The heart of construction equipment beats strong in Italy and has done so for almost sixty years at Veronafiere
1964 - The intuition: a show entirely dedicated to earth moving machinery
SaMoTer was launched in 1964 at Veronafiere to create a specific space within the Italian exhibition panorama dedicated to earth moving machinery that since 1948 had already been presented during the agricultural mechanization show.
This proved to be a vital decision in line with the needs of small-medium companies in the sector keen to have a specialist event for exchange, promotion and comparison with various technical experiences and the research and university world.
1971 - Debut with UFI in the international trade fair circuit
Following the flow on a market experiencing great ferment, SaMoTer consolidates its role as a landmark for the earth moving sector in Italy and expands its product repertoire to include various site and construction fields.
In 1971, its leading role in the international trade fair scene was officially confirmed when it joined Ufi – Union des Foires Internationales now the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – the body that brings together the organizers of the world's top trade shows.
1973 - Training and technological innovation
The roots and essence of Veronafiere is to bring several souls together: exhibition and business alongside training and personal contacts.
SaMoTer also expanded its broad exhibition offering with an impressive information and training programme of international calibre and launched the first of a series of prestigious awards made to companies distinguished in the development of cutting-edge technologies (International Technical Innovation Competition), as well as countries characterised by innovative impetus in the design and construction of major works (International Award).
1979 - The changing market: a biennial event for construction machinery
Between the late-seventies and the early-eighties, demand for technological products shrank and fewer major works were started. By no means few glorious brands began to disappear from the business landscape while others, thanks to internal and international alliances, found ways to compete on markets.
Veronafiere increasingly adapted the event to meet the needs of companies and SaMoTer became a biennial show so that companies were assured the chance to plan their investments and product presentations better.
1993 - Cece European partnership: the trade show became a triennial event
The eighties and early-nineties were very intense years: the globalization of markets imposed new choices, continuous innovation and more targeted promotion. The show became a triennial event and joined the cycle of European trade fairs partner of Cece, the Committee for European Construction Equipment. The ratification of the agreement to alternate with two major international trade shows – Intermat in Paris and Bauma in Munich -, strengthened the brand and expanded its sectorial representativeness with the inclusion of other emerging segments: the tunnelling world, hire/rental, distribution, technical and scientific analysis and research.
2002 - Continued growth
The show achieved the milestone of 25 editions, closing with 948 exhibitors from 31 Countries and almost 90,000 operators (89,241) from 90 Countries. The net exhibition area impressively expanded to 94,388 square meters.
2008 - A record edition: more than 1,000 companies and 100,000 visitors
Subsequent editions were characterised by continued success: in particular, the 2008 edition attracted attendance by 1,026 exhibitors (30.70% international from 36 Countries) over a net exhibition area of 131,156 square meters hosting 106,857 visitors.
Data about visitor profiles is particularly significant, with a large majority made up of decision makers (CEOs, directors, business managers, buyers) and ideally represents the growth of the event in terms of quality.
2011 - Global economic crisis and new challenges for the show
In 2011, with more than 900 exhibitors and almost 100 thousand visitors, SaMoTer confirmed its absolute calibre in the international panorama notwithstanding the immensely difficult moment for the economy in global terms and the construction sector in particular. At the same time, the show was enhanced by a large outdoor dynamic area, where professional operators can watch demos, tests and trials of skill involving machinery in operation.
2014 - A courageous decision supporting companies in the sector
In 2014, SaMoTer was hard hit by the recession in the global economy and its reference sector in Italy. Despite the difficulties, the event – this year more than ever – decided to make its own contribution towards helping one of the strategic sectors for the Italian economy and employment to get back on its feet. The Show was determined to give companies honouring it with their trust the opportunity to develop new contacts and markets.
In the same year, SaMoTer was held for the first time in conjunction with Asphaltica (plants and machinery the road building and bitumen industry) promoted by and with Siteb - Italian Roads and Bitumen.
2017 - A “tailor-made” trade fair looking to the future
While updating its philosophy without ever losing sight of its mission for specialization and internationalization, SaMoTer redesigned its future in synergy with companies, industry associations and institutions to re-establish its role as an international stage for technological innovation in the sector at the same time as ensuring new impetus for the Italian market which, despite the delicate global economic situation, is still driving the development of the industrial system.
Moreover, thanks to collaboration between Veronafiere and Fiera Milano, in 2017, SaMoTer was held not only alongside Asphaltica but also with Transpotec Logitec, the international exhibition dedicated to transport and logistics, with a view to creating a system and providing these fields with a complete and vertical trade show.
2020 - Edition postponed due to the global pandemic