Good debut for Avante with around 9,000 visitors
General satisfaction in the first edition
In an atmosphere of generalised satisfaction, Avante closed its first show this evening in Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via exhibition centre, having recorded almost 9,000 visitors. The new show, which exhibited products and services from different sectors related to disability, dependency and the elderly, exceeded the expectations of the 110 participating companies and of visitors, mainly trade, although the event received a constant flow of users.
Exhibits at Avante 2008 were divided into five areas: technical solutions, innovations and new medical technologies; care services; home and family; urban accessibility and mobility; and life, society and company, with bodies which promote equal opportunities and integration and participation in society.
The Innovation and Technology Transfer Area, which featured new products presented by various companies, and Hogar Avante (Avante Home), a prototype of a housing unit adapted and equipped with products and technologies that improve quality of life, were the most popular spaces.
Avante also provided an important debate forum, bringing together almost a thousand delegates, which hosted: the 20th Guttman Institute Technical Workshops on rehabilitation and regeneration in spinal cord injury, with scientists, researchers and doctors from all over the world; the Edad&Vida Foundation Workshops on dependency accreditation and quality of services and on cooperation between the public sector and private initiative to provide these services; the Knowledge Agora round tables and presentations, coordinated by Tic Salut; and the 1st Congress on Employers and Disability on the labour and social integration of disabled persons. Avante also hosted events organised by the ONCE Foundation, Turisme de Catalunya and Agrupació Mútua.
Barcelona, 7th of June 2008