Espaņa 2004 was a World Exhibition held in Valencia from May 22 to May 30 2004.  I attended as the Australian Commissioner and a Jury member. The Australian entries totalled 58 frames and 1 Literature entry.  The awards were posted on the APF website following a fax to John MacDonnell from me and all exhibitors were notified personally by John. I would like to thank him for once again providing this service.

The Espaņa 2004 medal was the cause of much comment.  It was a Royal Wedding miniature sheet stuck between two sheets of Perspex with a small logo (in metal) in the corner.  There were only two types, gold and silver.  They were A4 in size and housed in a box.

Exhibitors and Customs:
All exhibitors were prompt with delivery of forms, money and requests for which I thank them.  The need for the paperwork (especially inventory sheets and valuations) is emphasised as this needs to be with our Customs agent in plenty of time to process and get the necessary papers back to the Commissioner before departure.

General:
The Exhibition was spectacular but drew low attendances. The exhibition frames were mainly in one hall (a transformed car park) which was 350 meters long and only had one set of toilets at the end of the building and little seating. The Court of Honour and Post Office were in another building some five minute walk from the main hall and the dealers were in outdoor stands with lockable roll-a-door fronts. Social functions were excellent with a few free evenings to allow time to meet up with other visitors. Lighting was excellent with each frame individually lit from above.  Overall it was an enjoyable experience and a friendly, well run exhibition.

Australian Exhibitor Results

[ Source:  APF News, August 2004 ]