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.’

The International Furniture and Design Exhibition, Conference and Awards (INFDEX), Qatar’s largest interior design and furnishing expo, has been fully booked, Qatar Expo, the organizers of the event, said yesterday.

Over 100 companies from 14 countries will participate in the exhibition, which will include a conference and awards ceremony for the first time.

The exhibition, to run from May 18 to 21, is to feature the latest designs, fashion and technology in the fields of office design, house design, furniture, landscaping, lighting and environment.

This year INFDEX is poised to set yet another record in terms of the number of exhibitors and size of national pavilions, led by Turkey with 350 square metres of display space, and the participation of prominent Swedish furniture designers for the first time. Other major exhibitors at INFDEX come from Italy, Spain, India, Lebanon, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Taiwan, Malaysia and Qatar.

“INFDEX has doubled in size this year and through our marketing campaign that began a year ago it was very clear to us that leading companies from the international market are very keen in being part of the development Qatar is going through” Exhibitions and Events Director, Fernando De Guama said.

“This year we are maximizing the exhibition’s content with a showcase of special events as part of INFDEX 2008. The special features are designed to entertain and inspire exhibitors and show visitors, as well as providing extra networking and idea exchange opportunities.”

The news about the economy isn’t all bad. Spring Lake based izzydesign, an office furniture maker, is growing.

This afternoon the company announced signing a letter of intent to buy holding firm Jami Inc based in Kansas City. The company makes furniture under several brands.

Jami employs 400 people at three plants in Indiana, Kansas, and Alabama. Izzydesign has about 220 workers. A news release on the company’s website says the deal is expected to close in May.

Since 1993, Turkel Fair Organization Inc., has been organizing trade fairs on a wide spectrum across the four continents, including such countries as Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, Baltic Republics, Poland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Denmark, Spain, Latvia, Romania, Tunis, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Ghana, Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, Venezuela, Canada, South Africa, Kazakhstan and Tatarstan.

Turkel organizes around thirty trade fairs each year and the biggest in its class international exhibition of fur- and leatherwear “LeShow”, which is annually staged in Moscow, is a kind of the company’s business card. Read more »

Alexander County got some good news recently with the announcement of a new production plant in Taylorsville — a furniture plant.

Indiana-based Jasper Group, a commercial furniture maker for nearly 80 years, will create 40 local jobs in an abandoned furniture factory building.

The plant will be in a 93,000-square-foot facility off N.C. 16 South that Kincaid Furniture vacated a year ago.

Company officials expect to start production by this summer, said Alexander County Economic Development Corp. Director David Icenhour. Read more »

Wickes Furniture, Inc. Saturday began liquidating inventory at 38 of its stores by order of a U.S. federal bankruptcy judge, the company said.

As a part of the company’s $75 million liquidation plan, the retailer plans discounts of up to 50 percent at stores in California, Illinois, Indiana and Nevada.

Closing sales will start later this month at five stores in Oregon, a company statement said.

The liquidation is being managed by a joint venture comprised of Hilco Merchant Resources LLC, SB Capital Group LLC, Tiger Capital Group LLC and Planned Furniture Promotions, Inc. Read more »

LIKE fine jewelry, wooden furniture pieces and paintings are good investments and heirlooms.

Nene Treveño, Treveño’s Arts and Antiques proprietress, said paintings as well as furniture pieces with wood component are also investments as the price value of these items continues to appreciate over the years.

“Wooden furniture are like jewelry, they are investments. You can pass it on (to the next generation),” she said, adding that paintings are the same.

“Paintings cannot be replicated. Mangawat man gani ng uban og painting. It only means it has high value,” said Treveño, as she urged Cebuanos to put money in these items. (Others would even steal paintings)

In an interview with reporters last Thursday at Treveño’s Arts and Antiques in SM City Cebu Northwing, Treveño said that when buying furniture pieces, anything with wood component “is better” than cushion-type ones since the former lasts longer. Read more »

Home sales are slow, and furniture retailers are feeling the pinch. So is this a good time to launch a new furniture empire?

Joe Carron thinks so. He and partner Anand Patel plan to turn a Brandon’s Home Furnishings store in Wellington into a SoHo Living warehouse store.

The pair also has taken over an existing SoHo Living store on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. Right now the store’s focus is sleek, contemporary furniture for small-scale homes, such as condos. But Carron and Patel plan to expand the store’s offerings, too.

Expanding a furniture business now seems risky. After all, the housing market is expected to get worse before it gets better, and experts predict an uptick is still a couple of years away. Already, there are casualties in the furniture industry: Earlier this year, veteran retailer Modernage closed its doors after 67 years in business.

But Carron and Patel, who are not affiliated with Brandon’s, have a strategy they think will overcome the market. Read more »