The Subcontracting Fair is behind us, and to be exact, this was my 14th event in these colours.
I have never belonged to the era or sector where executives burst into the stand with big bundles of plans, retreat to the back room to spread out A1-size factory floor plans and sign big contracts. I have heard that this is how it used to be and that fairs were specifically about selling. I belong to the group that entered the job market just as change was shaking things up, into a time when fairs are above all about networking. Finding contacts to send a request for quotation to, to allocate subcontracting to or to cooperate with.
By these measures, we can look back on the fair with satisfaction. Lots of old acquaintances, new faces and potential new opportunities came by. We also had something new to draw people to our stand. The Subcontracting Fair even made it into the tabloids, although for ParkkiPate’s quick wins.
If I compare how many people have visited, in 2023 there were just under 17,000 visitors, and 2024 reached the same figure. In 2025 the number was already approaching 18,000, and for this year the total attendance has to be used for comparison, as official figures are not yet available. In 2025 almost 29,000 professionals attended, including visitors and exhibitors. For 2026 the figure is almost 30,000 professionals on site. So we can estimate that the annual growth is around 1,000 people.
Large numbers and masses of people, which at times also felt crowded. A lot happened and the 8-hour days flew by…
…but what did we actually take home? A bundle of business cards, requests for quotation both big and small, about a hundred scanned potential customers and partners, and eager anticipation for this autumn and winter. Exports are sluggish, the defence sector is booming and Prime Minister Orpo paints his own pretty figures on the walls, taking all the credit. Can everyone be in a positive mood, or is there a little room for melancholy? Possibly, but in sales representation we always start from the positive, and the plan is to grow and do more than before. I do feel that something real has happened and is happening, and the state of war cannot go on forever either, which will again open up new opportunities. First and foremost, we took home projects where we work our magic with the old tricks, but also preparation of new plans and complete solutions.
We are in good spirits as we start going through the results of the fair and planning new things.
Finally, a picture in the colours of our principal. Berry-porridge-coloured greetings.
Anssi Myllyviita
Project Manager
Järvenpään Tuotetekno Oy
