While demand was close to peaking at the previous event in 2007, we are now probably closer to the other extreme of our industry’s cycle of peaks and troughs. We’re clinging onto even the faintest chance that we’re at the onset of recovery, even though economists are still very split on how the construction sector will look over the next 12 months or so.

Fresh off the back of the pre-Bauma press event in Munich, Gerold Dobler, corporate communications, trade press, Liebherr-International Deutschland, said: “Judging on the impact of previous Bauma shows, it could prompt an upturn.” I hope he’s right.

As a manufacturer, of course he’s hoping too. Event organisers will certainly be telling us that these seven days from 19–25 April are capable of revitalising the business.

It’s a weighty argument, but it’s the people with spending power, or those charged with investing in their respective financial economies, that will make the decision when we‘re ready to emerge from the doldrums.

A number of rental companies told me last year that they are expecting another 18 months or so of downtime, which would mean they are not anticipating recovery until 2011.

So, we’re challenging Bauma to not only ignite the market, but do so ahead of schedule; do something that governments and the money hubs of the world have been unable to do thus far.

I thought I’d ask the worldly readers of Cranes Today what they thought, by placing a poll on the website: Can Bauma be the catalyst to the revival of business in the crane industry — yes or no?

At the time of writing, 31% said ‘yes’, 69% said ‘no’. It’s a fairly emphatic lunge to the negative, in line with what I and many others would anticipate. It’s enough to provide perspective, and serves as a warning not to get too sucked up by the hype.

Seven days in April will not see widespread investment return to the world’s financial markets, which needs to happen before prosperity returns to the construction and, in turn, lifting industries.

Our April issue will be out in time for the show, but make a note already that Cranes Today will exhibit in area F10, stand 1007/3.