HANNOVER, Germany–Domotex Hannover 2008 is set to exceed its figures from last year with both exhibitor participation and exhibition-stand space up. The global floor covering event takes place Jan. 12 to 15.
Known for showcasing the trends the rest of the world will be following for the coming months, the fair is big again on exhibits showcasing individual product categories. This year, parquet and other wooden and laminate floorings step up to their own separate display areas at the show, rounding out a wide range of display categories, which includes both handmade and machine-made carpets and area rugs; textiles and resilient floor covering; fibers and yarns; natural stone and ceramic floor tiles; and applications technology, laying equipment, cleaning and maintenance.
Domotex organizers have lined up an extensive list of special presentations and forums for this installment. This year’s roster includes Contract World, a congress and exhibition for architecture and interior design; Floor Forum, a forum for modern carpets and textiles floor coverings; and Loom Lounge, a joint initiative to promote handmade carpets and rugs of classical, traditional and modern design.
This is a show also known for inspired and heated competitions. This time around it’s the annual Carpet Design Awards, with prizes going to the best handmade carpets; the European Interior Furnishing Trade Competition, a contest open to young tradespeople from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy who will put their skills to the test in the areas of wall-papering and wallcoverings, window dressing, flooring and upholstery; and the European Team Floorlaying Competition, where parquet and floor-laying teams from seven countries will go head-to-head in five disciplines.
