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For exhibitors who introduced new products at the EWEC '99, such as Jeaumont Industri or Svendborg Brakes, the event was a solid success. "The reaction has been just fantastic," said Erik Kornbek of Svendborg Brakes, which displayed its new programmable soft braking system. During the week, Kornbek got orders to install "Sobo" in five different wind turbine manufacturer's machines in Europe the following month. Another firm, wind measuring equipment supplier NRG Systems of the US, was overwhelmed by the reaction to its new heated sensors. "We went through all of our catalogues by the third day," said the company's Rick Pollack. TradeWind Insurance Brokers from California also had a good week, having made 60 new contacts. "We were particularly pleased that we were the only insurance brokers here," said Michael Cook of TradeWind. Wind turbine manufacturers such as Nordex, Vestas and Lagerwey said the exhibition gave the usual good opportunity for public relations, although many complained that five days was simply too long. Notably absent from the ten turbine companies present were Enercon and Tacke from Germany, perhaps a reflection of the animosity felt between the German wind lobby and other national groups at the conference, even though they are all members of EWEA. The exhibitors present had few complaints. Many complimented the physical lay-out of the event, where delegates had to walk through the exhibition and poster halls to get to the main auditorium, and back again to get to the bar. Exhibitors said they did not feel they were hidden away in a dark corner, and the poster sessions nearly always had a crowd -- particularly because the coffee break stations were located right in the heart of them.