Italy introduces € 34m subsidy programme for locally-based exhibitors
Trade fair bonus scheme to allow companies with Italian HQs to claim € 10k ($ 9.6k ) towards cost of exhibiting at international shows in the country
taly has introduced
I a ‘ trade fair bonus ’ scheme which allows companies headquartered in the country to claim up to € 10,000 to put towards the cost of exhibiting at international shows in Italy . The programme is open until the end of the year and is valued at € 34m ($ 32.5 ).
The fairs included in the scheme are identified in the official fair calendar and must take place before 31 December 2022 .
The new incentive falls under the framework of interventions outlined by Italy ’ s ‘ Aid Decree ’ of 17 May published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic , 15 July 2022 .
EW asked Corrado Peraboni , CEO of Italian Exhibition Group , for his reaction to the initiative :
“ We express our appreciation and satisfaction for this measure that , once again , after the pandemic , sees our government committed to supporting the country ’ s economic fabric and supporting trade shows with an overall budget of € 34m for 2022 . Trade shows represent one of the most productive development and internationalisation tools for this very fabric ,” Peraboni said .
Procedures for submitting the subsidy applications online are defined in the Italian directorial decree of 4 August 2022
Italian exhibition industry association AEFI also welcomed the initiative , telling EW it was “ extremely satisfied ” with the Ministry of Economic Development ’ s plan , describing it as “ the latest in a series of important actions envisaged by the Italian Government for our sector because it recognises the role of trade fairs in support of businesses , in favour of restarting ”.
AEFI reminded that , in order to apply for the new voucher , a company must have submitted an application and obtained confirmation of trade show participation : “ The temporary framework envisaged for Covid-19 is no longer operational , therefore this intervention falls within the limits of ‘ de minimis ’ that allows European firms to have support of € 200,000 ($ 191,196 ) in a three-year period .”
AEFI also noted the subsidy could cover up to 50 % of expenses incurred .
“ Our satisfaction comes from the fact that exhibitions are considered productive investments for the whole economy ,” the association told EW . “ Furthermore , a rather curious disparity is eliminated for our country which supports the participation of companies at international trade fairs which took place on foreign markets involving the activity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ITA . Of course , such support also has had much merit in bringing companies to international markets .
“ The autumn calendar is full of events throughout Italy : we hope that the contacts that will develop in all the events will give rise to new stimuli for our business and for a future of co-operation and peace .”
The Fair Voucher , which may relate to participation in one or more trade fairs , can be requested only once by each beneficiary .
Below : New Italian initiative to assist national exhibitors
Expenses incurred by companies for participation in trade fairs are eligible for the subsidy and can include :
• expenses for the rental of the exhibition spaces . This category also includes expenses relating to the payment of fees for insurance services and other mandatory charges envisaged by the fair ;
• expenses relating to design services and construction of the exhibition space , as well as the execution of connections to public services ;
• expenses for cleaning the exhibition space ;
• costs for the transport of specific samples used exclusively at the exhibition , including related insurance and similar charges , as well as costs for porterage or internal transport services within the fair space ;
• expenses for storage services of the necessary materials and products displayed ;
• expenses for the rental of AV systems and various equipment ;
• expenses for the employment of hostesses , stewards and interpreters to support company staff ;
• expenses for catering services for the supply of buffets within the exhibition space ;
• expenses for advertising , promotion and communication activities , connected to participation in the fair .
Expenses relating to taxes and fees are not eligible for the subsidy . Further information : info . buonofiere @ mise . gov . it . EW
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2022 27