Interior Lifestyle China opens its doors next week at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre with more than 200 exhibitors confirmed

International Home Accessories show to host on-site online interviews

Jacob’s Creek wine, care of Pernod-Ricard, returns as sponsor for Interior Lifestyle China

Interior Lifestyle China opens its doors next week at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre with a programme of 13 seminars and special exhibits. Running for four days, 19 – 22 November, the show will also house an array of high-end interior and lifestyle products from around the globe. More than 200 exhibitors are confirmed, including companies from Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, UK and China.

The fair will feature the latest interior and lifestyle products including glass, porcelain, ceramics, cutlery, kitchen tools and appliances, arts and crafts, candles, other gift items, accessories, and soft furnishings.

International Home Accessories show to host on-site online interviews

In addition to purchasing high quality luxury household and consumer goods products at the fair, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a range of exciting and informative special exhibits and seminars:

International Home Accessories Show interview – World renowned furnishing and accessory designers, buyers and brands will gather with the editor-in-chief for an exclusive online interview at Interior Lifestyle China. This show will be hosted by magazine and online consumer goods site e-jjj.com.

From Scratch to Success Panel Discussion – Moderator, Ms. Leslie Chen of Grotto Design Creations, will lead an open discussion on creating and maintaining brand perception in China

Process Warm Showcase – Supported by the interior magazine , this event will showcase a number of successful local designers’ work.

Brand presentations – These demonstrations will be hosted by Miji, Tayohya and WMF.

Design Masters’ House – A series of demonstration rooms featuring different lifestyles with exhibitor’s products. The Art Display & Decoration Comittee of China and the interior magazine support this event.

Designer and Manufacturer Showcase – A showcase bridging the gap between manufacturers, industrial designers and consumers and supported by the interior magazine .

Business Match Making Program – Management executives from key department stores and retailers will meet with brand names and exhibitors.

Designer Cocktail – Networking event as supported by the Art Display & Decoration Committee of China.

China Houseware Market Developing Conference – Experts and government authorities will present market analysis to discuss the latest developments in the local interior products industry. This special conference takes place on Wednesday, 19 November from 13:30 to 15:00.

On Design Shanghai gallery as presented at Frankfurt’s Ambiente. Featuring a range of well-known designers from around the world.

2008 Home Style Awards – The ceremony is the first of its kind in China and presentations will be made to the winners on the evening of Wednesday, 19 November 2008 at the Moller Villa.

Also available at the event will be Wine Tasting kiosks by Cheese & Fizz and Metier Atelier and On-site Cooking Demonstrations by Zwilling, Peugeot, Emile Henry WMF, Schulte-Ufer, Gorenje, Silit, Yoshikawa, Metier Atelier and JIMIX.

Jacob’s Creek wine, care of Pernod-Ricard, returns as sponsor for Interior Lifestyle China

A high quality yet affordable brand, Jacob’s Creek is enjoyed in over 65 countries, making it Australia’s most popular wine. The range has been awarded over 3, 500 show awards worldwide. Jacob’s Creek wine – sponsor of Interior Lifestyle China – will be served in cooperation with various onsite brand demonstrations and tasting programs throughout the fair.

For more information on Interior Lifestyle China 2008, please visit www.il-china.com or email amra.durakovic@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

DOMOTEX HANNOVER is not only the leading international showcase for the flooring sector – it is also the most important indicator of trends and developments in this sector worldwide. When it takes place again at its traditional Hannover venue from 17 to 20 January 2009, it will once more provide the entire industry with an incomparable platform for business. Deutsche Messe Hannover, the organizers of DOMOTEX, expect some 1, 350 exhibitors on a net display area of 92, 500 square metres (compared with 1, 336 exhibitors on 91, 757 square metres in 2007). As Stephan Ph. Kühne, Board member of Deutsche Messe AG, states: “The number of registered exhibitors is very encouraging, despite the current difficulties being experienced by the flooring industry. Particularly during periods of market weakness and volatility, companies need to seek new business leads, follow new initiatives and improve their image vis-à-vis the competition. There is no better place to do this than at DOMOTEX. Anyone wanting to do business, or find out about the latest trends and designs, should head for Hannover in January.” Visitors will find an impressive supporting program. Designer Ulf Moritz will again be offering installations incorporating the carpet as an artwork, the winners of the 2009 Carpet Design Awards 2009 will be presented and celebrities from the worlds of architecture and the skilled crafts will lecture on topical issues of relevance to the world of flooring.

Professionals from the trade, the skilled crafts, architecture and design who regularly visit DOMOTEX HANNOVER appreciate its clear focus. The event is solely dedicated to flooring. National and international market leaders exhibit their latest products and innovations, thereby making the event an exceptional barometer for trends in all kinds of flooring. DOMOTEX is the event favoured by decision-makers. Approximately 70 percent of all visitors are from top management, e.g. self-employed, directors, department heads. Consequently, in terms of buying potential, the event attracts the biggest demand-side audience worldwide within this sector. It is thus the perfect forum for new contacts and business leads. Numerous special presentations and events, meetings of professional bodies and associations, as well as conferences and seminars create ideal conditions for a direct dialogue between exhibitors and trade visitors, while also offering an additional source of information and expertise.

DOMOTEX HANNOVER has an international profile that is almost second to none. In January 2009, the event will again demonstrate its international appeal with around 80 percent of its exhibitors and approximately 55 percent of its visitors coming from outside the host nation Germany. At present, the list of ten countries with the largest contingent of exhibitors is topped by Germany, followed by Belgium, Turkey, India, the Netherlands, China, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt and the USA.
Trade show visitors will appreciate the high quality and diversity of the exhibits. The DOMOTEX display categories are as follows:

- Carpets/rugs (hand-made)
- Woven carpets/area rugs (machine-made)
- Textile and resilient floor coverings
- Fibres, yarns and textiles
- Wood and parquet flooring
- Laminated coverings
- Natural stone, ceramic tiles
- Laying skills, cleaning and application technologies

The basic structure and layout of the DOMOTEX exhibition site will be retained at the event next January, however Hall 18 will then also form part of the display of hand-made rugs and carpets. This display category will thus occupy Halls 14 to 18 next year. One of the chief benefits for both exhibitors and visitors is that the inclusion of Hall 18 will greatly improve visitor access to the various display categories, as it leads directly to Halls 2 and 3, which are occupied by exhibitors showcasing mainly machine-made carpets. Another clear improvement is the complete redesign of the entrance area Nord 1, which will not only make the entrance area visually more attractive, but also improve its functionality in terms of visitor convenience. The reconstruction work is scheduled for completion in December 2008 and will be finished on time for DOMOTEX HANNOVER 2009.

Numerous special events and meetings as well as an international architecture congress all serve to extend the scope and content of DOMOTEX HANNOVER 2009, which is geared to the various information needs of the individual target groups. During the four days of the trade show the visitors have an excellent opportunity to determine the latest trends, discover new designs and assess the competition. Numerous international organizations, professional bodies and associations use this trade summit as a central venue for meetings, conferences, seminars and association meetings.

The highlights of the program of special events are:

contractworld
Congress and Exhibition for Architecture and Interior Design – the meeting-place for contracting business

floorforum
Platform for the latest trends in contemporary carpets and textile floor coverings

Carpet Design Awards
Awards in recognition of innovative design, quality and creativity in hand-made carpets

Loom Lounge
Joint presentation focussing on hand-made rugs and carpets

Health and Safety Initiative for the Skilled Trades
Focus on health and safety

Skilled trades forum
Lecture program for the skilled trades

European Team Floor Laying Competition
Demonstration of speed, accuracy and workmanship

As in previous years, a combi-ticket will again be available for DOMOTEX HANNOVER. In other words, every admission ticket also serves as a valid ticket providing free travel on the Greater Hannover public transport network (GVH) for the duration of the event.

The Department of Export Promotion (DEP), is once again joining forces with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai Furniture Industries Association (TFA) in organizing the Thailand International Furniture Fair 2009 (TIFF 2009).The event, which is set to be the 13th in this long-standing series, forms a significant platform for Thai furniture entrepreneurs to demonstrate their capabilities and creative ideas to potential buyers from within the country and throughout the world. The event, scheduled to take place between March 11th-15th, 2009, is nowopen for exhibitor registration from today until January 15th, 2009. Any registration before December 1st, 2008, is
entitled to a special 10% discount on exhibition fee. The event aims to feature as many as 250 furniture entrepreneurs from Thailand and throughout Asia in over 900 booths.

Mr. Rachane Potjanasunthorn, DEP Director-General, stated that, “The TIFF event is yet another major trade fair by DEP that always enjoys great responses from Thai and international visitors alike. Thai furniture products are world-famous for distinctive designs, attention to detail, and unique characteristics. The event in 2008 was indeed an overwhelming success with a total of 204 exhibitors manning 812 booths. During the trade negotiation days, the event was attended by as many as 7, 366 foreign buyers especially from Japan, the United States, Vietnam, India and Hong Kong. Additionally, on the public retail days, the event welcomed a total of over 27, 000 international visitors.”

Now in its 13th year, the TIFF 2009 is set to be an important platform for furniture entrepreneurs looking to introduce new products and to expand their businesses into foreign markets. Exhibition registration is open from now until January 15th, 2009. The three organizing partners – the DEP, the FTI and the TFA – have announced that the event will take place between March 11th-15th, 2009, on a grand venue of 35, 000 m2 at Challenger 2-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The event will be organized under the concept of ‘Imagine Green Living’, and is anticipated to feature over 250 furniture entrepreneurs in over 900 booths, from Thailand and key Asian markets including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

“Furniture entrepreneurs of all kinds and sizes are encouraged to participate in this important event. They will have a chance to showcase their capabilities and creative ideas in creating furniture items that impress even the most discerning buyers. Potential customers will come from virtually all continents including Asia, Europe and America. It’s a very good opportunity to expand businesses to reach and make a presence in new markets, as well as, to introduce the latest furniture innovations to target consumers. Exhibitors registering before December 1st, 2008, are also entitled to a special 10% discount on exhibition fee.”, added Mr. Rachane.

Dubai will host from 14 to 16 December 2008 Dubai Drink Technology Expo at Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This significant and unique event presents worldwide range of products and services in the area of beverages technology.

The event targets the promotion of the latest drink processing and packaging systems.

It offers the state-of-the-art technology, logistics solutions for beverages and liquid food processing industry.

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, President INDEX Holding made the announcement at a press conference.

Mr. Al Madani added, Dubai Drink Technology 2008 would display the latest applied technologies, machinery, equipment, materials, and services. Brand owners, retailers, beverage service operators, manufacturers and processors will have the opportunity to network and contract.

Index Conferences and Exhibitions organizing Establishment member of INDEX Holding organizes Dubai Drink Technology Expo, 2008 which is a member of the American Beverages Association. It is the first of its type in the entire region and represents a significant addition to the exhibitions and conventions industry in Dubai. Al Madani said.

He added ‘Dubai Drinks Technology Expo. is an international platform for businesses operating in the industry, investors exploring new and innovated drinks ventures, and industry services providers. Participants will have excellent opportunities to network, negotiate, contract, and expand their operations in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates growing business hub, and in the Gulf and Middle East market place.

This high profile event is the largest show for plants and machinery employed in processing and producing beverages and liquid food, packaging technology, IT solutions, lab and analytic instruments, recycling systems …etc.

Giving the progressive trends in Drinks sector Mr. Al Madani stated that ‘the Middle East and North Africa beverages drinks market is witnessing noticeable expansion associated with the elevation in the standard of living and with healthy drinks increasing demand. Growth in Juices demand is projected by industry sources to increase by 12 percent annually while energy drinks by 13 percent.

Considering the socio economic barometers of the region, beverages producing industries will in the few coming years experience expansion in production and ultimately a lager Share in the market. New and innovated beverages will strongly penetrate the UAE and regional markets. Technology facilitating these expansions will be displayed during the Expo.

It is an added benefit for technology owners, suppliers, and manufacturers and to potential investors in the industry as well. The expo will comprise a number of specialized pavilions to display the latest production machinery and equipment, process and quality control instruments, storage, transport and handling services associated with this industry. International display centers for the leading companies in the production and processing of fruit juices, soft drinks, milk products, liquid food.

Centers for Tea and coffee from Germany, Spain, and France, UK, US, Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya India, Sri-lanka, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and S. Korea will exhibit their products. Special area dedicated for displaying new technologies, innovated drink products. Mr. Al Madani said.

Mr. Ahmed Al Gaizi Director Economic Department at the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry said ‘ Considering the strategic Joint Cooperation Agreement signed with Index Conferences and Exhibition Establishment fully supports this economically and socially important event.

This event will naturally attract more investment to the UAE and elevate the quality and standards of drinks industry in the country. Index with its wide experience and professionalism is capable of organizing this event in the manner that reflects the high standard of Exhibition industry in the country.

The Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry encourages drinks manufacturers and trading companies to seize this
excellent opportunity and actively participate in the exhibition’ .Al Gaizi added.

Mr. Awad Al Saqair Director Dubai Conventions Bureau of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said Dubai drink Technology Expo. is one of the important shows held in Dubai. It plays an important role in the transfer of technology , know-how and innovations in one of the most important industries. Dubai convention Bureau extends all possible support and assistance to Index conferences and exhibitions Establishment member of INDEX Holding to organize this important event in the best possible manner in line with the best international standards.

He added ‘Dubai is positioned as one of the leading conventions and exhibitions center in the world. Dubai Drink Technology Expo. is a real addition to conventions and exhibitions industry in the UAE and the region as well. We encourage the local industries and businesses engaged in drinks manufacturing and processing to take an active part in this unique event.’

When the international natural stone industry meets in Nürnberg from 20-23 May, the exhibition centre will again be geared to stone and all its varieties. Stone+tec, which attracted some 1, 000 exhibitors and more than 40, 000 trade visitors at the last event, has constantly proved its importance as one of the major international exhibitions for natural stone and stone processing over a period of thirty years.

Despite all the prophecies of doom, no other European country has such a big demand for natural stone products as Germany. Even at times of worldwide financial and real estate crises, the Federal Republic can still be proud of its position by international comparison. With its sound economic basis and good relations and close proximity particularly with its neighbours in Central Eastern Europe, Germany offers an ideal marketplace for successful business. In the recently published edition of his comprehensive annual market analysis “Stone 2008 – World Marketing Handbook”, industry insider Dr. Carlo Montani emphasizes the growth rates of the worldwide natural stone trade. Although development varies in different countries and regions, the German market convinces through its high stability. Against this backdrop, Stone+tec in Nürnberg has succeeded in establishing itself as information pool for decision-makers from East and West in the three decades of its history. Its convenient geographical location has made it a major source of inspiration and popular get-together for the entire natural stone market.

More contacts – more information
The exhibitors at the last Stone+tec in 2007 welcomed visitors to their stands from all relevant fields of natural stone. 93 % of the exhibitors said they had reached their major target groups by exhibiting in Nürnberg:
79 % registered potential customers from natural stone contractors, 67 % from the trade, 56 % from stonemasonry firms, 43 % architects, 32 % from the gravestone business, 32 % from landscape contractors, 29 % tilers,
20 % from general building contractors, 19 % from official agencies,
16 % restorers and preservers of historic buildings, and 13 % from building material manufacturers.

Some one-third of the more than 40, 000 trade visitors in 2007 came from 76 countries outside Germany, but clearly focused on Europe. For around half of the visitors, Stone+tec is the only natural stone exhibition they visit. This combined with the fact that nine out of ten visitors are involved in procurement decisions in their companies makes Stone+tec an excellent business platform every two years: more than 90 per cent of the companies involved made new business connections in 2007.

The visitors were mainly interested in natural stone as a material for interior, facade and exterior use, plus tools, machinery and installations. About half the visitors stated these product segments as their reason for visiting the exhibition. There was also a strong demand for natural stone for gravestones, sacral use and monuments, and for grave design and decoration: more than a quarter of the visitors come to Nürnberg for this reason and Stone+tec does special justice to this interest with a separate hall for this segment.

Stone+tec not only offers a comprehensive range of products from the exhibitors, but also a supporting programme and special theme presentations for information and inspiration. The programme includes classics like the Natural Stone Architects Forum with the presentation of the German Natural Stone Award and the Peter Parler Award for outstanding achievements in the preservation of historic buildings in Europe, plus the 2009 Federal Congress of the German Stonemasonry, Stone and Wood Sculpturing Crafts with its special craft shows.

Two still rather new items from the supporting programme that attracted an excellent response from the audience from the start will also be continued in 2009: the seminar on professional laying of natural stone tiles and the special show “Natural Stone Architecture – Made in Germany”. The programme for 2009 will be enhanced by another highlight, which is still in the planning stage. But so much can be revealed: it concerns high-quality design and up-to-date forms of remembering the dead, which could provide a contrast to the trend towards anonymous burials.

With the range of products and services offered by the exhibitors and its supporting programme, Stone+tec 2009 will again provide inspiration for an industry concerned with a material that is literally as old as the hills – a material that is never outdated, but always topical, modern and fresh.

Products on display at Stone+tec 2009

Natural stone
- Natural stone for interior use, facades and exterior use; all types of stone and processing
- Fixing, maintenance, preservation and restoration of natural stone
- Industrial safety and environmental protection
- Services, trade press, associations

Technology
- Machines, installations and tools
- for quarrying natural stone
- for processing natural stone
- for moving and installing natural stone
- for manufacturing diamond tools
- Conveying, transport, packaging

Gravestones and accessories
- Natural stone for graveyards
- Grave design and decoration

Completeness and the widest of ranges, made in Italy, World Silver Show, artistic craftsmanship, Italian classics, costume jewellery and fashion accessories, leading importers: these are what give originality and diversity to Macef, The International Home Show, which is gearing up for its 85th edition from 5 to 8 September at fieramilano. The strategic axis of the show revolves around the concept of specificity, exalting the aspects that make the Milan show original and different to its main international competitors.

Who is the Milan fair, visited by more than seventy-five thousand distribution business professionals during the September edition (76, 904 recorded in September 2007), aimed at?

“Macef has three strategic pivots – says Sandro Bicocchi, Fiera Milano International’s Managing Director – orientation towards the sales point, the “spirit of everyday living” and everything to do with “gifts”. The first aspect signals the fact that Macef is the place a great number of professionals turn to find out about trends in life styles (innovative products, shapes and colours, but also market and consumer patterns and sales techniques). The world of gifts is mainly evident at the September edition, when the core of the exhibition consists of ideas for products that will be put on sale for Christmas.”

“What we define as the “spirit of everyday living” – continues Bicocchi – is Macef’s ability to represent a real market, offering beautiful, useful and truly saleable products to all players. Products that people will actually buy and that we find at home and in daily life. And this is where it is diametrically opposed to some highly visible fairs that that propose futuristic ideas and intriguing but improbable prototypes. The companies who turn to Macef ask us to be even more of a marketplace, a place for effective exchanges and business. And this explains why Macef – which is an extremely attractive show which could easily be a big draw – remains reserved for the trade and closed to the public.”

The Italian market for products for the home and gift articles is starting to recover after a period of stagnation. The reasons for this recovery are the Italian consumer’s renewed interest in beautiful, useful products and above all, the new-found courage of producers who have finally understood that vigorous promotion campaigns to support sales are not only necessary but indispensable also when it comes to basic products (such as those for the domestic sphere). This is now happening – including taking advantage of trade fairs and the whole range of opportunities they can provide – and seems to point to interesting developments. Macef is perfectly integrated into this system, indeed it is one of the main reference and meeting points for dynamic manufacturers and the more aware distributors. Co-marketing activities, missions abroad and projects for communication between the show and its main exhibitors are increasingly frequent.

The events also align with this idea of utility – starting with the Village Shop project, the consolidated union between Macef and the association Art, Arti della Tavola e del Regalo (Art, Table and Gift Arts). Some important table brands will be present collectively in a large area of 1, 500 square metres in Hall 5. The companies are present at Macef Gennaio in force for reasons of fair format and timing of purchases and, in any case, they have no intention of losing contact with the visitor also at the September appointment, traditionally dedicated to retailers interested in the gift and decoration area. In addition, in synergy with Macef, Art has started numerous promotional occasions aimed at retailers of household objects – training courses for the point of sale managed by Casastile/Il Sole 24 Ore Business Media, the editorial initiative Bon Vivre with an exceptional partner like Edizioni Condè Nast and also initiatives directed at the final customer through the search engine Webmobili.

September will see another edition of Art&Flowers, the event dedicated to flower arranging, which as well as suggesting new ideas for decorating the home with flowers, also proposes creative pairing with some of Macef’s most characteristic products. The show will also see the return of Best of Ornamenta, the competition designed to emphasize the commercial and marketing value of costume jewellery. It is worth remembering that what Macef defines as the “personal area” (that is, costume jewellery and fashion accessories, gold, jewellery and silver articles to wear) now covers more than 20 thousand square metres net of exhibition space. For this reason, the “personal area” will be the subject of a competition, with a holiday in a exotic location as the prize.

In addition, all the most appreciated hospitality facilities will once more be available: “progetto Sud” – which brings operators from the central-southern regions to Milan with discounted travel packages; the Buyers’ Club and the exclusive “ways to innovation” project consisting of targeted meetings where innovative companies present their most interesting prototypes to major buyers for pre-selection at commercial level. The interactive web site, which provides periodic newsletters targeted at various categories and where entry tickets can be bought at a discount, has also been upgraded and is now available in no less than nine languages: as well as Italian, it is in English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and Arabic

International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan), commonly known as 3F, is a leading furniture fair in China since 1999. This semi-annual exhibition held in March and August, now shifted to September, is a leading trade event serving the global furniture and furnishing community. The 20th 3F will be on from 6 through 10 September 2008.

General Information
Every year, over 700 exhibitors from 10 countries gather twice in Houjie and display their latest products in 9 exhibition halls covering 240,000sqm. 3F and its concurrent International Famous Furniture Woodworking Machinery & Material Fair, Dongguan Home Furnishings Fair touch every essential category in the home furnishings/décor marketplace, including bedroom furniture, living room furniture, upholstery, wall décor, decorative accessories, lightings, textile as well as woodworking machinery and materials. It is the most comprehensive home furnishings event in China and the most efficient trading and exchanging platform for the world’s furniture industry. Held right in the center of China’s furniture industry, 3F is the only furniture event in China supported by Ministry of Commerce of China and Hong Kong Trade Development Council. It is the only furniture exhibition receives UFI Approved Event endorsement in China. It is the Excellent Furniture Exhibition in Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Guangdong.

Attendee Information
International furniture and furnishing retail and wholesale trade, furniture importers and exporter, interior designers, architects, designers, joiners, carpenters, interior decorators.

Exhibitor Information
International suppliers of furniture, woodworking machinery, furniture accessories and components, lighting, home accessories, decorative items, carpets and home textiles.

Show Organizer (s): Dongguan Famous Furniture Association
Event Date (s): Sep 06, 2008 – Sep 10, 2008
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue: Guangdong Modern Internatioinal Exhibition Center
Address: Houjie Furniture Road, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
No. of Exhibitors: 746 , History Record: 746(in 2008)
No. of Attendees: 110000 , History Record: 110000(in 2008)
Exhibition Floor Size: (sqm) 240000 , History Record: 240000(in 2008)
Phone: 86 – 769 – 85900111
Fax: 86 – 769 – 85585780

The 13th international exhibition of furniture and interior design, Baltic Furniture 2008, to be held on 2–5 October 2008 at the International Exhibition Centre in Kipsala, will feature the awarding of the Baltic Furniture Manufacturer Design Award 2008 in three categories: Industrial Design, Unique Design and Design Idea.

The aim of the Baltic Furniture Manufacturer Design Award 2008 competition is to highlight the achievements of the Baltic furniture manufacturers in the field of design, to foster development of furniture design and cooperation of furniture manufacturers with designers, to improve recognisability of manufacturers of industrial and unique furniture on domestic and international markets through boosting exports of furniture.

The competition is organised by the International Exhibition Company BT 1 and the association Latvijas MÄ“beles (Latvian Furniture).

The Baltic Furniture Manufacturer Design Award 2008 may be contested by samples of furniture design developed in the period from October 2006 to October 2008 by Baltic furniture manufacturers, designers and students in furniture design. Competition entry may be an item already in production. The nomination Design Idea invites to participate free of charge students of educational programmes in design, designer groups and designers under 36 years of age from the Baltic States and other countries. Applications will be accepted by 15 September 2008 (more information at www.balticfurniture.net).

Competition entries will be judged on 2–3 October by a professional international jury consisting of Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian and Russian designers; Latvian, Russian and German journalists from leading interior magazines; teaching staff; furniture manufacturers and dealers.

The jury will judge competition entries according to aesthetic considerations, functionality and usability (ergonomics), technological solution, quality, market potential, innovation used in development.

Organisers of the exhibition will give a grand prix award to a product manufacturer and a prize to the best product manufacturer in each nomination.

Prizes will also be given and events covered by cooperation partners and information sponsors of the competition from Russian ELITE. Teritorija Interjera, Domus, Novij Dom, Ideji Vašego Doma, Project Baltia, Tatlin, Proekt Rosija, Proekt International, Proekt Klassika; from German Möbelmarkt; from Latvian Dizaina Studija, Latvijas Architektūra, AD Baltii, Dienas Bizness, Bizness & Baltija, DF, Multiprese, Interior, www.e-mebeles.lv, www.1180.lv, www.reklama.lv; from Lithuanian Namas Ir Aš and Centras; as well as by Estonian media.

Prize winners will be announced and awarded on 3 October 2008 at 12:00 at the International Exhibition Centre in Kipsala.

Baltic Furniture 2008 exhibition with its accompanying activities and competitions will take place during the project Design Month in Riga managed by the Riga City Council. This project will feature various events and activities throughout the whole month of October in Riga.

The fair, Baltic Furniture 2008, is held by the International Exhibition Company BT 1 in cooperation with the association Latvijas MÄ“beles, Riga City Council, Latvian Designers’ Society, Baltic Architecture Centre, Latvian Investment and Development Agency and Estonia’s Wood Processing Association Eesti Puutööliit.

VIVID- VIBRANT VISIONS IN DESIGN, the successful annual furniture design competition, celebrates its sixth year in Melbourne as part of FURNITEX, Australasia’s largest furniture and furnishings Trade Fair.

A selection of Australia’s most dynamic furniture designers and design students will showcase their newest and most unique creations at VIVID 2008, held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 17 – 20 July.

Presented by FURNITEX and curated by the talented Uli Hasel, a number of exciting new products will be revealed to the industry for the first time in the categories of commercial, Concept and Student. This year an exciting new award will be added to the competition – the VIVID GREEN AWARD. Read more »

The first International Furniture and Interior Decoration Fair and Conference will be held in the IRIB International Conference Center from July 19-20.

Announcing this on Saturday, head of the employer association of furniture producers and sellers noted that the conference aimed to prepare the ground for cooperation among domestic and foreign companies engaged in this industry.

“Developing the furniture industry and getting a foothold on markets in Middle Eastern and Central Asian counties are among the other goals of the fair,” Ali Ansari Reisi said.

He also observed that some domestic and foreign companies and envoys form Turkey, Italy, England, Malaysia and Austria would be represented at the event.