[Hannover, Germany] A mainstay in the international floor covering community for exposing the latest on-trend products, there will be no shortage of design-right and innovative products on display at Domotex, to be held here Jan. 12-15, 2018. And with a new format and extensive lineup of new features on tap, including the use of virtual reality as an interior design tool, this year’s show — themed "Unique Youniverse" — is poised to be one of its strongest yet, show director Susanne Klaproth shared with FCW.
"The show has a new layout and hall restructuring that will make it easier for visitors to survey the market and connect with the exhibitors and trends that matter to them. The show will also have a strong overarching focus on the megatrend of product individualization, as reflected in the keynote theme of ‘Unique Youniverse’," she said adding that there will be a number of customizable products on display.
"New and more sophisticated technologies are constantly emerging to meet this demand and provide more unique and personalized customer experiences. Thus, exhibitors and visitors alike can look forward to a wealth of concrete ideas that will help them grow their business and keep up with the trends and innovations that are shaping the future of their industry," she said. Unique Youniverse will be concentrated in Hall 9.
"Visitors can discover the benefits of this technology for themselves, and experience the possibilities in live demonstrations by trailblazers from the flooring industry and specialists in applications and floor-laying techniques," Klaproth added.
The idea for this year’s theme was inspired by the fast-paced world we live in, she noted, and the effects an increase in digitalization and globalization is having on consumer behavior.
"Co-creation is gaining new meaning as customers aspire to greater involvement in the creation and design process, which they are increasingly viewing as an added opportunity for self-expression," she said.
Building Momentum
Keeping pace with today’s most relevant trends has established Domotex as a must-attend event for the global carpet and floor coverings industry.
"It provides the perfect environment to initiate new business, make contacts, showcase products, innovations and trends and meet customers. Over 60 percent of visitors and more than 80 percent of exhibitors come from outside Germany, the market leaders from all sectors of the industry are presented at Domotex, and the participation from outside Germany continuous to grow," said Klaproth.
Registration numbers for the 2018 show are already above those for 2017 in the same time period. As well, the show is already above expectations on booked display space, added Klaproth.
"At this rate, we are on track for around 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 nations. We look forward to the strong participation from the U.S.A. with more than 20 exhibitors showcasing their latest products at Domotex 2018," Klaproth said.
"Companies who want to make international contacts and tap in to new markets can’t afford to miss out on Domotex in Hannover. As in just four days, they can meet with their most important customers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America." — Susanne Klaproth, Deutsche Messe.