992 to focus attention on the economic impact that the exhibition industry achieves throughout Europe. Today, EMECA venues organize more than 1,800 exhibitions a year with over 410,000 exhibitors and 42 million visitors on a gross rented display area of roughly 37 million square meters.

The EMECA exhibition centres strive to provide exhibitors and visitors with an excellent infrastructure and first-class information networks. Members are convinced of the active role they have to play in bringing together the international trading community. Around 90 % of the globally leading exhibitions take place in Europe, many of those at EMECA Members’ venues.

Moreover, through the European Exhibition Industry Alliance, the interests of the European exhibition industry are represented in front of the European Union institutions and other relevant stakeholders in Brussels. This alliance promotes the impact of the sector, monitors EU issues and advocates the sector’s common interests in order to maintain a favourable operating environment within the EU and globally.

On your 95th anniversary, we extend our congratulations to all MTP team members for providing this outstanding platform in the exhibition world and wish you many more years of success ahead.

María Martínez EMECA President IFEMA Madrid, Spain

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Congratulatory Letter

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Poznań has been among the largest and most economically and culturally developed cities in Poland for centuries, the country’s “trade fair capital”, and one of its biggest financial and business centres.

We owe this opinion mainly to the Poznań International Fair, which has been attracting millions of guests from all over the world for the past 95 years, shaping our identity and increasing the city’s potential.

Poznań takes pride in its trade fair infrastructure, beautiful monuments, green areas with numerous parks and large leisure complexes, and the regatta course on Lake Malta, which enjoys the reputation of being the nicest in the world.

I encourage you to check out the top-quality offer of the Poznań International Fair, an organisation which has been of special value and a symbol of Poznań for nearly a century.

I believe that due to this offer, complemented by the charm of the city and the abundance of contemporary forms of leisure, you will consider Poznań a perfect meeting venue.

Jacek Jaskowiak Mayor of Poznań

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Jubilee

Fair anniversaries Each year, the Poznań International Fair hosts nearly 100 fair events. Some of them have been part of the fair for decades – here are some of the fair events celebrating their small or larger anniversaries in the year of the 95th anniversary of the Poznań International Fair.

Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie

For

35 years of Furniture Fair MEBLE POLSKA

15 years of Poznan Trade Fair Meeting

30 years of International

Trade Fair of Packaging Technology

and Labelling TAROPAK

25 years of International

– Books for Children, Young Adults and Parents

15 years of Art and Craft Festival 10 years of International Garden

and Landscape Architecture Fair GARDENIA

Construction and Architecture Fair BUDMA

20 years of EDUCATION FAIR

10 years of International

Power Industry Fair EXPOPOWER

10 years of International Trade Fair of Food Processing Technologies POLAGRA TECH

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Interview

We are a reliable partner with On innovations, passions and plans – an interview with the Management Board of Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie bition, conference and event facilities are erected. However, the Poznań Fair’s nature is characterised by leadership. We are still setting new standards and directions for the Polish exhibition market. Our calendar encompasses events organised for almost 100 areas of business. We are a dynamic, flexible and very efficient partner for Polish and foreign enterprises. We are still discovering and developing new areas of operations. We wish that the MTP was associated not only with the fair, but other events as well.

Therefore, we have been working on the Poznań Congress Center brand, wanting to make it the largest convention and conference centre in Poland. Every year, the premises of the MTP hold almost 2,000 conferences, conventions and cultural events, such as concerts, dance performances and plays. Our potential lies in cuttingedge infrastructure and experience but mostly in dynamics and an innovative character fuelled by the imagination and creativity of a truly competent young team.

Does almost one hundred years of history help or hinder the Poznań Fair?

Przemysław Trawa, Chairman of the Management Board of MTP: Our roots are in history. We have grown out of the good commercial traditions of Poznań. I think you can say that our history teaches us courage. I personally admire the founders of the fair – Jarogniew Drwęcki, Cyryl Ratajski and Edward Mazurkiewicz, who, when the Polish economy began to emerge from the ruins of the First World War, had the courage to rely on the modern marketing which has been, and still is, the basis of fairs in Europe. I believe that the Poznań Fair is an example of a very successful start-up that was established in 1921. It is proof that bold vision, courage and creativity can be solid bases for a company which will last more than one hundred years.

Tomasz Kobierski, Vice-Chairman of the Management Board of MTP: For us, history is the source of experience. It mostly teaches us to always look into the future and that only by staying ahead of the curve and creating trends can we offer the best quality services to our clients. Being present on the exhibition market for almost one hundred years also constitutes a certificate of quality and reliability for the company. Not many undertakings can boast such a jubilee and constant development ingrained in their history. The fact that the Poznań Fair can take pride in its 95-year tradition and experience is important for our foreign partners, especially those from the Asian markets, where attachment to tradition, history and roots is extremely valued.

What is the Poznań Fair today?

P.T.: We are still the leader in our sector, which is becoming more and more crowded. New players enter the market, and new exhi8 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

T.K.: We are an exceptionally comprehensive exhibition, convention and event centre, a provider of comprehensive services connected with the exhibition sector, as well as with the export of these services. By this I mean the organisation of fairs and events in other cities and towns, such as Warsaw, Lublin, Sosnowiec and Świebodzin, and preparing the largest Polish economic speeches outside the country, both in Europe and worldwide, for example in Asia, the USA and Russia. We strive to be innovative in many areas at the same time; the changes introduced concern our fair products, exhibition facilities, contact with clients, and even the management system. We keep pace with modern novelties, and, furthermore, rely on the development and quality of our services.

What about new technologies? Are they an asset to the fair?

Not long ago it was forecasted that the development of the Internet, ITC technologies and social media would declass fairs.

However, it seems that it didn’t turn out that way.

P.T.: We have never treated the Internet and technological progress as a threat; quite the opposite. New technologies are our ally in developing our services. The Internet allows one to get to know the product or service but it is not a reliable basis for making serious investment decisions. E-conferences and commercial websites will never be able to replace direct contact nor the possibility to look at and test the product. There is a person on the other side of the computer and we want to contact him or her and commence cooperation. After the first awe of the potential unlocked by the global network, entrepreneurs understood that it is just a communication tool and particular arrangements are made during face-to-face meetings, after getting to know the offer and testing the product. Fairs provide such possibilities.

T.K.: It is obvious that while preparing the fair we also use the Internet, applications and mobile technologies. We communicate efficiently via social media. It is an especially useful tool for organising

Interview

a head full of ideas public events. In the case of contracting trade events we put more emphasis on the “quality” of visitors than their number. Due to the guest registration procedure conducted for many years now we possess a powerful tool in the form of 2,000,000 business-active addressees, with details such as their first and last names, position held at a company and their scope of operations. Modern technology, contrary to what may seem, does not kill the spirit of the fairs, but has a positive impact on the change of their functioning, substantially improving them.

Fairs emphasise innovation; they support innovative products and companies. In what way?

P.T.: Nowadays companies carefully plan their participation in fairs, set their goals in detail, and what we do is help them to implement those goals. Due to the abovementioned visitor registration system we can present vendors with the visitors’ profiles and their interests. Moreover, vendors also expect particular people to visit their stalls. Thus, we have developed unique matchmaking services and the Hosted Buyers programme, which functions at the BUDMA construction fair, the GARDENIA garden fair, the ITM fair organised in June, and the POLAGRA autumn fair. Many months prior to commencement of the selected fair we seek out potential business partners and investors interested in cooperation with vendors, and then we arrange their stay in Poznań. During the fair, a session of previously arranged meetings takes place. In order to provide these services we take advantage of modern technologies, the QR codes containing business cards of companies and the Poken system.

T.K.: Our vendors and the products exhibited by them are awarded with one of the most prestigious prizes in Poland, the MTP Gold Medal. This distinction is given to the products assessed by experts which distinguish themselves with interesting design, functionality and high quality. For four years, representatives of the sector and consumers have also been able to award the best products among those which had already been appreciated by experts in a separate “Gold Medal – Consumer Choice” contest. As the survey shows, the prize constitutes a major asset supporting promotion and sales of the awarded product.

What gives the chairmen of a fair created with passion a thrill?

P.T.: I prefer to spend my free time actively. For me, the best leisure is travelling or jogging, depending on the mood, as well as reading detective stories, popular science books, or those on the border of philosophy or sociology.

What book have you read recently that you could recommend?

P.T.: Reappraisals: Reflections on the Forgotten Twentieth Century

by Tony Judt.

What are your passions?

T.K.: I am an avid fan of FC Barcelona. The events which arouse just

a bit less emotion in me are the Cavaliada Tour – the only Polish equestrian contest authorised by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the air shows during the AEROFESTIVAL, or the MOTOR SHOW known as “Little Geneva”.

What if there was a match between Lech Poznań and FC Barcelona? Which team would you support?

T.K.: That would be my dream match. I wish that after a true sporting event the match would end with a draw.

What will the fair look in 5 years, on its 100th anniversary?

P.T.: I think that in 5 years we will still be a team of people open to new ideas, curious about the world, young in spirit irrespective of our actual age. My dream is for the fair to be perceived as an integral part of Poznań, the trademark of the city, because we all are residents of Poznań at heart, and this character, manifesting itself in reliability and entrepreneurship, we can then present to Poland and the whole of Europe.

T.K.: I think that the fair will not be strictly connected with business and contracting anymore; it will be permeated by the conference and entertainment nature of the organised events. The Poznań Fair will develop its competencies in the field of consultancy, offering clients comprehensive support in all marketing areas, both offline and online. I am convinced that due to understanding our clients’ businesses, and based on our own competencies and market knowledge, we will be able to furnish services extending the organisation of fairs and conferences, and therefore to support our clients in achieving their goals.

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Jubilee

Exhibitors about the fair Photo: Meble VOX press service

Photo: Hörmann Polska press service

Duo to the 95th anniversary of Poznań International Fair we asked our exhibitors to share with us why they participate in the exhibitions.

We are exhibiting at the fair because it provides an excellent opportunity to showcase new products to a large group of our trading partners, as well as to new customers, architects and interior designers. Additionally, the fair serves as a major motivator that drives us to complete the design and implementation processes when working on new products that are to be premièred there. Another important consideration is the fact that the Poznań International Fair and the MEBLE POLSKA fair constitute the best and largest event of the Polish furniture industry. Together with the arenaDESIGN event, they allow us to fully present our Human Touch philosophy and show the potential of the entire VOX Group.

We attend the fair because it is the only opportunity to show live – not in a prospectus – our latest products. It is hard to take a very big door to a meeting with an investor or architect, and sometimes, without showing one, it is tough to present some significant technical details.

Photo: VELUX Polska press service

Krzysztof Horała CEO of Hörmann Polska Sp. z o.o.

Photo: Kia Motors Polska press service

Marcin Barański CEO, General Manager at Meble VOX

Agnieszka Cieśla Marketing Communication Manager at VELUX Polska

Wojciech Szyszko Managing Director of Kia Motors Polska Each year we attend Poznań Motor Show, because the level of organisation of the fair offered by MTP is incomparably higher than other, similar projects in Poland. It is a perfect occasion to present out latest products to customers and the general public.

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For as long as I can remember, VELUX has almost always been present at the Budma fair. Our stands have differed in terms of design, size and exposure, but they have always been crowded with our associates: wholesalers, roofers, architects, and of course our employees. We have also received significant media attention. Nowadays the fair is a distinct industry event, so you just have to be there. During these events, we could always count on professional and substantive support from the employees of the Poznań International Fair.

Photo: WIŚNIOWSKI press service

Photo: FAKRO Polska press service

Jubilee

Janusz Komurkiewicz Marketing Director and member of the Management Board of FAKRO Polska We have attended the fair for years, because… this is the place where producers meet trade partners and customers. Each year, during the largest Polish construction fair – BUDMA, we present products and solutions which set new trends in construction, not only on the domestic market, but also for the whole industry.

Michał Tykarski Marketing Manager at Szynaka Meble

Photo: ZCB Owczary press service

We have been exhibiting at the MEBLE POLSKA event for years because the Poznań Fair boasts a long tradition which translates into years of experience in organising fair events. Being the largest event of this type, the MEBLE POLSKA fair shows the potential of the Polish furniture industry. Its size is second only to that of the fairs in Milan and Cologne. Besides, we appreciate the friendliness and helpfulness of the fair team.

Andrzej Janiszewski Marketing Director of ZCB Owczary We attend the BUDMA fair because it is a great place to present our product premières. The fair is where we invite our key customers to make them familiar with our newest products. Moreover, we value the fair’s trophies, in particular the MTP Gold Medal. Our products have received this prestigious medal several times.

Katarzyna Świderska Marketing Director at WIŚNIOWSKI We have been present at Budma for over 20 years. We used to come here to establish business relationships, to build and develop our distribution network in Poland. Now, we come here to showcase our new products. As industry experts, we use this opportunity to share our knowledge and inspiration with contractors and customers. We greatly appreciate the international nature of the fair, as it allows us to build new business and trade relationships outside of Poland.

Grzegorz Grzeszkowiak President of the Board of Spółdzielnia Mleczarska Gostyń Spółdzielnia Mleczarska Gostyń (Gostyń Dairy Co-operative) has been part of the Polagra Fair almost without interruption since its inception. For many years, the fair has been an opportunity for networking with Polish distribution companies and retail chains.

Now it has become a place where we can meet our longstanding customers and talk to them. And there is much to discuss, as each year we have a different situation both in the domestic and international market. In recent years, new contacts include mainly foreign customers, even from the most distant countries.

The fair is also an excellent opportunity for us to show new products to consumers and professionals and let them be the judges.

It has happened many times that our new products were launched during the fair. They also have been awarded the Gold Medals of the Poznań International Fair. By presenting our portfolio during the fair, we are able to check to which extent consumers are interested in particular groups of our products and what they think about them. We can also observe their level of acceptance and loyalty. We have conducted consumer research several times during previous fairs, which provided us with a great deal of useful business information. The fair also gives us the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the industry, new technologies, and innovations for products and packaging. The prestige, an effective tool of marketing communication, business meetings, meetings with trade specialists, new technologies – these are words which perfectly describe Polagra Food Fair for us, and the reasons why we have participated in it for so many years.

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History

From a start-up to a leader 28 May 1921 is an important day in the calendar of Poznańers, for whom the trade fairs are a symbol of the city and the history of the exhibition industry. On that day, 95 years ago, the first Poznań Trade Fair was opened. It was the first trade fair in Poland.

Speaking in today’s terms, we were quite a start-up back then!

Innovation, dynamics, the promotion of novelties and unorthodox solutions – these are the values that inspired us then, and are still important to us today, almost 100 years later. That is why we speak of our history in the context of innovation and energy, as well as friendliness and openness to interpersonal relations. Today, it is hard to imagine Poznań without its trade fair – a place of the biggest fair events, conferences, celebrity concerts – the most recognisable trade fair brand in Poland.

Within just a few years of the first exhibition, the Poznań Fair grew strong, developed and, in 1925, became an international event. Two years later, it joined the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – UFI (Union des Foires Internationales) and, through organising the UFI statutory congress in 1930 in Poznań, became the founding member of the organisation. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, the Poznań Fair had already become fourth-placed in Europe – after Leipzig, Lyon and Milan.

The legend of the Polish General Exhibition organised in 1929 at the MTP (Poznań International Fair) premises and in their vicinity hovered over the Poznań Fair. PeWuKa was an unprecedented event, “a great review of the economic and cultural achievements of the whole nation and a clear symbol of unification, a decade after

Poland regained its independence” – as the President of Poland, Ignacy Mościcki, said in his opening speech on 16 May 1929.

Over the years, the trade fair evolved, changing its formula and nature. The idea, however, remained unchanged: of meeting and exchanging knowledge, experience and contacts. In the real socialism era, the exhibition held in June, during the Poznań International Fair, was divided into national pavilions. Dominant, of course, were the American and Soviet ones. The exhibition lasted from two to three weeks and visitors amounted to millions.

You just had to be at the trade fair. Here, you entered a different, more colourful and beautiful world. In the 1990s, you would come to Poznań to make business contacts. Today, the formulas of trade fairs and events correspond to the expectations of companies operating in a given industry branch, the ever-shifting market situation and technological change.

The Poznań Fair is a huge flywheel promoting Poland and Poznań to the world, which is, without a doubt, a “citygenic” factor.

The Poznań International Fair has continuously, for decades – aside from trade fair events – been organising, co-organising, supporting, patronising and sponsoring numerous conferences and congresses, all sorts of exhibitions, cultural and sporting events, as well as scientific and social institutions. It remains a strong and respected symbol of the city, which residents of Poznań can be proud of.

MILESTONES 1921 Between May 28 and June 5, 1921, thanks to the efforts of merchants of the city of Poznań, the 1st Poznań Fair was held, its initiator being Edward Mazurkiewicz – a city councillor and Chairman of the Society of Merchant Associations. The initiative gained the support of Jarogniew Drwęski, the first President of Poznań in independent Poland. This time marks the start of MTP’s history.

The basic pavilion of the 1st Poznań Fair was the Górnośląska (Upper Silesia) Tower, the work of German architect Hans Poelzig, erected for the needs of the East German Industry, Crafts and Agriculture Exhibition held in 1911. Expositions were also located in two pavilions, and in schools on Berwińskiego, Słowackiego and Różana Streets.

The 1st Poznań Fair was domestic, and gathered 1,200 exhibitors who presented their offers on a 10,000 m2 space. The exhibition was visited by 40,000 people. The value of completed transactions was estimated at 6,000,000 Polish marks. Thus, the value of Poznań as a trade fair city became undeniable – due to its central location in relation to the two most important Polish industrial regions: the Coast and Silesia, and its developed railway network and exhibition facilities.

Satisfied, the town hall and Poznań City Council, on 21 October 1921, passed an act on the acquisition of the fair by the city. Two years later, the Council of Ministers approved the annual organisation of trade fairs in Poznań. Mieczysław Krzyżankiewicz was appointed as first director of the fairs and led the organisation until 1939.

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The 1st Poznań Fair poster, designed by Jan Nowicki

1921. Aerial view of the 1st Poznań Fair

History

1925

The Council of Ministers of the RP (Republic of Poland) confirmed the international role of the Poznań Fair, allowing the participation of foreign exhibitors, with 2,100 exhibitors from 16 countries and three continents attending that year.

1920s. Posters for the Poznań Fair, now international

1927 The Poznań Fair joined the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and began to cooperate with the International Chamber of Commerce.

1928 By decision of the Minister of Industry and Trade, Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, the Poznań Fair was officially named the MTP.

1929 On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of independence and on the initiative of the City President, Cyryl Ratajski, a Polish General Exhibition was organised in Poznań, which constituted an overview of the economic and cultural achievements of the reborn Poland.

The Polish General Exhibition (PeWuKa) was held from May 16 to September 30, 1929. 112 exhibition buildings were constructed and 1,200 workers were employed for the civil works. President Igancy Mościcki assumed protectorate over the exhibition and Józef Piłsudski became head of the organising committee.

The exhibition covered an area of 65 ha (the current area of the Poznań Fair is 23 ha), 1,427 exhibitors participated, 112 exhibition buildings were constructed, and preparation lasted almost 900 days.

One had to devote a full week in order to see all of the exhibition’s attractions. The area of the exhibition was connected by a batterypowered mini-tram line, which facilitated covering larger distances.

Over the 138 days of the exhibition, its premises were visited by 4.5 million people, including 200,000 foreign guests. The exhibition generated almost 20,000 enthusiastic articles in the foreign press about Poland and Poznań. Nobody – before or after – endowed Poland with such strong promotion worldwide. If not for PeWuKa, Poznań would have looked completely different. The buildings that were erected for the General Exhibition serve the people of Poznań until this day.

1929. Exhibition area of the Polish General Exhibition

1929. Aerial view of the PeWuKa area, from the west

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History

1930s Despite the global economic crisis, the Poznań Fair continued to develop. It occupied fourth place in Europe among organisers of international events. This put it in the same league as exhibition centres such as Leipzig, Lyon and Milan. Each year saw the growth of the number of national presentations, which were, as a rule, organised by all major European countries. In 1930, the International Exhibition of Communication and Tourism KOMTUR was held.

1940s

During World War II, the Germans converted the fairgrounds into a branch of the Focke-Wulf aviation works. The trade fair buildings became a target for Allied bombing in 1944 and, as a result, were almost completely destroyed. The 1940s is the period of reconstruction after the devastation of war.

In 1945, a decision was made about reactivating the Poznań International Fair. It was decided that the MTP would be held annually, as a fixed event covering all aspects of the country’s economic life, and serving the purpose of establishing Polish relations with foreign countries.

During the years 1945-1950, despite the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of the fairgrounds, five exhibition events were held.

One of these was the Home and Fashion Exhibition, held between 21-30 September 1946. The 64 exhibitors from Poland were visited by 100,000 people.

1930s. Exhibition at Mark’s Square

During World War II, 80% of the fairgrounds were damaged – the photos show a destroyed Upper Silesia Tower shortly after the war and, in 1947, during reconstruction

1940s. Reactivation of the Poznań trade fairs

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History

1947 20th Poznań International Fair, the first after the war.

1950s

During the years 1951-1954, the organisation of exhibitions in Poznań was suspended, but the personnel, as before, organised Polish stands at trade events abroad. In 1954, the Poznań International Fair resumed operations. The hallmark of that period in the exhibition industry was the national exposition layout, so-called collective expositions, which grouped exhibitors into associations, concerns and holdings. Cooperation with Polish foreign trade companies and with associations of producers from individual industries led to an increase of foreign exhibitors and, as a consequence, the need for further expansion of the trade fair infrastructure. The Poznań Fair began to grow in strength again, and became a symbol of openness to the world.

1955 The Upper Silesia Tower, as a result of a reconstruction,

1957. A crowd of visitors during the Poznań International Fair

changed its shape to that of a spire.

1956

The Poznań International Fair was drawing to an end when, suddenly, on Thursday 28 June, a general strike against the communist authorities broke out in Poznań. Demonstrators passed through the heart of the trade fair, events happened in front of thousands of visitors from Poland and abroad. The events of June echoed loudly all over the world.

March 1958

The first National Fair was held which, since then, has been held twice a year – in the spring and autumn.

The theme of the fair was determined each time by the Ministry of Internal Trade, while MTP was commissioned with organisationaltechnical matters.

1956. Poznań June on MTP

1959 The first issue of the Poznań Fair Magazine was published.

1960s

A rapid development of the fairs is recorded and the interest of both domestic and foreign exhibitors grows. By the end of the 1960s, the lack of exhibition area was so great that expositions were organised outside the existing fairgrounds – in the Arena, the Imperial Castle, Wilson’s Park, at Lake Kiekrz, at Lake Malta, in Edwardów, and at the State Horticultural Farm in Naramowice.

In addition, the duration of the trade fairs seemed too long for many exhibitors. Thus, the fairs were gradually shortened, from 15 to 6 days.

1960s. Aerial view of the fairgrounds

1969. Main entrance at night

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History

1966

For the first time, the whole trade fair area was devoted to two industries: automotive and printing. This is how industry-specific exhibition events were born.

During the 35th Poznań International Fair, the tradition of the “GIN DOBRY – FIRST TODAY” toast was born. This custom was initiated

by British exhibitors William Kirton and James Lindsay, who would invariably associate the Polish “dzień dobry” (good morning) greeting with gin. At their neighbouring stands, Polish visitors became familiar with the custom of drinking a glass of gin at noon – to celebrate the commencement of international business talks. This is how the Gin Dobry Club came into being.

1970s

The time has come for specialist trade fairs. Now, not only those that took place twice a year – the International Technical Fair held in June, and TAKON, the International Trade Fair of Consumer Goods held in September – but also other trade fairs: POLIGRAFIA, TAROPAK, SALMED and INTERMASZ, which, although with changed formulas, are still part of the exhibition calendar today.

1979

The first competition for the MTP Gold Medal was held.

1980s

Branch trade fairs became a permanent fixture in the Poznań Fair calendar; however, the biggest fair event was still the multi-industry fair in June, with an increasingly technical profile.

Branch events became more and more important and had increasingly specific theme profiles. This was the time when new events were created, such as MEBLE POLSKA – Pro-export Exhibition of Polish Furniture, DREMA – International Exhibition of Machines and Equipment for Woodworking, POLAGRA – International Trade Fair of Agricultural Mechanization, and the National Horticultural Exhibition.

1970s. Main entrance to the Poznań International Fair

1978. Yacht exhibition at Lake Kiekrz, during the 50th Poznań International Fair

1980s. Pavilion 11 – Spire

1980s. Exhibition in an open area 16 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

1970s. The exhibition premises are running out of space – the exposition of the furniture industry is moved to the Imperial Castle

History

1990s System changes result in rapid development of Polish entrepreneurship – many small private companies are founded, which search for business contacts during the exhibitions. Interest in the trade fairs grows year after year. By the mid-90s there are already 27 industry events and specialist exhibitions organised, which are attended by 15,000 exhibitors from Poland and abroad, and the exhibition area covers almost 412,000 m2. The increase in the number of exhibitors in the 1990s caused the need for expansion and modernisation of exhibition facilities. Small, non-functional pavilions were replaced by modern exhibition halls.

1990

Transformation of the Poznań International Fair into a limited liability company with participation of the State Treasury

1994–1996

Renovation of the Spire, exposing the interior of the steel structure of Upper Silesia Tower.

2000-2016

The Poznań International Fair asserted its position as leader of the Polish exhibition market. It holds a 55% share of the exhibition market in Poland and is the major trade fair organiser in Central-Eastern Europe. MTP belongs to organisations grouping trade fair leaders from all over the world, e.g. UFI – Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Centrex – International Union of Exhibition Statistics, and EMECA – European Major Exhibition Centres Association, as well as the Polish Chamber of the Exhibition Industry.

In 2015, in over 100 exhibition events organised on the premises of the Poznań Fair, 9,500 exhibitors participated, who occupied

1996. POLAGRA International Agricultural Trade Fair

On 8 December 1990, a limited liability company named MTP was founded – the statute of the company was signed by the then-President of Poznań, Wojciech Szczęsny Kaczmarek, and Marcin Święcicki, the Minister of Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries

a total area of 365,000 m2. The trade fair events were attended by 627,000 visitors from Poland and abroad. In total, the congresses, conferences and concerts organised on MTP premises were visited by over a million guests in 2015, which makes MTP the major business tourism centre in Poland.

Year after year, the fair changes its image, modernises old pavilions, and implements a series of new investments.

2008 On 1-2 December, Poznań International Fair premises hosted the 14th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP14).

This unprecedented event brought together 12,000 participants from 189 countries from all over the world. A special 42,000 m2 extraterritorial area was separated and placed under the jurisdiction of the UN. The discussions took place in 34 conference rooms simultaneously, with the largest holding 1,388 participants. Special IT infrastructure was created for the duration of the conference, which allowed 2,500 computers to work at the same time. 150 km of cables and fibre optics were laid, 350 different network devices were connected.

The organisation of the conference received very positive feedback, both from the participants of the event and the international and government institutions involved in the project. “(…) The undisputed success is the model, best-for-many-years organisation of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate at the Poznań International Fair. (…) Highest quality organisation and logistics – it is to the merit of the government, the city of Poznań and the Poznań International Fair” – said Jerzy Buzek, former Prime Minister of the RP, and former President of the European Parliament, shortly after the conference.

In 2008, the Poznań International Fair held the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP14)

The turn of 2009 and 2010 saw the Poznań Fair host participants of the 32nd Taizé European Meeting of Young Adults, which gathered 30,000 people from 50 countries POZNAŃ fair Magazine / 17

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History

2012

The Sala Ziemi (Earth Hall), solemnly opened on 15 December 2012, has been the most spectacular construction investment of the Poznań International Fair in recent years.

The plenary hall, which is the showcase of the Poznań Congress Center, holds almost 2,000 people and can be rearranged in many ways – from a cinema layout to a forum, and can even be divided into two separate auditoriums. Thanks to modern multimedia equipment, a spacious foyer and an enchanting garden adjacent to the building, it meets the highest international standards.

2013

The Poznań International Fair, commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment, carried out the most crucial part of the preparations for the UN Climate Conference – COP19. The event took place at the National Stadium in Warsaw, from 11-22 November, bringing together over 10,000 guests from all over the world.

These included politicians, scientists, representatives of NGOs and business, as well as over 1,500 accredited journalists.

2015

Municipalisation of the Poznań International Fair, which becomes 100% owned by the city of Poznań. The Minister of the Treasury, Andrzej Czerwiński, and the President of

A historic moment - the grounds of Poznań International Fair will host the main celebration connected with the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland on April 15. Therefore, the National Assembly will be held in the Earth Hall on that occasion.

It is the first time in history that both houses of parliament will have a joint session outside Warsaw

Earth Hall – a place of spectacular congresses, concerts and events 18 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

the City of Poznań, Jacek Jaśkowiak put their signatures to the agreement changing the ownership structure of MTP on 5 October 2015, at the MTP premises.

2016

The grounds of Poznań International Fair will host the main celebration connected with the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland on April 15. Therefore, the National Assembly will be held in the Earth Hall on that occasion. It is the first time in history that both houses of parliament will have a joint session outside Warsaw. The celebrations will also be participated by The President of Poland Andrzej Duda and representatives of European parliaments, representatives of national episcopates, the Papal legate, as well as representatives of Polish authorities.

The FDI Annual World Dental Congress will be the largest international medical congress in the history of Poznań. This scientific training event will be held from 7-10 September 2016 and will cover an area of at least six MTP pavilions. The congress will be attended by the doctors and students of medicine-dentistry departments led by nine academic centres (Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Poznań, Łódź, Białystok, Wrocław, Katowice and Lublin), and by young scientists. 10,000 congress participants are expected.

The National Stadium in Warsaw during the COP19 Climate Change Conference

History

1920s. General view of the Jubilee Gardening Exhibition in 1926

1967. Artificial ice rink 1962. Potential buyers from Africa at the Poznań International Fair

Spring of 1958. A moment of respite during the spring Domestic Fair

1980s. National pavilions

1929. Mark’s Square during the Polish General Exhibition – a fountain with a sculpture by Marcin Rożek in the foreground

1977. Exposition of sporting equipment at Lake Malta in Poznań

The 1950s and 60s at the fairgrounds were marked by technological and architectural rivalry between countries of the Eastern Bloc and the West. One of the achievements of this race was the round pavilion, Parasol (Umbrella). It was designed by an architect from Warsaw – Jerzy Staniszkis.

Construction was completed in 1958. A characteristic feature of the building, from which its name originated, was a textile roof reaching significantly outside the limits of the building

1962. A connoisseur of the Polish vodka Wyborowa POZNAŃ fair Magazine / 19

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History

2012. A fairy tale garden replaced the old pavilion number 14A. It is a place of relaxation for the participants of events organised at the Poznań Congress Center and, in the summer months, changes into a huge beach and an open-air cinema as part of the ”Summer at the Fair” initiative

In modern times, the MTP area fulfils its role as a place for all kinds of events. A particularly friendly space is the Earth Hall and Aleja Lipowa (Lime Avenue), which connects pavilions 8, 8A, 7 and 7A into a complex

The CAVALIADA Tour organised by the Poznań Fair is a strong brand, well associated with the equestrian community in Europe and all over the world.

The event is held in four cities: Poznań, Warsaw, Lublin and Kołobrzeg. It is the only cycle of equestrian competitions in Poland which is certified by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) 20 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

The Poznań Game Arena is a spectacular event for all those who appreciate cyber fun. The PGA offers great emotions, unforgettable attractions and limitless possibilities for testing the latest hardware and games

The Poznań Motor Show is called „Little Geneva”. The event is visited by crowds of motoring fans, hungry for Polish and European automobile premières

History

The Poznań Fashion Fair, organised by MTP, is a place where international contracts are concluded. MTP is also a coordinator of the Polish Fashion programme, which supports the promotion of Polish clothing brands

Almost 100 events, for different industries, are held on the Poznań fairgrounds each year. Here you can talk business, gain knowledge and experience extreme emotions POZNAŃ fair Magazine / 21

Trade Fairs - your partner

What can we do for you?

Today, the Poznań International Fair is much more than a place with excellent infrastructure and professional services needed to organise fairs, exhibitions and congresses. We are a business partner that will help with all your promotion and communication needs; a friend with a head full of ideas and solutions to help businesses grow in various industries. Comprehensive and efficient, we organise more types of event than you think – company meetings, special events, galas, banquets, product premieres.

We have over 100 years of experience in organising fairs and conferences. Each year MTP premises host over 80 fairs and 2,000 conferences and congresses for nearly all industries.

Each year our experience and support allows over 11,400 businesses from 82 countries to present their products and services to over 600,000 visitors from around the world.

When participating in our fairs, you can take advantage of a number of comprehensive offers tailored specifically to suit your needs. You don’t have to be a large company to exhibit at the fair. We will guarantee you a comfortable experience, and offer a wide range of services to make your stay even more interesting and effective.

With our experience, we know how to plan and implement a successful promotional campaign, home and abroad. We organise advertising campaigns in print media and online, prepare promotional gifts, press conferences, trade conferences with experts, product demos, matchmaking events and much, much more. Our foreign markets team has so far worked on promotional activities for Polish businesses in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the US. In Poland we have launched the “Polska Moda” programme to increase Polish brand awareness in European markets.

Our range of marketing tools is at your disposal. Tell us about your needs and we will not only prepare a strategy for communication and promotional activities targeted at your potential customers, but also implement it step by step.

You can also entrust us with a specific task.

22 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

Our Contact Center will send your invitations, brochures or other promotional materials to a group of recipients selected according to your criteria. We also specialise in telemarketing and mailing. Our databases include over 2 million contacts with active businesses classified by trade, type of activity and company parameters – the best business contact databases in Poland!

MTP TV fair television shows what happens at the fair in real time. On www.mtptv.pl you can watch event videos and learn what industry leaders have to say. Want to publish a video from the fair on your website? MTP TV produces video reports, music videos and HD recordings from company events. We have professional equipment and a team of experienced filmmakers.

We will organise a successful advertising campaign for you. Our team of experts at Fair Promotional Services (Targowe Usługi Promocyjne, TUP) has extensive experience in advertising and will prepare an offer perfectly suited to your needs. We can take care of large-format advertising, online advertising, publications in special issues of the Poznań Fair Magazine, PR and media relations support, and non-standard advertising. Skilfully using different forms of promotion during the fair (outdoor advertising, advertising structures, hostesses and people in costumes) allows businesses to reach a wide audience from Poland and abroad – over 634,400 people every year! (Number of visitors in 2015).

Trade Fairs - your partner

Our Press Center works actively with Polish and foreign press, online, and radio and TV journalists, providing them with current press releases about fair events, congresses and cultural events. It also organises press conferences and briefings. It’s worth using this potential!

Good relations with regional and national media representatives result in many publications and allow the Press Center to effectively help exhibitors in reaching the media through a service called Serwis Prasowy Wystawcy (Exhibitor’s Press Service). Businesses can prepare their press release and have it sent to a selected group of journalists, publish contact details of their media relations staff on the event website, or showcase their materials for journalists on a display stand in the Press Center.

Looking for reliable information about industry? We can help! Strefa Wystawcy – Dźwignia Biznesu portal (Exhibitor Zone – Business Leverage, www.strefawystawcy.pl), developed together with InfoCredit, includes professional industry reports and information on ownership structure, financial statements and index analysis of over 100 million companies from 21 countries. Even a quick analysis of the reports can help decide whether a company is reliable and conducts transparent activities. What’s more, the portal provides a network of recommendations and verified opinions about companies.

Want to spend some time in a less formal setting after an exhausting day at the fair? Join the Targi po Godzinach (Fair after Hours) affiliate programme. Your stay in Poznań will be much more pleasant with offers from our partners: hotels, restaurants, pubs, music clubs, recreation centres and beauty salons.

The programme guarantees good fun, high quality services and attractive prices. To apply for a membership card, simply register on the MTP24 portal, visit www.targipogodzinach.pl, or pick up your card at the fair, at selected Fair Consumer Service points.

We are experienced in organising events of various scales. At micro scale (events for up to 2,000 people) we organise around 2,000 events each year, including conferences, congresses, corporate events, special company events, concerts, shows, movie premières and high-level sport events.

At macro scale we have organised the UN international climate conference – COP14 (14th United Nations Climate Change Conference) with over 12,000 visitors from 189 countries; the 32nd Taizé Community European Meeting of Young Adults with over 30,000 people from 50 countries; and the UN climate conference – COP19 in Warsaw (19th United Nations Climate Change Conference – Conference of Parties, COP) with over 10,000 delegates from 194 countries.

Our extensive range of event organisation services includes: leasing and maintaining pavilions and conference rooms, providing lighting and sound systems, arranging spaces, constructing and maintaining IT, ICT and power systems, catering, congress office management, organising press centres and press conferences, preparing, publishing and distributing promotional materials, organising performances and entertainment, transport, and visitor accommodation.

What event could we organise for you?

We will build and arrange anything, anywhere you need it. The IDEAEXPO.MTP team specialises in creating event and fair spaces.

They design and build exhibition booths, arrange the space for outdoor events and sport events, and prepare stages for concerts. They also successfully help with Polish exhibitions abroad, during important industry events such as Grüne Woche in Berlin, CeBIT in Hanover, Salon International de la Lingerie in Paris, book fairs in London and Bologna, and many more.

We also make great coffee and cook well!

Find out for yourself at MTP Cafe coffee shops and MTP Bistro restaurants. MTP Bistro restaurants offer breakfasts and lunches, meat and vegetarian dishes, salads, soups, pastas, as well as hot and cold beverages, fresh fruit juices and delicious desserts. All dishes are prepared on the spot by talented cooks using fresh ingredients. To relax for a moment with an aromatic cup of coffee after a series of business meetings, visit MTP Cafe.

We guarantee you a good night’s sleep during your stay in Poznań. Accommodation for exhibitors and visitors is organised by our partner company, WTC Poznań. They work with most hotels in Poznań, as well as other accommodation facilities such as hostels and apartments.

Booking accommodation with WTC Poznań requires no additional fee.

POZNAŃ fair Magazine / 23

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Trade Fairs - your partner

We have experience in publishing. Poznań Fair Magazine has been published for over 55 years without interruption, and is read around the world by representatives of the business world, economic self-government and diplomatic corps. Industry magazines we publish allow businesses to reach potential clients. They are the first magazines of their kind on the Polish market. Our offer includes Rybomania Trade – a magazine specifically for fishing shops; the Omega trend book for the funeral industry with information about new trends and social phenomena; and Horse Business Club magazine with advice on establishing, running, maintaining and managing horse farms and agrotourism farms with horseriding services.

Numerous competitions and awards increase the recognition of products exhibited during the fair. These prestigious prizes highlight a product’s excellence and consequently form part of its promotion on the market.

The two most recognised competitions during Poznań International Fair are the MTP Gold Medal competition for the best products exhibited, and the Acanthus Aureus competition for the best-designed exhibition booths that boost a company’s marketing strategy. Individual industry events also organise their own competitions, including the TOP DESIGN Award promoting high-quality industrial design, Tastes of the Regions Fair Medal for the best regional food products, Grand Prix Gardenia for the best plant products, Grand Prix Sawo for the best products and technical solutions in occupational safety, fire safety and rescue services, Motor Show Awards awarded by the most accomplished automotive journalists, and PGA Awards for small and medium developer studios exhibiting their games in the Indie Games zone during Poznań Game Arena.

We organise less-formal meetings. Poznań Fair has always been a place for international meetings, the exchange of goods and services, business experiences and the mixing of cultures. The best example is the GIN DOBRY CLUB – an international and intercultural club established back in the 1960s. This tradition was initiated by William Kirton and James Lindsay, exhibitors and representatives of companies taking part in the fair. At their neighbouring booths, Polish visitors were introduced to the custom of drinking a glass of gin at noon – to celebrate the start of international business meetings. This custom is still alive today. Gin Dobry Club has nearly 1,000 members from around the world, including ambassadors, politicians, university rectors, presidents of industry associations, representatives of science and culture, and leaders of Polish and international business.

MTP today For 95 years acting with passion Poznań International Fair (MTP) is a leader of the Polish exhibition industry, having about 55% share in the exhibition market in Poland, which ranks it the first organizer of exhibition events and fair in Central and Eastern Europe. MTP is a member of the organizations which gather worldwide exhibition leaders, including UFI –Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Centrex – International Exhibition Statistics Union, EMECA - European Major Exhibition Centers Association as well as the Polish Chamber of the Exhibition Industry (PIPT).

MTP’s product portfolio consists of more than a hundred tradeshows organized annually or biannually. In the year 2015, all exhibition events organized on the fairgrounds of Poznań International Fair were participated by more than 9.5 thousand exhibitors and visited by 1 100 000 people.

Poznań International Fair supports the promotion of the Polish economy abroad cooperating with the different ministries, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, various economic associations and chambers. It is an organizer of national presentations at world’s biggest events, such as, for example, CeBIT modern technologies exhibition, where the Polish stand arranged by MTP was visited by Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, as well as ChinaJoy 2014 in Shanghai, where our gaming industry was presented. Poznań International Fair is also responsible for the Branch Promotional Program of Furniture and Clothes as well as the Video Games Market. In the recent years, as part of the General Promotion Program of the Ministry of Economy, MTP supported Polish business in such far-away, high-potential markets as Kazakhstan and Canada; at present, it provides support on the Brazilian and Turkish markets.

The company is a laureate of multiple awards including such prestigious distinctions as the Ambassador of the Polish Economy, the Economic Award of the President of Poland, Teraz Polska (Poland Now), Trademark Certificate, European Medal, Polish Sports Constructor, Gold Medal of Jan Kiliński.

• Professional exhibitors and visitors – 1,100,000 guests from around the world • Exhibition events for nearly 100 sectors of economy • 150 000 m 2 of interlinked congress and indoor/ outdoor exhibition space • 16 modular and customizable exhibition halls of varied styles and functions interlinked by covered walkways • Over 70 breakout rooms that offer a variety of arrangement possibilities • Earth Hall – multiuse congress and entertainment hall for almost 2000 participants

24 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

Architecture

The Poznań Fair in history and today The Poznań International Fair has existed for many years and has become a symbol of Poznań, as recognisable as the Old Market Place or Poznań Cathedral. The architecture of the fair building, designed by the most outstanding architects of its time with the application of state-of-the-art construction achievements, has undergone many changes in its 95 years of existence – including expansion and modernisation. Nowadays, the modern fair infrastructure is harmoniously combined with the preserved historic monuments of exposition architecture, making Poznań Fair an attractive and friendly place both for exhibitors and guests.

Entrance to the fair, view of the Railway Bridge

1930s. Entrance to the fair, decorated with two obelisks

1955. View of Mast Square and the Railway Bridge – photo taken from the Spire

Since the beginning of the Poznań Fair, the main entrance to the exposition has been located on the east, i.e. at ul. Głogowska, opposite the Railway Bridge. Initially, there were only two administration buildings at the entrance. During the Polish General Exhibition, the entrance was decorated with two beautiful obelisks which were preserved until WWII. After the war, the entrance to the fair was through so-called Mast Square, which has evolved over the years. From the 1950s, in the middle of the square was a sphere with the letter “P” inside – the fair’s symbol. On the square, colourful flowerbeds and a fountain were placed. The cash offices were located outside.

At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, a decision was made to build a special entrance to the fair area. The modern Eastern Hall of 116,000 m3 was designed by Poznań architecture atelier Studio Architektoniczne ADS. The main works were completed in 2003. The hall was made of a special, safe multi-layer glass enforced with a high transparency/low reflectivity film. Thus, the Spire – a symbol of the fair and of Poznań – remains visible from the street.

Currently in the Eastern Hall, there are ticket offices, fair information points and media accreditation points. There are also two modern conference halls: the Blue and Green halls, as well as the spacious Entresol which hosts artistic expositions and photo sessions. Between fairs, the Eastern Hall is an events venue for the citizens of Poznań.

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2007. View of the Eastern Hall and Railway Bridge – photo taken from the Spire POZNAŃ fair Magazine / 25

Architecture Main entrance to the fair building from ul. Głogowska, overlooking the Upper Silesia Tower – the modern Spire

Photo by: Witold Czarnecki / Atelier Rubens – photo from Janusz Korpal’s collection

1921. Entrance to the 1st Poznań Fair – one of the oldest photographs to document the entrance to the fair

1929. Entrance to the Polish General Exhibition

1948. Entrance to the fair area during one of the first post-war events – the Upper Silesia Tower was the USSR’s national pavilion then

1970s. The entrance to the fair was decorated with a sphere with the letter ”P” inside it – the fair’s symbol

2015. Main entrance to the fair – the modern glass Eastern Hall 26 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

In 1921, the area of East German exposition was partially adapted for the needs of the 1st Poznań Fair.

The Polish event’s central and symbolic item was the Upper Silesia Tower.

It was designed in 1911 by architect Prof. Hans Poelzig. The Upper Silesia Tower was 52 metres high. On the building’s top, the architect placed a water container of 4,000 m3 – huge for the time – to ensure running water for the neighbourhood. With Poelzig’s idea the tower served two purposes: the ground floor was an exposition area, while the upper storey was a water tower.

In 1929 at the Polish General Exhibition the water container was replaced by the highest-located restaurant in Poznań with a beautiful view of the city’s panorama.

For guests’ convenience, a lift was fitted.

Today, on the tower’s foundation, there is the openwork Spire, 64 metres high, designed by Bolesław Szmidt. The fair’s symbol was rebuilt soon after WWII and gained its current shape in 1954-1955.

The original steel structure was used for the reconstruction. Currently, the glamorous pavilion is the site where various fair ceremonies are held, along with meetings, debates and conferences. The entirely modern Eastern Hall in glass plays the role of the fair’s main entrance. It doesn’t cover the Spire; it just “frames” it.

Architecture Historic part of the 3A pavilion

1929. The Central Hall, which was the formal entrance to the Polish General Exhibition

The Central Hall was designed by the chief architect of the Polish General Exhibition, Roger Sławski, and built in 1929.

The architect’s concept was to make it a glamorous area of great luxury – an impressive entrance to the exposition.

The vestibule of 1,964 m2 included a concert hall with the largest organ in Poland and a formal congress hall which witnessed the opening ceremony by President Ignacy Mościcki.

The front elevation of the building, which faced the city centre, had the attention-drawing accent of a monumental portico and a tower placed above the entrance with an eagle and the symbolic Roman numeral X to highlight the 10th anniversary of Polish independence. The elevation was designed as a projection, based on four Doric columns.

The entrance had three glass gates and colourful stainedglass windows. The tower and portico had allegoric frescoes by Jan Piasecki symbolising agriculture, trade, and the consolidation of various Polish regions. At the entrance, there were 20-metre flagpoles. In 1947-48 the pavilion was rebuilt to restore its original architecture and structure. The object is registered as a historic monument and now forms a part of the 3A exposition pavilion.

2007: Historic part of pavilion 3A

Fair Palace – pavilion 12 To celebrate the 1st Poznań International Fair held in 1925, architect Stefan Cybichowski designed several new items, including the two-storey Fair Palace (currently pavilion 12) of around 8,000 m2. Its monumental classical architecture in imperial style was crowned with an attic with the Poznań coat-of-arms. Inside, there was an entresol on pillars, and the palace was naturally lit thanks to special glass structures on the roof, so-called skylights. At the time, the object was the fair’s representational venue. The most distinguished guests and delegations from Poland and abroad were invited to it. During 1946-47 the palace was rebuilt in a simplified version. From then on, it served for expositions, hosting textile industry and horticultural expositions, among others. The Voivodeship Monument Protection Inspector issued a decision to include the Fair Palace (pavilion 12) in the monuments’ register.

1926. Fair Palace (currently pavilion 12)

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2007. Pavilion 12 nowadays

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Architecture Mark’s Square

1929. Mark’s Square during the Polish General Exhibition – the adjoining hall elevations with columns formed an astonishing colonnade

1963. Exposition at Mark’s Square during the 32nd Poznań International Fair

2014. The Škoda exposition obstacle course at Mark’s Square during the Motor Show

28 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

Mark’s Square is the largest open space at the Poznań International Fair. It allows for the presentation of various machines and devices, as well as the organisation of other events.

In 2006 the world première of the opera Ça Ira

by Roger Waters took place there. In the square, three stages were mounted, including a two-storey one. An audience space for 14,000 spectators was prepared. One year later, Sinead O’Connor performed there. In 2009, during the MALTA International Theatre Festival, Mark’s Square was the venue for performances by Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction. In 2012 the “Summer at the Fair” campaign was held for the first time on Mark’s Square. 850 tonnes of sand were brought onto almost 2,000 square metres to create a friendly beach with sunbeds, umbrellas and water curtains, as well as playing fields for volleyball, badminton and football, and a huge sandpit for children.

The square was designed by Roger Sławski in 1929 for the Polish General Exhibition and was named the Central Square then. The neighbouring elevations of fair halls with their columns formed an astonishing colonnade around the square. In the middle of the square, there were two impressive fountains: a nude with a dolphin by Marcin Rożek and an obelisk with four fauns by Adolf Berezowski and Jan Goliński. The square drew associations with St Mark’s Square in Venice, which is where its current name comes from.

Passions

A passion for culture From almost its very beginning, the Poznań Fair has been a place for art and culture. Even in its early years, exhibitions of technological developments, innovative products and useful services were accompanied by interesting cultural events.

The Polish General Exhibition (Powszechna Wystawa Krajowa) was especially noteworthy. Over the years, fair premises have hosted numerous artistic events, as well as exhibitions presenting modern developments in the entertainment industry.

For many years the fair in June started with a symphonic concert in the Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium – one of the best concert halls in Europe with regard to acoustics. There were also the “Poznań Nightingales” choir recitals directed by Professor Stefan Stuligrosz, and concerts of the Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra, “Amadeus”, directed by Agnieszka Duczmal. As an excellent tribute to Polish General Exhibition traditions, and specifically to the triumphant anthem created by Feliks Nowowiejski to celebrate the exhibition, a fair anthem was composed in 1990 by Zbigniew Górny, a composer and

conductor from Poznań. To this date, the anthem is played at the beginning of all important fair ceremonies.

Today, many cultural events are held under the patronage of the Poznań International Fair, supporting young musicians, sculptors and visual artists. Reaching new milestones in the fair’s development is often celebrated by world-class concerts, special exhibitions, academic sessions and other similar cultural events.

In 2016 we focus on musical passions. After all, this is the year of the 15th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition. Its final takes place from 8-23 October 2016 in Poznań, with the most prominent violin virtuosos participating.

We are proud to sponsor this prestigious event of international importance.

Opening of the Polish General Exhibition. Speech by Cyryl Ratajski, the President of Poznań. In the background: an organ made by the Biernacki brothers, on which Feliks Nowowiejski played the triumphant anthem he composed to the words of Emil Zegadłowicz for the exhibition

Front view of the Biernacki brothers’ organ in the representational hall of the Polish General Exhibition

Organ concerts in the representational hall were among the most popular attractions of the Polish General Exhibition in 1929. The organ was made in the Biernacki brothers’ factory in Włocławek. It was the largest organ in Poland at that time.

Numerous foreign experts who had the opportunity to listen to it were unanimous in their opinion that this was one of the most beautiful instruments they had ever heard. After

the exhibition ended, the organ was moved to Katowice Cathedral.

The Polish General Exhibition was accompanied by many other artistic events, such as the four day Pan-Slavic Congress of Singers with 18,000 artists participating, and the 10 day Polish Music Festival with performances by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and distinguished soloists, including Arthur Rubinstein.

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Passions

In the 1970s, Poznań International Fair premises hosted a music event called International Stage Spring (Międzynarodowa Wiosna Estradowa). Performers included Anna Jantar, Krystyna Jarocka, Czesław Niemen, Kombi, Krzysztof Krawczyk, and Stanisław Sojka.

In 1979, Polish band Vox debuted during the International Stage Spring.

Poznań Philharmonic Fair Concerts in the Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium in Poznań have been organised for over 70 years

The Vox band debuting during the International Stage Spring, May 1979

The Fair Concerts were established over 70 years ago for visitors and exhibitors coming for the Poznań International Fair. The first concert performed by the Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra took place on 2 May 1947 under the baton of Zygmunt Latoszewski. Invited by the Poznań Fair, the famous Cleveland Orchestra performed in Poznań with its legendary director George Szell, as well as the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by the famous Eugene Ormandy. For many years the Fair Concerts accompanied important events such as the Polish President’s Economic Awards ceremony.

The high artistic level of Fair Concerts guaranteed by their excellent performers makes them a significant element of the musical history of Poznań. Fair visitors and citizens of Poznań enjoy these outstanding concerts to this day.

Teatr Tańca (Polish Dance Theatre) Musical Pavilion MP2 (Muzyczny Pawilon 2 – ”empedwójka”)

Pavilion 2 is not your usual exhibition hall. It is a stage for many concerts, cultural events and Polish Dance Theatre performances.

The MP2 stage has seen performances by Kult, Hey, Coma, Brodka, Jessie Ware, Strachy na Lachy, Myslovitz and many more. This was the venue of the flagship Polish dance event Trance Xplosion. In 2012 the pavilion was named MP2 (Musical Pavilion 2, “empedwójka”), and its facade was decorated with abstract graffiti by Adam Ornatowski from Poznań studio FAMArt’s.

Monika Brodka

Trance Xplosion

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Passions

The Earth Hall is valued for its perfect acoustic parameters

Every last ticket sold, standing ovations and world class stars – the Earth Hall is a highly popular venue for concerts, and movie and theatre premières. Among the celebrities who have performed in the Earth Hall are, for example, Macy Gray, Vaya Con Dios, Chris Botti, Imany, Gentleman, AudioFeels, Tomasz Stańko, Natalia Kukulska, Kora, Grzegorz Turnau, and Radzimir Dębski. Other performances include the world-famous Śląsk Song and Dance Ensemble with all 120 of its members, including a choir, orchestra and ballet, and the Roma Theatre with a show presenting the best musical hits.

Imany

Chris Botti

Macy Gray

Zespół Pieśni i Tańca ŚLĄSK (ŚLĄSK Song and Dance Ensamble)

AudioFeels

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Teatr ROMA (ROMA Theatre)

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pasje

Pavilion 5, one of the largest MTP facilities, also serves as a concert hall from time to time

Placido Domingo

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Poznań International Fair premises are very versatile when it comes to arranging spaces for cultural events. Other pavilions besides the MP2 Music Pavilion and the Earth Hall, as well as the outdoor spaces, sometimes undergo an artistic metamorphosis and host renowned artists. The performance of Placido Domingo celebrating the canonisation of Pope John Paul II in 2014 was remarkably memorable. The world-class tenor was accompanied by sopranos Virginia Tola and Micaëla Oeste, Placido Domingo Jr, Justyna Steczkowska and the Poznań Music Theatre Choir and Orchestra conducted by Eugene Kohn.

The concert took place in pavilion 5 and was attended by almost 7,000 people.

Mark’s Square, the largest open space of the fair’s premises, also has great potential.

In 2006, the opera Ça Ira by Roger Waters had its world première there, with 14,000 spectators attending. Other performances on Mark’s Square included Sinead O’Connor, Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction.

Interview

Fair has much in common with classical music Poznań International Fair is a proud patron of the International Violin Competition of H. Wieniawski, one of the most prestigious violin competitions worldwide. Andrzej Wituski, Director of the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competitions, on the harmony between musical passions and the Poznań Fair.

Towar z yst wo Muz yczne

im. Henryka

Wieniawskiego w Poznaniu

In your view, is Henryk Wieniawski an important part of our collective memory? The names we usually hear when speaking about Polish virtuosi are Chopin, Moniuszko... does Henryk Wieniawski have a place in this musical pantheon?

Is there any other link between classical music and the Poznań Fair?

This year marks the 15th edition of the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition and the 13th edition of the International Lute Competition. The Poznań International Fair is proud to be the patron of both of these prestigious events, having already supported them financially in previous years. How is the history of the Poznań International Fair, which celebrates its 95th anniversary this year, connected with the history of these respected competitions?

A.W.: Classical music is shrouded in the mystery of the past. For music lovers it is considered prestigious to explore its secrets. The Poznań Fair has much in common with classical music, including the cultivation of traditions, being open to the world, and nurturing human curiosity, just like music does. I would say that the best example of the relationship between the Poznań International Fair and classical music are the 100-plus fair concerts organised jointly with the Poznań Philharmonic.

A.W.: The International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition is older than the International Fair, but their stories are mutually intertwined as they are both symbols of Poznań. During previous editions of the competitions, the fair proved a valuable ally and partner, both in financial and organisational terms. To my mind, the names of fair authorities, such as Zygmunt Węgrzyk, Stanisław Laskowski, Andrzej Byrta, and today Przemyslaw Trawa too, have been engraved on the history of the competitions. At this moment (in February), qualifications are held for candidates of the Violin Competition worldwide. Toronto, Tokyo, Interlaken – information about the Poznań International Fair accompanies us everywhere. We are also considering appearing at the fair in the future with part of the Lute Competition as a separate event – namely a “Lute Fair”.

Photo: Henryk Wieniawski Music Society in Poznań

A.W.: The genius of Chopin is, of course, indisputable, and he will always rank first among Polish composers. There is, however, no doubt that Henryk Wieniawski was the most outstanding Polish violinist, as well as a renowned composer and teacher. He definitely exists in the collective memory of Poles, in our national musical pantheon. There is no esteemed violinist in the world without a single composition by Wieniawski in their repertoire. This great artist has numerous music schools, streets, competitions, and even an airport named after him, yet as far as the younger generation is concerned, there is much to be done in order to etch his figure into their collective awareness. It is a pity that there are no recordings left behind which could have dubbed Wieniawski the “Polish Paganini” in the view of international reviewers.

In 2016, the Henryk Wieniawski Music Competitions have an exceptional setting due to the anniversary. Could you shed some light on this matter?

A.W.: Both international competitions are the oldest in the world in their respective categories. The Lute Competition encompasses almost the entire world now, as representatives of 23 countries have entered it, whereas the Violin Competition has exceeded all expectations, reaching a record number of 250 candidates from 40 countries.

The Violin Competition is going to be inaugurated with a concert by Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, with Krzysztof Penderecki and Soyoung Yoon, the winner of the previous edition. The winner’s gala is going to be held in Wrocław again, the “European Capital of Culture”. Two orchestras from Poznań will participate in the comPOZNAŃ fair Magazine / 33

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Interview

Wieniawski liked Poznań and gave several concerts here – in the “Bazar” hotel and the Teatr Miejski (Municipal Theatre). Why such a strong bond with this city? Are there any anecdotes from that time?

A.W.: Henryk Wieniawski appeared in Poznań a number of times. He gave 18 concerts altogether. Here, he also wrote one of his works – “Souvenir de Posen”. This confirms his liking for our city, evidenced by his dedications to three ladies from Greater Poland, as well as the time he spent on holiday in the rural areas of Poznań, taking care of his health. In Poznań, the concerts of Wieniawski (and his brother Józef) were not only considered artistic experiences, but they also developed into patriotic manifestations which enriched the sense of belonging among the Polish communities of Poznań.

There is an abundance of anecdotes about Wieniawski. One of them says he once received an invitation to dinner, on which the host added the note “please do not forget to bring the violin”, to which Wieniawski replied: “I appreciate the invitation, but I can’t take the violin with me. It has the flu”. In 1854, a great ball was organised in Łęgi Dębińskie in honour of Henryk Wieniawski, featuring the shocking amount of 1500 lanterns, beautiful garlands and 100 flowered carriages. It lasted until 5:00 in the morning. That is how cherished Wieniawski was in Poznań.

Interviewer: Katarzyna Supa 34 / POZNAŃ fair Magazine

Photo: Henryk Wieniawski Music Society in Poznań

A.W.: Nicely put. The phenomenon of the upcoming Violin Competition can be put down to several factors. First of all, the prestige of the competition itself, of its programme, and above all the reputation of the laureates. Secondly, for three years we have been promoting the competition on the international stage. Finally, the charismatic chairman of the jury, Maxim Vengerov, who listens to each candidate personally and provides them with feedback – no other competition in the world can boast such a valuable feature.

Photo: Henryk Wieniawski Music Society in Poznań

You have mentioned that the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, one of the most important events in the violin world, has already attracted a record number of more than 250 young violinists from 40 countries who want to participate in the contest this year. What is the phenomenon of those competitions? What makes them so esteemed internationally?

Photo: Henryk Wieniawski Music Society in Poznań

petition: the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Amadeus Orchestra. We intend to dress the city up a bit, but this shall remain a secret for the time being.

Eminent visitors

Famous people at the fair, present and past The Poznań International Fair has always had prominent visitors. Its important role in the development of the Polish economy has been emphasised by the presence of Poland’s presidents, prime ministers, speakers of parliament and government officials. The guest list has included distinguished businessmen, heads of industrial associations, ambassadors of countries participating in the fair, members of royal families, heads of the International Fair Union, and the most prestigious companies, music stars, writers and artists, as well as fashion and industrial designers. Famous people have participated in official openings and galas – historically significant events – and have toured the displays and tested the presented products, not infrequently presenting their own achievements and passions.

The fair has been visited by Bolesław Bierut, Hilary Minc, Władysław Gomułka and Józef Cyrankiewicz. The latter would come to the fair every year to do some shopping.

This is where he purchased his Mercedes cars and his Jaguar. In the following years, Poznań was visited by Lech Wałęsa, Aleksander Kwaśniewski, Lech Kaczyński, Bronisław Komorowski, Vladimir Putin, Ban Ki-moon and Al Gore. Athletes such as Mariusz Pudzianowski, Paweł Nastula and Ewa Chodakowska have also been among the guests. This is also the venue for concerts by Polish and international stars. The Vox band debuted here, the fair played host to Hanna Banaszak, Urszula Dudziak, Tomasz Stańko, the Mazowsze and Śląsk band and Czesław Niemen. Artists such as Macy Gray, Vaya Con Dios, Chris Botti, Imany, Gentleman, Katie Melua and Sinéad O’Connor have performed at the fair as well.

1921. Edward Mazurkiewicz, Secretary of the Związek Towarzystw Kupieckich (Association of Merchant Societies), originator of the Poznań Fair, at a stand during the 1st Poznań Fair, in the Upper Silesia Tower

16 May 1929. Grand opening of the Polish General Exhibition. The ribbon is being cut by the President of the Republic of Poland, Ignacy Mościcki POZNAŃ fair Magazine / 35

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Eminent visitors

December 2008. Over 12,000 guests from 189 countries participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 14, which took place on the premises of the Poznań International Fair.

They included Ban Ki-moon – the UN Secretary General, Al Gore – Vice-President of the United States, Lech Kaczyński – the President of Poland

2015. Professor Jerzy Buzek, and parliament and government officials took part in celebrations on the 25th anniversary of recreating local governments in Poland

2010. Karim Rashid, a legendary designer, an author of over 3,000 patters which entered into production and a laureate of many prestigious awards, was a guest of arenaDESIGN. Rashid prepared a lecture titled “Design Changing the World” specially for that event

2014. The trade night of the Fashion Fair was graced by a show of the latest collection from Teresa Rosati, Poland’s top designer specialising in evening, cocktail and wedding dresses

Józef Cyrankiewicz, five times Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland and the People’s Republic of Poland, visited the fair no less than 14 times, beginning in 1947

2010. Maria Kaczyńska, wife of the Polish president, took part in the grand opening of the 9th Poznań Fair Meetings – Books for Children and Youth, which were held under her auspices 2014. Anna Komorowska, wife of the Polish president, visited the 13th Poznań Fair Meetings – Books for Children and Youth. The First Lady took part in a meeting with Michał Rusinki, author of the book Pałac Prezydencki (Presidential Palace)

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Eminent visitors

2015. „Architecture is not about a creator showing off an original building, detached from reality. It is about designing a structure which harmonises with its surroundings”, said Alberto Veiga from Studio Barozzi Veiga during the BUDMA fair. The architect designed, for example, the new edifice of the Mieczysław Karłowicz Szczecin Philharmonic, which received the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award

2010. Ewa Minge joined the HOME DECOR fair. The designer delivered a lecture entitled: „Fashion, art and business in relation to interiors”

1981. The Poznań International Fair was visited by the leader of the Solidarity trade union, future President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner – Lech Wałęsa

1971. Edward Gierek, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the PZPR (Polish United Workers’ Party) touring the Poznań International Fair

2015. His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a high-ranking representative of the Roman Curia at the Holy See, head of the ”Justitia et Pax” Pontifical Council, took part in the opening debate of the POL-ECO-SYSTEM fair entitled ”Ecology in Unity with Economy – Global Dimension”

2015. Bohdan Butenko, a graphic artist and illustrator popular with all generations of Poles, was a guest of the Poznan Trade Fair Meeting – Books for Children, Young Adults and Parents

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Curiosities and innovation

Fairs – venues for market premieres and innovations General Exhibition; catering for visitors was provided by the biggest restaurant in Poland, Restauracja Centralna, which could serve 10,000 visitors per day. In 1931, the circle and triangle bathroom signs were presented for the first time at the 10th jubilee fair. At that time, the Poznań Fair was a place where the East competed with the West. In the 1950s, visitors to the fair could taste Coca-Cola and see Sputnik for the first time. The modern-day fair focuses on presenting a range of offers from specific economic fields during specially organised events. It’s a place where novelties and innovations are presented at their Polish and European premières.

The following is a subjective overview of a few interesting facts from throughout the decades.

Ever since its establishment in the spring of 1921, the Poznań Fair was, and still is, an exceptional place. It’s a place where new ideas have come to life and where the latest achievements of Polish industry have been presented. Because of the fairs and exhibitions held on the grounds of the MTP, the residents of Poznań were the first in Poland to see many products, and the first to buy them. The scale and boldness of those pioneering attractions and solutions exceeded the notion of modernity of the time. The spectacular scale of the Polish General Exhibition, the biggest exhibition ever organised in Poland, is remembered to this day. The Poznań Fair grounds housed the first Funfair and the Atelier Diana-Film studio; the first radio transmission in Poland from a football match was broadcast during the Polish

Photo: Wikipedia

Aerotarg-Poznań

Junkers F13 with Aero-Targ signs, on loan from Danziger Luftpost

In order to serve the participants and visitors of the 1st Poznań Fair, the AerotargPoznań company was established on 21 May 1921 under the patronage of the Polish Aero Club in Poznań, which resulted in the establishment of the first Polish domestic airline in Poznań. It operated air connections between Poznań, the Free City of Danzig (Gdańsk) and Warsaw on a daily basis. The inaugural flight to Warsaw with a Junkers F13, a plane on loan from Danziger Luftpost, took place on the day after the establishment of the company. The flight was about 2 hours long and cost approx. 6,000 Polish marks. It was possible to buy a ticket to fly over Poznań for only 2,000 marks. On the occasion of the establishment of air connections, the Polish Post issued a special series of stamps used as additional payment for airmail. The airline ceased operation on 16 June 1921. Over 100 passengers and 3,000 kg of letters and parcels were transported.

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The first Polish airmail stamps

Photo: MTP archive

The first Polish airmail stamp was issued under the agreement of 30 May 1921 between Aerotarg and the Ministry of Post and Telegraphs. Letters and parcels were transported to Warsaw by plane. An Aerotarg stamp had to be put on a letter or parcel next to a regular Polish postage stamp. There were two types of stamp: the stamp for 25 marks shows Icarus against the silhouette of the Upper Silesia Tower, and the stamp for 100 marks shows a Junker F13 dropping mail. Below each stamp there was a label inscribed T.A.B.R.O.M.I.K. This way Tadeusz Bronisław Mikołajczak, the owner of a vodka and liqueur factory, indicated his sponsorship of the whole undertaking.

Photo: MTP archive

Airmail stamps

Curiosities and innovation

Upper Silesia Tower This 16-sided giant, weighing 1385 tonnes, was the crowning construction achievement of Prof. Hans Poelzig from the Royal Academy of Arts in Wrocław. It was built on the occasion of the East German Exhibition in 1911. The exhibition was held on the spacious ground floor (2,500 m2) and the first floor. At the top of the tower, 52 m above ground, was the largest water tank in the Reich, with a capacity of 4,000 m3, which functioned as the city’s highest restaurant during the exhibition. Inside the tower there was an elevator and, at the top, a powerful floodlight with the power of 61 million candles. From 1915-1918, on the initiative of the municipal authorities, the biggest grocery shop in Poznań was opened in the Upper Silesia Tower. The shop’s total turnover came to the astronomical amount of 23,300,000 marks.

The Upper Silesia Tower played a significant role in pre-war cinematography. It also became an inspiration for Erich Kettelhut, the German set designer who designed skyscrapers for the cult film “Metropolis”. Directed by Fritz Lang, this expressionist science fiction film from 1927 is an international classic, which has been entered into UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” list.

This huge construction has become the symbol of all Poznań Fairs and the Polish General Exhibition. The structural elements of the Upper Silesia Tower constitute the basis of the modern Spire – the symbol of the Poznań International Fair.

Photo: MTP archive

Poster for „Metropolis”, directed by Fritz Lang

One hundred thousand Englishmen This is the number of visitors from the UK who, according to the estimates of the municipal accommodation office, were expected to arrive in Poznań in 1929 for the Polish General Exhibition. On the basis of those forecasts, a decision was made to build the largest Polish hotel of the turn of 1920s and 1930s – the Polonia hotel at Grunwaldzka 6. Designed by Jerzy Tuszowski, the building was erected in record time – construction began in February 1928, and by April 1929 a fully furnished hotel with 362 rooms and about 600 beds was already commissioned for use. The luxury interiors of Polonia were practically deserted after the Polish General Exhibition and the hotel was finally closed in January 1930.

Photo: MTP archive

1920s. Entrance to the fair and the Upper Silesia Tower

Polonia – the largest hotel in pre-war Poland

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Curiosities and innovation

The first Funfair

Photo: MTP archive

always two women, scantily clothed, in the rooms, who were revealed to the audience when the curtain was raised. The anticipated view was a reward for hitting a designated spot with a wooden ball.

There was a huge merry-go-round at the Funfair with aeroplanes suspended from chains

Photo: MTP archive

Photo: MTP archive

To entertain visitors to the Polish General Exhibition, the largest amusement park in Poland, referred to as a “funfair” for the first time, was set up on the exhibition grounds. Ruprecht, an experienced company from Munich, was entrusted with organising the Funfair (in 1928, they organised an amusement park for the large industrial exhibition in Newcastle, England). The company worked in cooperation with a company from Poznań owned by Roman Andrzejewski, who had experience with the organisation of entertainment. The consortium organised attractions such as a 120-metre-long roller coaster (one of the largest in Europe), a 92-metre-long portable water slide (the largest in Europe), a racing track for 25 scooters, an auto track for 15 carts, a Ferris wheel, a 20-metre waterfall, disappearing stairs for climbing, and a huge merry-go-round. The Funfair was also the place where the first peepshows in Poland were held. The idea was taken from Luna Park in Paris and the show was advertised as “The Most Beautiful Women in the World”. There were two rooms resembling cages but furnished and decorated like bedrooms, separated from the audience by a string net covered with a curtain. There were

Pan Twardowski sat on the moon in front of the entrance to the Funfair

Innovations in broadcasting technology Three years after the world première of the television set constructed by John Logie Baird, the first TV set in Poland was presented to the visitors of the Polish General Exhibition in Poznań in 1929. The device was constructed on the basis of the concept and patent of Stefan Manczarski, a Polish engineer. The TV set presented in Poznań was bought by the Department of Radiocommunications of the Ministry of Post and Telegraphs. The set was used for theoretical research into Polish television, which in 1937 resulted in the establishment of the Experimental TV Station of Polskie Radio in Warsaw. Innovations in broadcasting technology were also presented at the Polish General Exhibition by Radijo Poznańskie – the installation of the first radiographic apparatus of the Fulton system (the sixth in the world), which was the prototype of the modern telefax and which made it possible to send out images and photos from the exhibition three times a day.

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Photo: MTP archive

The Funfair had the largest roller coaster in Europe, open even at night

Visitors to the Polish General Exhibition could admire the largest fountain in Poland, which shot water 30 metres into the air

Curiosities and innovation

Huge fireworks display

One of the biggest conference and event halls in Poland, the Earth Hall can be set up in many ways – from a cinema layout, through a forum-like layout with a stage in the central position, surrounded by a telescopic auditorium, to a division into two separate rooms. Each set-up is additionally supplemented by state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Images and films in full HD resolution can be displayed from 64 sources on a 120-metre screen and on a number of smaller, remotely controlled screens. The hall also has splendid acoustics which, in combination with a multimedia information system, the use of overview cameras and fully equipped control rooms makes the hall ideal for organising scientific conferences, performances, banquets and symphonic concerts of the highest international level.

Since the Earth Hall is directly connected with the complex of four MTP pavilions, it is possible to organise conferences and events for almost 20,000 people.

Earth Hall – a place for successful banquets

The Earth Hall was officially opened in 2012 Photo: MTP press service

Multimedia event centre

the national emblem between them and an inscription that read “Polish General Exhibition”.

The fireworks display was one of the most breath-taking attractions of the Polish General Exhibition. Although the undertaking was not cheap – 13 displays cost PLN 85,000 – it was the beginning of pyrotechnics in Poland, a branch of industry which is also significant for the military.

Photo: MTP press service

On 17 May 1929, the day after the opening of the Polish General Exhibition, a spectacular fireworks display was held, organised by the Greater Poland Chemical Factory “Blask” from Poznań, known for the production of soap, washing powder and shoe polish, and Sirius, a world-renowned manufacturer of fireworks from Vienna. Huge portraits of Marshal Józef Piłsudski and Ignacy Mościcki, President of Poland, appeared in the sky with

The Earth Hall is one of the best concert halls in Poland

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The world première of the new VW Caddy For the first time in history, Volkswagen decided to organise the première of its new car in Poland. The première of the new VW Caddy was held on 4 February 2015 at one of the Poznań International Fair pavilions.

The event was attended by 450 participants from 30 countries. Journalists present at the première (over 100 accredited journalists from all over the world) emphasised the fact that such a prestigious event was organised outside of Germany. According to the weekly magazine Wprost, “the Poznań International Fair has become a European leader”.

Photo: Volkswagen press service

Curiosities and innovation

Photo: MTP press service

The world première of the new VW Caddy took place at the Poznań Fair

Polish racing car The test version of the Arrinera Hussarya, the basis for two Arrinera production models of road and racing car, was introduced for the first time during the Motor Show in 2015. In its best configuration, the car will reach a speed of up to 340 km/h, accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 8.9 seconds. At 120 km/h, the spoiler pops up automatically, while the built-in accelerometer analyses overloads during braking and sends signals to the servos, which set the spoiler panel to an angle of up to 55 degrees and consequently shorten the braking distance by several dozen metres.

Polish première of the Mitsubishi eX Concept

Photo: Hyundai press service

The greatest sensation of the Motor Show 2015 was the test version of the Polish Arrinera Hussarya car

The concept car Mitsubishi eX Concept is a vision for a compact SUV powered by a next-generation EV system that guarantees high ecological efficiency, excellent acceleration and silent operation. The car features automated driving technology.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors press service

During the Poznań Motor Show 2016, Hyundai introduced the new Elantra for the first time in Europe

During the Poznań Motor Show 2016, Mitsubishi Motors in Poland introduced their unique showpiece – the Mitsubishi eX Concept 42 / POZNAŃSKI POZNAŃ fair MAGAZYN Magazine TARGOWY

Photo: MTP archive

Curiosities and innovation

Photo: Janusz Korpal / MTP archive

The Lunar Post Office

Photo: Janusz Korpal / MTP archive

The prototype of the Syrena was presented in 1955 during the 24th Poznań International Fair, and serial production began two years later

A piece of the moon and souvenirs from a trip to the moon were exhibited during the Poznań International Fairs of the 1970s

A bikini was first presented in 1977 at the Cuban Pavilion during the Poznań International Fair

Recognition for the best window dressings The competition for the best window dressing at the fair was announced for the first time in 1924 during the 4th Poznań International Fair. The idea of enlivening display windows was put forward by Maksymilian Stürmer, a merchant from Poznań.

The competition was open to companies that were members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and had their own window displays. The jury would choose the most attractive and most fittingly decorated window. To avoid any plagiarism issues, the displays submitted for the competition were photographed on the first day of the fair. The idea of awards for the best displays was carried on into the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1973, Poland received a moon rock, later exhibited at the fair, from Richard Nixon, President of the United States.

The fairs also featured a set used on the lunar rover during the Apollo 15 mission. It consisted of an envelope, a postoffice stamp and an ink pad. According to the inscription below the exhibit, David Scott, the commander of Apollo 15, postmarked the envelope on 2 August 1971 during his walk on the moon, and the inscription on the postage stamp read “United States on the Moon, AUG. 2 1971”. Interestingly, in May 1972, David Scott was permanently removed from flight status as a result of the scandal caused by the sale of almost 400 commemorative postage stamp covers by the Apollo 15 crew, who postmarked them on their trip to the moon without NASA’s authorisation.

Exciting sporting events In 1927, the first Polish Field Hockey Tournament took place on the MTP grounds. Two years later, in 1929, the First International Meeting with the Polish national hockey team was held on the pitch of the Polish General Exhibition.

Prepared on the basis of “I haj vivat Poznańczanie”, a book by Marcin J. Januszkiewicz and Adam Pleskaczyński, and MTP archival materials.

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Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie Głogowska 14, 60-734 Poznań tel. +48 61 869 37 21, 61 869 20 00 fax. +48 61 869 29 99 e-mail: info@mtp.pl www.mtp.pl