Dear Colleagues,

The SMAC Committee, which is the organising force behind the only trade show of its kind in Europe, continues to listen attentively to the expectations of the companies and individuals in our sector.

What is SMAC ? The event that creates greater cohesion in our sectors of activity and the much-needed dynamic drive for our business.
Both its exhibitors and visitors know that the show was actually founded by trade professionals and can help to create contacts that they will not find anywhere else. The SMAC Committee, which is made up of players from the sector, therefore represents the exhibitors and is continually tuned into the needs of retailers, irrespective of their size and their business category.
Our trade association founded the show in 1999 and set itself the objective of serving the development of all the companies in the sector, so as to stimulate growth of both the market as a whole and particularly all the companies and individuals involved.

The creative sector, the driving force behind a larger market
From the outset, SMAC was designed to bring together the activities within the creative industry, including fine arts, craft and hobby goods, framing and picture and needlecraft. La forte croissance des loisirs créatifs imposait en effet la réunion de ces secteurs sur un salon professionnel. The strong level of growth in creative arts warranted these sectors being brought together within a trade show. Spurred on by this experience, whose beneficial effects were felt by all, the sixth edition of SMAC opened its doors and offered its appeal to three related and dynamic sectors: family and novelty stationery, post cards and party goods.

The growing international dimension of the show reinforces the rich variety of products on display
SMAC's development on the international stage meets a demand from trade professionals themselves. As for exhibitors, the international range increased again its surface area ook up more than a third of the hall. With visitors representing 47 countries in 2007, and 51 countries in 2008, SMAC has built up a network of contacts around the world to enhance its range and satisfy its participants. Our show has consequently increased its performance and added to its appeal.

Striving to satisfy the professionals
Together, we can be proud of the fact that our show today is pencilled in everyone's diary; what is now a key event has already attracted over 600 suppliers who have exhibited at SMAC and welcomed more than 35 000 retailers from around the world, SMAC 2008 alone drew 12.897 visitors.

SMAC helping toincrease your company's influence
In addition to playing a key role in the development of the market and representing an exceptional communication tool of vital importance to our companies and products, SMAC will be based on several promotion-oriented actions, a rich entertainment program and a network of particularly active partnerships. The aim is to bolster its position as Europe's leading event, both in terms of the products and services on display and the expected visitor numbers at the show.
You are invited to take advantage of all these benefits at your service. By confirming your participation in SMAC 2012, not only will you be taking advantage of a federative event just like all those that never miss out on the opportunity to stimulate their company's development, but you will also be making your own contribution to the overall event, just like you will be contributing to the growth of your market and the influence of its activities.

See you in Paris for the next SMAC

Dominique STOULS
President of the SMAC Committee