The 100th GDS in to Düsseldorf attracted 38,381 buyers from 81 countries, meaning that figures have remained stable compared with the GDS event in March 2005. It was the first time the event started on a Sunday and organisers feel this has had a positive impact.

The number of international visitors was pleasing, particularly in light of the 10% drop in the number of German specialist retailers between 2002 and 2004.  There was an increase in visitors from Italy, the new EU member states, South Africa and South America, while visitor numbers from France, Holland, Great Britain, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and the USA remained the same.

Around 60% of all visitors actually placed orders during GDS, and around 90% said they were pleased with the trends featured here.

Werner M. Dornscheidt, CEO at Messe Düsseldorf, said: For us the 100th GDS was a great success – and a tribute to our unique success story. The feedback received on our numerous special events was positive as was the general overall mood of both exhibitors and visitors. It is especially pleasing to see the quality of buyers with top decision-makers in charge of budgets and key accounts.”

As from 2006 GDS plans to meet the market on earlier trade fair dates, so it will run from 5 - 7 March 2006 and 10 - 12 September 2006, lasting three days from the Sunday to the Tuesday.