Nearly 2,000 exhibitors are expected to take part in SAIE 2001, a major event for the building and construction industry to be held in Bologna, Italy, from October 17 to 21.

'SAIE is one of the leading events of its kind in the construction industry, defining building market strategies and briefing and training professionals,' says a spokesman for BolognaFiere, the event's organiser. 'The event is not just an international showcase but a forum for discussion, debate and analysis.'

The last event, held over a space of 230,000 sq m, attracted over 1,900 exhibitors, including 450 from abroad, and this year's SAIE is expected to match these figures, the spokesman said. SAIE also attracted a total of 174,000 visitors, including 7,800 from around the world.

The exhibition will cover nine distinct sectors and more than 400 product categories. A dedicated theme show, Climatec, will be held alongside the event, focusing on air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, air and water treatment, ducting and networks.

The organiser has also scheduled a series of conferences and workshops under a 'core' event, a technology focus and seminars on architecture and design.

The theme of the core event will be 'Sustainable Buildings in the Mediterranean.' It will highlight significant projects and feature prominent speakers from the region, the spokesman said.