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

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

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 »

A growing number of interior decorators and contractors use baths, home spas and design-led kitchens by some of the world’s top designers, to make their top-end housing
construction stand out from the competition, and to add value to their developments.

The latest trends in bathroom fixtures, steam showers, whirlpools to complete luxury and fantasy bathrooms, home spas, contemporary and classic kitchen designs will be showcased at the ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East to be held from May 25 to 27, 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“From properties with spectacular views of the sea, golf course or the lagoons, the focus in the highly competitive residential construction market of the Middle East has now shifted to high-end interior designs. More and more top-end housing projects are crafting bathrooms and kitchens as their unique selling proposition, as the trend towards open plan living now takes precedence in this part of the world, ”
said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.”

“Interior decorators, architects and contractors will get their creative juices flowing by visiting the ISH Kitchen and Bath exhibition where a wide array of advanced bathroom fixtures, steam showers, whirlpools, and functional, stylized and accessible kitchen designs from the world’s leading suppliers and specialists will be on showcase, ” remarked Mr. Pruy.

Visitors will see the latest designs, concepts and products on the market aimed at improving lifestyle. Presenting design trends and solutions at the exhibition will be MIELE, Nolte Kuchen, Kohler, Kitchens & Beyond, GROHE, and many more. On display at the exhibition will be a wide range of mixers, antiscald faucets, steam shower stalls, whirlpool baths which give users a gentle massage with built in music systems and DVD players from a variety of suppliers and manufacturers from the US, Europe, the Far East and China.

“The modern bathroom has evolved from a functional space to a stylish sanctuary where you can relax and de-stress. It is no longer a room tucked away in a far corner of the house, but a carefully designed and conveniently arranged space that should be enjoyed, ” said Ms. Alysia Gilligan: Senior Show Manager, ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East.

“With recent developments and advances in bathroom fixtures and equipment it has become possible for everyone to enjoy the luxury of a mini spa at home” she added.

“As consumers become aware of the benefits and importance of a healthy lifestyle there is an increasing demand for products that support wellbeing. With the fast paced, cosmopolitan way of life enjoyed by many people throughout the Middle East it is especially important to restore balance and harmony, and what better way to achieve this than at home, in a space designed to do just that.” said Ms. Gilligan.

The Middle East is witnessing record growth in property development and the UAE is leading the way largely due to its open and global approach to design and construction. This progressive way of thinking has made the real estate and construction sector a thriving and sustainable sector.

ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East is the only design-led kitchen and bathroom exhibition in the Middle East, attracting key designers and manufacturers from around the world who come to present new products, interact with industry peers and source state-of-the-art market trends.

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is returning this year with a wealth of inspiration and fresh ideas to liven up any buyer inventory. The biggest event of its kind in the world, the fair will run from April 28 to May 1, 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in co-operation with The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will bring together around 3, 900 exhibitors in more than 4, 200 booths to display an immense array of gift and premium products under one roof.

Exhibits include advertising gifts & premiums, ceramic gifts, consumer electronics, corporate gifts, silverware, stationery and much more. Read more »

Exports are expected to balloon to RM10 billion by 2010 from a minuscule figure in the 1990’s, particularly from Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sarawak and to a lesser extent, Sabah, according to the latest statistical projection by both the government and the industrial section at the recent Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) in Kuala Lumpur.

Presently, the annual exports of furniture by Malaysia have reached RM8 billion. What this indicates is the enormous success achieved by the policy introduced two decades ago to step up furniture manufacturing for the domestic and export markets using local timber resources, including rubber wood. Indeed, when old rubber estates gave way to the opening of land for oil palm cultivation, the rubber wood had not gone to waste.

Treating rubber wood for downstream processing such as furniture making, and introducing new manufacturing concepts and designs to add more value and finished product quality have won the day for Malaysia as evidenced by home-made furniture having won universal acceptance in spite of strong competition from the more established foreign manufacturers, especially in North Asia and Europe. Read more »

After it’s debut in 2007, Australia’s interior and soft furnishings Trade Fair, Decoration+Design Sydney returns to the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from 6-8 February 2008. After the success at last year’s exhibition, Decoration+Design Sydney will bring together soft furnishing and interior exhibitors from around the country. New releases on show at Decoration+Design Sydney will include fabrics, soft furnishings, decorative art and homewares, lamps and lighting, bed linen, rugs, cushions and indoors/outdoors furniture from exhibitors including Hermon & Hermon, Pure Linen and Cromwell.

As well as existing exhibitors the show will be joined by new and exciting talent such as Carina Sherlock Enterprises with their range of cushions, wall art, soft furnishings and accessories for the home. Mainly designed in-house the products are then made in Indonesia using local traditional and modern craftsmanship. Read more »

The debut “Interior Lifestyle China” opens its doors next week at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Running for four days, 13 – 16 September, the show will house a vast array of high-quality and luxury household and consumer items from all over the world. Around 180 exhibitors are confirmed, including companies from Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand. Interior Lifestyle China will be the first fair of its kind, establishing a high-class marketing and sourcing platform for international brand names in the China market.

The fair will be divided into three areas: Dining, Giving, and Living. In the ‘dining’ area, visitors will find glass, porcelain, ceramics, cutlery, kitchen tools and appliances, and other dining and cooking-related products. ‘Giving’ will house products such as arts and crafts, candles and other gift items. Furniture, accessories, and soft furnishings will make up the ‘living’ section of the fair. Read more »