Cosmobelleza & Wellness meet set to be biggest yet

The forthcoming Cosmbolleza & Wellness expo, due to take place in Barcelona next March, is set to be the biggest yet, with a 25 per cent increase in exhibitors and a rise in the number of professional visitors forecast by the organisers.

The show is expected to grow from 133,000 industry professionals visitors to the show, to reach a head count of 150,000, attracted by exhibitors from more than 30 countries and 150 international companies.

It will be held March 10 - 12 at the Fira Barcelona, Grand Via M-2 expo centre, one of the most modern in Europe, located 1km from Montjuic, one of the most prominent spots in the city.

The organisers believe that one of the primary driving forces behind the growth in attendance is the fact that is now attracting significantly more exhibitors, up from 607 last year to an estimated 750 this year.

Combined, these companies are expected to represent around 2,000 brands, with countries such as Turkey, Thailand, South Africa, Brazil, Poland, Hungary, Israel, China and India combining with some of the most familiar nations.

Last year saw the event grow from 49,000 square metres in 2005 to reach 96,000 square metres of exhibition space - a move that sparked a significant increase in both exhibitors and visitor numbers.

In 2007 it will again be cover the same surface area as 2006, but with still more exhibitors, this is expected to lead to the predicted increase in visitor numbers.

The show's meetings and conferences will, once again, be divided into fitness and beauty events.

On the beauty side the 21st Beauty Congress will offer professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest techniques and innovations within the sector, featuring presentations from industry specialist and a special focus on the market in Brazil.

Other events will include the 1st Cosmetic and Beauty Euro-Mediterranean Forum, featuring companies and products from Mediterranean countries - highlighting some of the interesting natural ingredients that have been sourced from this region for centuries.

The Euro-Mediterranean Forum will be supported by the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona and the Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Mediterranean Area.

In addition there will also be 15 lectures and 20 workshops on beauty aesthetics, together with Barcelona Trends, a catwalk event to highlight some of the latest styles within the industry.