In November 2024, the FinnMateria trade fair brought together experts, companies, and stakeholders from the mining industry in Jyväskylä, Finland. The success of the event was assessed through comprehensive surveys that examined the experiences, needs, and views of both visitors and exhibitors. The research was conducted by Tietoykkönen Oy.

Visitor Survey: Networking and New Opportunities

A total of 203 people participated in the visitor survey, which was conducted as an online questionnaire. The results showed that the fair attracted a diverse group of professionals from various industries:

• The largest group of visitors represented the mining industry (28%), but there were also professionals from metal refining (11%), mineral exploration (16%), and mineral processing (15%).
• Decision-makers were present: 63% of visitors reported being involved in purchasing decisions within their organizations.

Significance and Success of the Trade Fair

The importance of FinnMateria and its success were clearly reflected in the results:

• 97% of visitors would recommend the event to a colleague.
• 88% rated the event as “good” or “very good.”
• 72% considered the fair to be a significant or highly significant event for the industry in Finland.

Key Reasons for Attending the Trade Fair

Visitors attended FinnMateria primarily to stay up to date with industry developments (45%), establish or maintain customer contacts (42%), and explore collaboration opportunities (34%).

The fair was not just a place for gathering information – it also provided practical benefits:

• 74% found new business relationships and contacts.
• 74% gained new ideas for their business.
• Visitors spent a significant amount of time at the event: 58% spent more than five hours at the fair, and 36% visited on multiple days.

Open feedback highlighted the professional and engaging atmosphere of the fair: it brought together key industry players and enabled networking in a relaxed environment.

“A great selection of topics. New insights, especially since it’s been a couple of years since the last event, and the use of technology and digitalization is constantly expanding.”

“A great opportunity to see multiple important suppliers for business in one place, hear relevant presentations, and reconnect with old contacts.”

“A top event in our field where you can create new contacts and even job opportunities.”

“The fair is a great opportunity to make contacts in a more relaxed setting. Every time, I discover a new idea or innovation.”

Exhibitor Survey: Visibility and Targeted Meetings

The exhibitors who participated in the event evaluated it very positively, reinforcing the fair’s value as a sales and networking platform:

• 93% stated that FinnMateria met their expectations for a high-quality industry trade fair either “fairly well” or “very well.”
• 77% considered FinnMateria to be a significant or highly significant event for the industry in Finland.
• 89% rated the event as “fairly good” or “very good” overall.

A Fair That Attracted the Right Audience

The trade fair’s value was evident in the formation of new business relationships. Exhibitors particularly appreciated that the event attracted the right target audience:

• Visitors were highly oriented toward the industry and clearly selected for their relevance.
• The fair was well-sized, allowing for deeper discussions with customers.
• For many companies, the fair was a success, and numerous follow-up actions were agreed upon.

Open Feedback from Exhibitors:

“The fair had many of our customers and competitors, so it was important to be visible.”

“The event attracts a wide range of professionals across the mining industry value chain, making it a great place to establish and maintain relationships.”

“The structure of the event was clear, and the exhibitors’ offerings comprehensively covered the targeted material sector. Visitors were highly knowledgeable about the industry and clearly selected for their interest.”

“The key players in the mining industry were present, offering opportunities to connect with major companies and establish new customer relationships.”

FinnMateria 2024 successfully brought together industry experts, companies, and decision-makers. Visitors gained new insights and business opportunities, while exhibitors experienced excellent visibility among the right audience.

The research results confirm FinnMateria’s status as Finland’s leading mining industry event, serving professionals, businesses, and the overall development of the sector.