The Blog for DOMOTEX: The World of Flooring

Katherine León Reviews DOMOTEX 2010

2010-03-08T08:35:00.004-05:00

We’re back after a long hiatus from the DOMOTEX blog and I’m happy to say that Rita Dommermuth has successfully passed on the DOMOTEX torch to yours truly. I have been briefly introduced to ya’ll (as they say in the south) but I don’t think we have officially met. My name is Katherine León and as the Director of Sales at Hannover Fairs, USA, I will be your new contact for all things DOMOTEX.

I hail from the NYC metro area, and was crazy enough to venture even further north to complete my undergraduate studies at Syracuse University. Over the past 10 years, I have worked in several capacities within the trade show and event industry and about three years ago, I decided to migrate south and settle in Atlanta, GA where fortunately we have not been pummeled by snow this winter unlike my colleagues at Hannover Fairs USA in Princeton, NJ.

My first introduction to DOMOTEX was this past January in Hannover and now that I have that under my belt, I am thrilled about the outlook for the coming years. We wrapped up the fair with a substantial 12% increase in overall attendance from last year and we held steady with 1,395 exhibiting companies from all over the world.

It was truly a remarkable experience to be a part of such a global and compressive trade fair that encompasses all sectors of the flooring industry. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to be a part of this tremendous event, I would encourage you to add it to your calendar for next year. Below are some of the special events on the show floor this year in addition to the innovative products that were on display:

The Carpet Design Awards – the annual awards that recognized the best in hand made carpets. Among the winners that received prestigious prizes were Chuk Palu and Jan Kath GmbH. You can view the full list of Carpet Design Award winners.

ContractWorld – located in Hall 4, attracted contractors and architects to not only receive education with the various presentations but also view quality floor covering products. The ContractWorld Awards were also presented. View the ContractWorld Award winners.

Souk Deluxe – launched this year on the DOMOTEX show floor, this allowed buyers to view the latest trends in the handmade carpet sector. Take a look at all the Souk Deluxe participants.

Forum Handwerk – Six years and counting, this area of the show floor which is also includes Skilled Trade Forum with cooperation of Boden Wand Decke Magazine, is a one stop shop for the skilled trade.

You can also get first hand reactions from our top exhibitors at DOMOTEX from various media resources.

For example, watch and listen to Dave Foster from Talk Floor get reactions from Al Kabus, President of The Mohawk Group about DOMOTEX and Mohawk’s presence in international markets.

Kemp Harr from Floor Daily also spends a few minutes with Susanne Klaproth, Director of DOMOTEX, discussing some of the highlights of the show that I mentioned above.

I also want to mention that DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, the largest international trade fair for the floor covering industry in Asia and China, is coming up in a few weeks on March 23-25, 2010.

Our very own Jim Gould, President of The Floor Covering Institute will be a moderator for The International Wood Flooring Summit that will take place on March 24th, 2010 as part of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR. Other panelists include Mark Elwell, Board of Director, National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and Bill Dearing, President, North American Laminate Flooring Manufacturers (NALFA). Please click on the following link for further information about DOMOTEX asia/China Floors.

Feel free to drop me a line at Katherine@hfusa.com if you have any questions about DOMOTEX or if you would like to discuss college basketball since my Alma Mata is now officially #1 in the nation!

~ Katherine

Katherine León
Phone: 404.326.9921

DOMOTEX - Useful Expressions, Final Advice

2010-01-11T22:51:00.004-05:00

Last minute details: the weather, useful expressions and advice for DOMOTEX 2010.

Jim, Katherine and I are excited about seeing you in a few days. We have several last minute details to share with you. Starting with airport security: plan for extra time.

The Weather in Hannover

Definitely be prepared for cold, wintery weather. Here is a link to the BBC weather website for Hannover so you can monitor what to expect. As you can see, it will be cold and mostly overcast.

Useful German and Flooring Expressions

Even if you are a Domotex travel-pro, it can't hurt to be reminded of a few German expressions. If there are others you would add to the list, let us know in the comments.

Customer service: Service or Information

Hello!: Guten Tag!
Good bye!: Auf Wiedersehen!

Thank you: Danke
You’re welcome: Bitte

Train station: Bahnhof or Hauptbahnhof
Where is the train station? Wo ist der Bahnhof?

Fairground: Messegelaende
How far is the fairground? Wie weit is the Messegelaende?
Which train goes to the fairground? Welche Bahn geht zum Messegelaende?

Entrance: Eingang
How do I get to the entrance? Wie komme ich zum Eingang?

Exit: Ausgang
How do I find the exit? Wie finde ich den Ausgang?

For other words and expressions, consider this online dictionary http://www.leo.org/ which includes an English to German search window.

As it relates to flooring, you'll notice different conventions for referring to product. This listing of flooring expressions will help you make sense of the differences.

Flooring Product Expressions

Carpet or rugs – Tapis, moquette [French terms]. The german word for carpet is Teppich, for wall-to-wall is Teppichboden (literally carpetfloor) or Teppichfliessen (carpet tile).

Wood – Parquet (pronounced parkett, not par kay); you might also say Holzboden for woodfloor.

Vinyl – PVC (not just tile but also sheet goods)

Nylon – Polyamide (PA)

Polypropylene – PP

Polyurethane finishes on flooring is called PU

Again, if there are others you suggest adding to the list, do let us know in the comments.

FloorDaily Interview with Rita Anticipates DOMOTEX 2010

If you haven't, you might also want to listen to this recent FloorDaily interview with Kemp Harr during which Rita Dommermuth Discusses Highlights and Weather Conditions for Domotex Germany.

It lasts approximately 8 minutes. The description reads:

"Rita Dommermuth, VP of Sales for Domotex, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights for the world's largest global flooring expo which will be held in Hanover Germany from January 16 to 19. Listen to the interview to hear more details about the anticipated attendance, U.S. participation, Contract World, a bus tour of German retailers, and more about the weather forecast."

Advice For Getting Around Hannover

Donna Hyland suggests, when using a taxi, having the address of your destination written down to give to the taxi driver, although most speak English quite well. Germans are modest about their foreign language capabilities so if you ask if they speak English, they usually will say “just a little”.

It is generally a good idea to always have readily available your exact hotel phone number and address. After a full few days walking the show, navigating a foreign environment and being still jet lagged, it's nice to give your brain a break and simply pull out a piece of paper - or your cell phone/PDA - with your hotel information.

VIP North American Delegation

If you are a member of the VIP North American Delegation, Jim recommends that you meet him on Saturday morning, the opening day of Domotex, at the VIP Lounge area if you need help or direction. He will be checking email in the evening only.

Note that Domotex entrance tickets and other information will be sent out on 1/11/10. If you haven't received yours, please contact Rita, Katherine or Jim or all three.

Finally, if you need help of any kind, please don't hesitate to ask. You will find many staff members ready to help and answer your questions at DOMOTEX.

Bon Voyage! Katherine, Art, and Rita and Jim will see you very shortly in Germany.

~ Jim and Rita

Jim Gould, Floor Covering Institute
jgould@FloorCoveringInstitute.com

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Hannover Restaurants For Domotex Dining

2010-01-10T12:03:00.001-05:00

Where To Dine In Hannover?

A question that frequently comes up at Domotex time is where to go for dinner in Hannover? I have my favorite and dine there every Domotex. But what about others? Hannover offers many excellent restaurants and a variety of cuisines: which to choose? I decided to survey my colleagues for their favorites. The result is this list of best Hannover Restaurants for Domotex Dining.

For all of these, I recommend calling ahead for a reservation. Also, not all take credit cards.

Best Hannover Restaurants for Domotex Dining

Kim Gavin, Floor Covering Weekly
Kim's favorite in Hannover is the highly rated Chinese/Asian restaurant - Arc En'Ciel. It is located Downtown near the train station and a two block walk from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is open Monday through Saturday and accepts credit cards.

Address: Königstraße 55, 30175 Hannover
Phone: 0511 313 857

David Wootton, The Wootton Group
David considers the best restaurant in Hannover to be Die Insel. He says it's quite expensive, but good and authentically German.

Rudolf-von-Bennigsen Ufer 81, D-30519 Hannover
Tel. +49 (0)511.83 12 14
n.schu@dieinsel.com

Rita Dommermuth, DOMOTEX
Rita recommends Pier 51. It's a restaurant with international cuisine and an exciting view. The restaurant has a unique, almost Mediterranean feel, with two-thirds of it directly overlooking the Maschsee lake. It is rated as one of Hannover's best restaurants and has received numerous awards. Garden or terrace, and beer garden.

Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 51, 30173 Hannover
Phone +49 511 807 180-0
info@pier51.de

Monika Arnold, DOMOTEX
Monika recommends three restaurants:

Basil. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is very nice as you can see from the website (also in english).

Address: Dragonerstraße 30, 30163 Hannover, Germany
Phone: 0511 622-636

If you are looking for a bavarian restaurant, the Bavarium and the Paulaner are really traditional restaurants in that style from the northern part of Germany. Unfortunately the websites are only in German.

Bavarium Address: Windmühlenstraße 3, 30159 Hannover
Bavarium Phone: 0511 323600

Paulaner Address: Prinzenstraße 1, 30159 Hannover
Paulener Phone: 0511 3681285

And, last, but certainly NOT least, mine!

My favorite is the Altedeutsche Bierstube. It is a great cozy, little, traditional German food restaurant. Their unique schweinhoch (pig’s knuckle) served with its crispy skin, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut is a meal I dream about all year long. I’m looking forward to enjoying another great dinner there this year. It is is only open Monday through Saturday [i.e., closed Sunday]. Also, they do NOT take credit cards.

Address: Kobelingerstrasse 1, 30159, Hannover,
Phone: 511 344 921

If you have favorite Hannover restaurants you've enjoyed while at Domotex, let us know in the comments. And, if you go to any of these restaurants, let us know what you enjoyed most.

Safe travels and see you shortly at DOMOTEX!

~ Jim

Jim Gould, Floor Covering Institute
jgould@FloorCoveringInstitute.com

Meet Katherine León, Director of Sales, DOMOTEX

2010-01-08T11:59:00.001-05:00

Katherine León Joins DOMOTEX in 2010

Happy New Year 2010!

From all of us at Hannover Fairs USA, we would like to wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2010!

DOMOTEX 2010 is just around the corner and should you have any last minute questions prior to the show, please contact the Long Beach office at 562-901-9191 or e-mail me at rita@hfusa.com.

DOMOTEX News: Katherine León

We also have some news: a new director of sales.

Katherine León has joined Hannover Fairs USA in the New Year as Director of Sales for the Domotex team.

From this point on, my role at Hannover Fairs USA will be focused full-time on several other events organized by Deutsche Messe AG, including Hannover Messe and CeMAT in Hannover along with their respective worldwide events. These shows are industrial technology B2B events supporting all facets of manufacturing (Hannover Messe) and material handling & logistics (CeMAT).

I know you will enjoy Katherine. Prior to joining the Hannover Fairs USA team, Katherine was the Sales Manager for Messe Frankfurt USA where she led sales and marketing efforts in the domestic textile division. With a decade of trade show and conference experience, she has managed and produced meetings and events of all sizes in the B2B sector.

Katherine graduated from Syracuse University and currently resides in Atlanta, GA where she enjoys running and volunteering in her neighborhood association.

Katherine will be at DOMOTEX assisting U.S. exhibitors. After the show she can be reached in her Atlanta office, 404-326-9921, or via email at kleon@hfusa.com.

Katherine and I both look forward to seeing you in Hannover for DOMOTEX 2010!

Safe travels.

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

International Trade & Importing Advice For Flooring

2010-01-04T09:19:00.002-05:00

How Much Do You Know About Flooring, International Trade & Importing?

DOMOTEX: A Source of Invaluable Flooring Insights for Importing & International Trade

International trade can be extremely profitable or a very expensive lesson depending on how well you understand the importing process and prepare for it - especially in flooring. I've learned many lessons during my floor covering career; some confirmed expectations and others led to surprises -- expensive surprises -- having to do with not knowing enough about importing. As Yogi Berra said, “You don’t know what you don’t know” and, if I had, I might have saved a lot of money! For example, I wish I had known why gross profit margins were higher in ceramic than in other flooring categories before making the investments I did. That was an example of not understanding how freight costs ate away profits every time I moved ceramic. On the other hand, I won when I gambled on a new category called laminate back in the early 1990s. That's when I found Pergo at Domotex and was the first person to import it and then distribute it nationally in the U.S.

The long and the short of flooring, international trade and importing is caution for the inexperienced. As we like to say in America, “there may be gold in those hills” but it can be a dangerous road getting there without knowledge or experience.

And, that's where Domotex is invaluable!

I was reminded of this earlier today while speaking with a man who had recently invested in a wood flooring factory in Eastern Europe. He is using Domotex Hannover as the fastest and most economical way to get a perspective on the international market, see products, trends and meet with manufacturers and buyers from around the world. This is something that everyone contemplating international business must do. Domotex is an invaluable tool for anyone looking outside of their borders for opportunity. But once you decide to take the leap into international waters there is a lot to learn!

As easy as it seems to match up two parties when one is saying “I want to sell” and the other “I want to buy,” I've learned not to underestimate the complexity of the international market. More specifically, there are two high level phases associated with bringing product into the U.S. The first involves procureing, shipping, clearing customs and getting it to its final destination. The second is the process of sales, logistics and distribution to customers.

If you are coming to Domotex to find product to import and you are not an experienced importer there are many things you need to consider. Here are a few:

• Are your Commercial Invoice (a required document) and Purchase Order in agreement and do they specify both the terms of your transaction and the product?

• Does your paperwork conform with U.S. regulatory requirements?

• Are packaging, marking, and regulatory requirements specified and met?

• What constitutes full performance by your supplier and how have you documented it?

• Is your product correctly classified under the HTS codes so that you know what your tariff will be upon entry to the U.S.?

• What is your recourse if shipments are delayed or products turn out to be non-conforming?

• Are there cultural or customary business differences between you and your supplier that you need to be aware of to avoid misunderstandings?

• How will you handle currency fluctuations?

• Have you chosen the right payment and financing vehicles for the transaction? Letters of Credit afford protection against non performing suppliers but only if they are structured properly and are in agreement with performance requirements in your Commercial Invoice.

• When do you want title and risk to pass to you? There are several choices: FAS, FOB, CIF, for example, and each one means title passes at a different point and you become responsible for loss and insurance at a different point.

• Do you know every cost of importing that affects your gross profit margin? Example: procurement, inspections, ground transportation, marine transportation, insurance, tariffs, customs fees (both departure and entry), brokers fees, etc.

• Do you understand the roles of main players along the way: freight forwarder and customs brokers and know how and where to hire them?

• Have you followed tips for packaging and loading that reduce breakage and help expedite your shipment through customs?

• Do you understand the process of “gaining entry” at customs and what is required of the importer of record at this point?

Surfaces 2010: International Trade Expert Panel

Although it takes place a few weeks after DOMOTEX, Surfaces 2010 offers an opportunity to learn about international trade and importing flooring products. More specifically, I will moderate a panel of international trade experts as we discuss the potential pitfalls to be avoided when importing. It will cover important requirements for foreign manufacturers wishing to export to the U.S. as well as for American buyers wanting to procure product abroad.

We will answer some important questions but more importantly show you how you can avoid situations such as:

“What recourse do I have with a supplier that is 8,000 miles away and has already exercised my Letter of Credit but his product does not meet my expectations?”

The quick answer to this is that protection has to be put in place in advance. Product quality expectations must be clearly detailed in the purchase order. Conditions must be placed in the Letter of Credit that restricts release of funds until after the goods are inspected and determined to conform. And, a plan for dispute resolution has to be agreed upon before orders are placed.

“When does title and risk pass to me?

This depends upon which international terms you choose, for example, FAS, FOB, or CIF. Title and risk can pass at various stages along the importing route, depending upon how you structure the deal.

For more information about the seminar, read Find Out What You Don't Know About Importing Before the Ship Sails.

Floor covering is a global industry and opportunity abounds for aggressive entrepreneurs importing or exporting. Just be prepared!

I'd love to hear about your experiences and what you have found most beneficial in achieving success with flooring, international trade and importing.

Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you at DOMOTEX as well as Surfaces.

Jim

jgould@FloorCoveringInstitute.com

DOMOTEX Hotel Service

2009-12-30T10:48:00.003-05:00

DOMOTEX Hannover Web-based Hotel Service Offers Valuable Travel Resources

Have you checked out the new DOMOTEX HotelService resources? It's an ideal resource for searching on the hotels available in the Hannover area. You can do so based on star [i.e., 'sterne'] ratings, location as well as price.

The site also offers links to many other resources about Hannover, Germany.

The HotelService site is accessible from the home page of the official Domotex Hannover site via an eye-catching red box [see below] or by going directly to the HotelService site.

In case you are at a different stage of planning for your trip to Hannover, listed below are contacts from the DOMOTEX HotelService. They can answer your specific questions and help make your stay in Hannover that much more enjoyable and productive.

Contact persons at HotelService Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH

Accommodation service

Placement of hotel rooms in Hannover and the Hannover Region
Public hotlines:
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 555
Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 556
Email: hotels@hannover‐tourismus.de
Contact person: Mr. Benjamin Wirtz Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 16849792

Tourist information service

General information on Hannover, HannoverCard, information material
Public hotlines:
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 111
Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 112
Email: info@hannover‐tourismus.de
Contact person: Ms Gönül Tut Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 16849731

Ticket service

Information and tickets for trade fairs and events of any kind in Hannover
Public hotlines:
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 222
Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 112
Email: tickets@hannover‐tourismus.de
Contact person: Ms Azadeh Joze‐Delshadian Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 16849721

Transfer services, assistances and travel escorts

Transfers of any kind, placement of coaches, placement of assistances and travel
escorts also in foreign languages
Public hotlines:
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 333
Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 334
Email: staedtereise@hannover‐tourismus.de
Contact person: Ms Nadine Riegel Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 16849734

City tours

Organisation of city tours and guided city walks
Public hotlines:
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 333
Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 334
Email: staedtereise@hannover‐tourismus.de
Contact person: Ms Nadine Riegel Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 16849734

Accompanying programmes

Accompanying tourist programmes in Hannover and the Hannover Region
Public hotlines:
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 333
Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 334
Email: staedtereise@hannover‐tourismus.de
Contact person: Ms Nadine Riegel Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 12345 – 333

Congress– and incentives service

Organisation of events und incentives during trade fairs
Email: info@hannoverkongress.de
Public contact person: Ms Britta Garvens Tel.: +49 (0) 511 – 16845313, Fax: +49 (0) 511 – 16845314

NOTE: You may also want to refer to Jim's post about Domotex First Time Travel Tips.

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. See you in Hannover!

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Hannover Holiday Traditions

2009-12-23T09:41:00.001-05:00

Holiday Traditions in Hannover & Germany Anticipate DOMOTEX 2010!

Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays! Donna Hyland, who wrote about Navajo Textile Weavers demonstrating their rug art at Domotex, shares a few holiday traditions famous in Germany and Hannover. We hope they get you in the mood for the Holiday Season as well as for DOMOTEX 2010!

----------------

In German families, for about two weeks before Christmas the room where the tree will be (and usually the focus of the house for holiday celebration) is locked so children can not enter. As German homes have a lot of interior doors (actually for heat conservation as well as for privacy), it’s common to have to go through a doorway into the kitchen, living room, dining room, etc.

In that room is where all the preparations for Christmas are going on; the parents put up the tree and decorate it. There is usually a glass pickle hidden on the tree; the first child to find it receives a small extra gift. On Christmas Eve, a festive dinner is prepared and the door is ceremoniously unlocked/opened for the sparkling lights and ornaments to be observed. Afterwards the children are hurried off to bed to sleep in anticipation of the arrival during the night of Saint Nicholas and his gifts.

Beginning around the first week of December, another wonderful Christmas tradition takes place in towns all over Germany known as Kris Kringle Markt, all festively lighted and well attended at night. At the Christmas market you’ll find beautiful glass and wooden ornaments, wax angels (most famous from Nuremburg), fancy candies, food specialties and very nice hand made wooden toys, especially marionettes and hand puppets. The famed nut crackers represented in all kinds of characters are made near Hannover; visitors can take a tour.

Hannover is known for its cookies (Bahlsen world headquarters are in Hannover). Everyone simply must try the gingered cookies, pfefferneuse, and chocolate rolled wafers, these are spectacular and come in standard packaging as well as tins. Special Christmas production emphasizes the holiday. In the 1990s, when I first started going to Domotex, I would bring home a box full of different Bahlsen cookies, purchased at the factory. Then one year I realized the cookies could be bought at the Shop-Rite in my own New Jersey town!

Beginning the first week of January you will encounter the very fragrant remains of cut trees mounded for recycling at the street squares where subway stops are located. Of all the times I’ve gone to Hannover (54 to be exact but that’s for other exhibitions as well), the pine smell is a fond remembrance of Domotex time.

Makes me want to jump right on that plane and head to Germany today! Not too long now for DOMOTEX 2010!

------------

Thank you, Donna!

From all of us at DOMOTEX, we wish you very Happy Holidays, Frohe Weihnatchten, and best wishes for 2010!

We also can't wait to see you in Hannover for DOMOTEX 2010.

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

AFA's Wanda Ellis Urges Going Global At DOMOTEX

2009-12-18T11:28:00.003-05:00

Meet Wanda Ellis, Executive Director of the American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA)

Why AFA Considers Going Global and DOMOTEX So Important To The Floor Covering Industry.

Dear DOMOTEX blog readers,

It is my pleasure to introduce Wanda Ellis, executive director of the American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA).

For those who do not already know her, Wanda has organized an AFA Pavilion at DOMOTEX for quite a few years and, before that, she contributed to the USA Pavilion. Wanda has made sure that the participating AFA members and especially those located in Georgia have fully benefited from the international sales platform that DOMOTEX can offer and has coordinated her activities closely with the State of Georgia, another strong supporter of the industry.

Wanda has taken her members to Hannover, Shanghai and Dubai. The Domotex staff here in the US and in Hannover appreciate her dedication and hard work. She is a strong believer in creating worldwide sales opportunities for her members.

We would also like to congratulate the AFA on its 30th year and look forward to welcoming the AFA members at DOMOTEX 2010!

Here is Wanda on some of her experiences.

--------------------------

This year, AFA is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with a members’ reunion mixer. AFA (or CMMA back then) was started in 1979 by mid-sized carpet manufacturers for the purpose of bringing dealers/distributors to town to sell products. After all, Dalton was known as the “Carpet Capital”.

Not being around during that era, I missed out of cleaning out the local Holiday Inn guest rooms to make room for the carpet samples. I have to rely on tales told by the founder members that were involved! But, the stories abound about the markets back in the good ole days at the Holiday Inn. They all say those were the times when shows were fun and they made money. Certainly, life was a bit easier. I will enjoy talking to some of the manufacturers at our reunion party to learn more.

With consolidation, mergers, & acquisitions, CMMA had to undergo some changes. No longer could the regional markets survive. In 1991, CMMA became DFCMA (Dalton Floor Covering Market Association) to keep pace with the industry changes.

By 1997, it was apparent that DFCMA had to go global. So, in 1998, I teamed up with the State of Georgia to develop international export programs for mid-sized mills. Our first venture was Domotex in Hannover. Thinking that we could take some sample books, meet customers, and bring back orders was naïve at best. After the first year, I realized that there had to be a long term commitment from our association, as well as the mills, in order to make it worthwhile.

This started what I term to be one of the most important programs for AFA & our industry. Being located in the Domotex USA Pavilion in the beginning, we were able to help our exhibitors have a presence at one of the most important international marketplaces in the world.

Year after year, we gradually developed a network of customers from around the world, looking to buy USA goods. At the same time, we were building a strong support system for our group of exporters. We wanted to make it as easy as possible to help a company go global. Everything but samples are provided for our exhibitors to simplify the process.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial that any manufacturer look to cost effective ways to develop business in new markets. With the US market down, new emerging markets overseas is the next place to look.

2010 will be an extremely difficult time for any US manufacturer to hold steady with what production base they have been able to maintain over the last 18 months. Hopefully, by taking a small stand with AFA at Domotex, more will survive until our economic situation takes an upward turn.

Look for us at DOMOTEX 2010 in Hall 5, Stand B29. We have 12 AFA members (45 people) exhibiting in our Pavilion and an additional 5 non-exhibiting members visiting Domotex with us. On hand to assist are representatives from the Georgia Economic Development - Alice Carson from Atlanta, Nils Gerber from the Germany office, and an interpreter/hostess.

See you in Hannover!

----------------------------

Thank you, Wanda!

Wanda Ellis has been with the American Floorcovering Alliance since 1993. In addition to her role as executive director, where she handles marketing, membership programs, press releases, meetings, trade shows, and financials for the AFA, Wanda serves on the North Georgia Export Council ETAC Committee and is a prior board member of the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Georgia Sheriff’s Home for Girls.

If you have questions for Wanda or me, please don't hesitate to ask. See you at DOMOTEX 2010!

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Anticipating DOMOTEX: Russia Opportunities

2009-12-11T08:03:00.006-05:00

Continuing on with our series about anticipating DOMOTEX 2010 and the opportunities for flooring, here is a report on Russia that Catherine Meyer from the U.S. Commercial Service shares with us courtesy of her colleague Valeria Khalina.

As Catherine explains, Russia is an interesting market because many DIY stores are opening there (10 in the 1st half of 2009 and another 214 are in planning) as well as in Poland (24 in 1st half of 2009 and 11 in planning).

Furthermore, German and French DIY companies are expanding into Eastern Europe.

According to statistics, many DIYs are being planned for Romania. Unfortunately, this report is only in German, but if you have an interest, let us know and Catherine can bring some information to Domotex.

If you are interesting in DIYs, be sure to contact Jim Gould know so you can take part in the German DIY tour he is organizing for North American VIP Delegates.

Opportunities in Russia

(Note: a full length report will be available to U.S. firms at Domotex)

The market for building products was actively developing until the fall of 2008, growing at an average of 20-25% per year, when the global financial crisis arrived in the Russian market. One of the industries that was heavily impacted by the crisis was the construction industry. The market for building products is very dependent on the overall construction activity in the country. Therefore, when there was a drop in the rate of construction, the demand for building products and materials dropped as well, causing the building products market to stagnate. Experts predict the market for building products to resume its growth in 2011.

Floor coverings

In this industry segment before the financial crisis, experts were forecasting steady growth. The most popular product in this segment is linoleum. It accounted for 61.4% of the market in 2008. The total market volume in 2008 was 272. 8 million square meters out which 128.6 million square meters was produced locally and 161.5 square meters was imported. The local Russian market is heavily dominated by a German company called Tarkett, which has a production facility in Samara. They manufacture 80% of all linoleum sold in Russia. In 2009, it is expected that the market volume will considerably decrease given the continuing financial situation.

The other popular product that is used for floors is ceramic tiles (22.5% of the market). The total market volume in 2008 was 102 million square meters out which 73.8 square meters was produced locally and 34.6 square meters was imported. There are about 25 main local manufacturers of ceramic tiles in Russia. Experts also predict the decrease in market volume in this segment in 2009.

During recent years, laminate has become popular among Russian consumers (11.2% of the market). This segment was one of the most promising as its growth rate during the past several years was 40-50% per year. At the moment, imports of this product are higher than exports; however, experts predict that in a couple of years the market share of local manufacturers will reach 65% because of foreign manufacturers such as Kronospan and Swiss Krono Group. Both companies have production facilities in Russia.

Parquet is also becoming more popular in Russia (2% of the market). The total market volume in 2008 was 7.3 million square meters out of which 6.5 square meters was produced locally and 2.0 square meters was imported. Experts predict a small increase in 2009 market volume. Even though parquet boards are cheaper than piece parquet, its market share is only 30%. Before 2004, the main suppliers of parquet boards were foreign companies (65%). Over time, Russian manufacturers have become more aggressive and today they account for about 60% of the parquet board market. In the piece parquet segment, the Russian manufactures are dominating; however, imports are growing. In 2000, imported products took 5% of the market and in 2007 – 20%. This is related to the fact that floors made out of exotic woods are very popular among Russian consumers.

Other products (3% of the total market) such as synthetic carpet, carpet (from such natural fibers as wool), cork floors, etc. are also growing their presence in the Russian market, but at the moment are not as popular among consumers.

Best Prospects

Best prospects include parquet (especially from exotic woods), laminates and other flooring products that are not actively present in the Russian market. U.S. companies need to create an aggressive marketing campaign and introduce those products to the Russian consumer.

Potential Barriers

• Language: most communication is done in Russian.
• Distance from the United States
• Tough competition from European and Asian companies
• Possibility of corruption and bureaucracy in many areas of business
• Certification issues
• 18 % VAT plus high import taxes (vary from 15 to 20%)

For more information about doing business in Russia, please contact:
The U.S. Commercial Service, Moscow, Russia, via email at: Valeria.Khalina@mail.doc.gov.

Or, visit our website: http://www.buyusa.gov/russia/en/

The U.S. Commercial Service — Your Global Business Partner

With its network of offices across the United States and in more than 80 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://www.export.gov/eac.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is intended to be of assistance to U.S. exporters. While we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, neither the United States government nor any of its employees make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of information in this or any other United States government document. Readers are advised to independently verify any information prior to reliance thereon. The information provided in this report does not constitute legal advice. The Commercial Service reference to or inclusion of material by a non-U.S. Government entity in this document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the Commercial Service of the entity, its materials, or its products or services

International copyright, U.S. Department of Commerce, 2009. All rights reserved outside of the United States.

Thank you, Catherine, for this report!

As it relates to DOMOTEX, the U.S. Commercial Service in Frankfurt is your contact for export assistance. Although each country has a trade specialist, the Frankfurt office - and Catherine Mayer - coordinates those offices. Catherine Mayer will be at DOMOTEX 2010 and scheduling meetings with American visitors and foreign buyers to promote the sale of American made products.

If you are attending DOMOTEX and want to benefit from the services provided by the US Department of Commerce, Commercial Services Division, please be sure to contact Catherine Mayer, Jim Gould or me to schedule an appointment. US DOC services include market research, introductions to foreign markets and guidance on how to do business in any specific foreign country.

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Technorati Tags: BuyUSA Russia export opportunities Russia flooring opportunities US commercial service Domotex 2010 department of commerce foreign trade support Valeria Khalina

Anticipating DOMOTEX: UK Flooring Market

2009-12-04T07:35:00.003-05:00

Continuing on with our series about anticipating DOMOTEX 2010 and the opportunities for flooring, here is a report on the UK Flooring Market brought to us by Cheryl Withers of the London office of the U.S. Commercial Service and colleague of Catherine Mayer.

Opportunities in the United Kingdom

The UK Flooring Market

The UK market for floor coverings was worth around $9.7 billion in 2008. Carpet accounts for around 55% of the UK market. It has traditionally been the most favored form of floor covering in the UK primarily because of the climate and the comfort factor. However, wood and tile are increasing in popularity and gaining more of a market share. The non-domestic sector (offices, retail, leisure, and education) is also experiencing a shift to wood. Solid wood was popular during the 1990s but the situation has reversed as laminated wood [i.e., engineered wood] has become increasingly cheaper to purchase. Sales of solid wood are still expected to increase but so is the competition. The UK imports a large amount of wood from Scandinavia and Germany. The market has been affected by the current recession but I expect the current drive for more new housing and refurbishment projects to have a positive influence once the crisis ends. Natural/eco products or unique products would be particularly welcomed.

Flooring Journals/Trade Associations

Mr. Allan Little
Director
British Textile Machinery Association
Mount Pleasant, Glazebrook Lane
Glazebrook, Warrington WA3 5BN
Tel: +44 (0)161 775 5740
Fax: +44 (0)161 775 5485
Email: btma@btma.org.uk
Web site: http://www.btma.org.uk/

Mr. Ashley Heath
Chairman
The Tile Association
Forum Court
83 Copers Cope Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 1NR
Tel: +44 (0) 8663 0946
Email: info@tiles.org.uk
Web site: http://www.tiles.org.uk/

Mr. Michael Hardman
Chief Executive
The Carpet Foundation
MCF Complex
60 New Road
Kidderminster
Worcester DY10 1AQ
Tel: +44 (0)1562 755 568
Fax: +44 (0)1562 865 405
Web site: http://www.carpetfoundation.com/

British Wood Flooring Association
1A Vicarage Lane
Dunchurch
Warwickshire, CV22 6QP
Web site: http://www.bwfa.co.uk/

Contract Flooring Magazine

Contract Flooring Journal

Tile UK

For more information about doing business in the UK,

Please contact:

Cheryl Withers
U.S. Commercial Service
American Embassy
24 Grosvenor Square
London W1A 1AE
United Kingdom
Tel: 44 (0) 20 7894 0471
Fax: 44 (0) 20 7894 0020
Email: cheryl.withers@mail.doc.gov

The U.S. Commercial Service — Your Global Business Partner

With its network of offices across the United States and in more than 80 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://www.export.gov/eac.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is intended to be of assistance to U.S. exporters. While we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, neither the United States government nor any of its employees make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of information in this or any other United States government document. Readers are advised to independently verify any information prior to reliance thereon. The information provided in this report does not constitute legal advice. The Commercial Service reference to or inclusion of material by a non-U.S. Government entity in this document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the Commercial Service of the entity, its materials, or its products or services

International copyright, U.S. Department of Commerce, 2009. All rights reserved outside of the United States.

Thank you, Cheryl, for this report -- and Catherine for involving your colleague!

As it relates to DOMOTEX, the U.S. Commercial Service in Frankfurt is your contact for export assistance. Although each country has a trade specialist, the Frankfurt office - and Catherine Mayer - coordinates those offices. Catherine Mayer will be at DOMOTEX 2010 and scheduling meetings with American visitors and foreign buyers to promote the sale of American made products.

If you are attending DOMOTEX and want to benefit from the services provided by the US Department of Commerce, Commercial Services Division, please be sure to contact Catherine Mayer, Jim Gould or me to schedule an appointment. US DOC services include market research, introductions to foreign markets and guidance on how to do business in any specific foreign country.

Next, opportunities in Russia.

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Technorati Tags: BuyUSA UK flooring opportunities US commercial service Cheryl Withers Domotex 2010 Department of commerce foreign trade support

Anticipating DOMOTEX: Poland Opportunities

2009-11-30T13:45:00.005-05:00

With DOMOTEX 2010 just a few weeks away, you might be interested in an update on European markets. We asked Catherine Mayer, from the United States Department of Commerce, Commercial Service division in Frankfurt, Germany [please refer to our previous post titled U.S. Commercial Service Offices Offer Foreign Trade Support], to share some highlights. Catherine and her colleagues in Eastern Europe bring the following countries to our attention: United Kingdom, Russia and Poland.

In this blogpost, we will detail opportunities in Poland. Look for a discussion of opportunities in the UK and Russia in separate posts.

Opportunities in Poland

Poland is of particular interest because the UEFA soccer championships will be held there and in the Ukraine in 2012. As a result, a great deal of building - hotels as well as sports facilities - is anticipated in conjunction with that event.

To put into perspective the scope of this championship, the two countries expect approximately 500,000 visitors during the event - which lasts 3 weeks. In addition to adding facilities, both countries will need to renovate existing structures.

U.S. companies will have significant business opportunities stemming from the 2012 build out ranging from architecture/design/engineering and construction services to equipment and support services. They may want to bid on such projects and/or participate in related export opportunities.

For more information, link to U.S. Commercial Service site for Poland which includes a section specifically about the UEFA 2012 soccer championships - with more details on what Poland and Ukraine need to upgrade.

The Ukraine U.S. Commercial service site can be accessed via this link.

Catherine Mayer will be at DOMOTEX 2010 and scheduling meetings with American visitors and foreign buyers to promote the sale of American made products. If you are attending DOMOTEX and want to benefit from the services provided by the US Department of Commerce, Commercial Services Division, please be sure to contact Catherine Mayer, Jim Gould or me to schedule an appointment. US DOC services include market research, introductions to foreign markets and guidance on how to do business in any specific foreign country.

Catherine will have available a mini-report on Poland at DOMOTEX 2010.

Next, opportunities in the United Kingdom.

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Technorati Tags: Domotex 2010 Catherine Mayer Department of Commerce foreign trade support flooring opportunities Poland UEFA soccer championship building opportuities

Domotex First Time Travel Tips

2009-11-16T09:35:00.003-05:00

If DOMOTEX 2010 is your first trip to Hannover, Germany, let me suggest a few first time travel tips and answers to the questions you might be asking yourself.

Weather

The weather in northern Germany in January is unpredictable. Generally it is cold, 40s F during the day, and often rainy. That said, I have been there on beautifully warm sunny days in the 50s, cold and raining in the 30s and during a snow storm. Try to check the forecast and plan to dress warmly to get to and from the show and evenings. Once you are at the Messe, the buildings are connected and there is little need to go outdoors.

Dress

Generally, people dress in “business casual” which to me means ties are not necessary even though some attendees will wear them. Ladies are always dressed stylishly in Europe no matter if they have on the latest fashion dress or jeans. If you take an overcoat or umbrella, it can be checked at the entrance and picked up at the end of the day. Wear comfortable shoes since the buildings are large and you will be on your feet all day walking.

Fairgrounds

The place where the exhibition is held is called the “Messe” pronounced “mess-ah” and referred to as the fairgrounds. Domotex is such a major event in Hannover, that most people know what you are referring to when you say the name. The fairgrounds are very large including 13 buildings and a million square feet of exhibition space. Different buildings highlight different product categories. Several are exclusively area rugs, some separated by country of origin. Others will show primarily carpet, laminate or wood. One area is called ContractWorld and focuses on products and services for the commercial market. When you arrive you will come in to one of a couple of entrances. It is my understanding that some have recently been renovated so we should all just follow the crowd into the show. The entrance is where you can purchase tickets and a show directory but if you sign up early enough to join the North American VIP Delegation, these will be provided to you at no charge.

Language

Obviously the people in Germany speak German. At the show most exhibitors either speak English or have translators on their stands that do. Luckily, English has become the default language for all of the other countries that do not speak German. Often Europeans use different terms for products referring to wood flooring as 'parquette' (par-Ket), carpet as 'tapis' or sheet vinyl as PVC. Other products like laminate, cork, LVT are the same.

Food

Most buildings have restaurants and depending on the building they may range from a stand up coffee shop to a sit down restaurant with waiter service. The food is generally European and I highly recommend the bratwurst dipped in mustard at one of the standup counters. Some of the exhibitors offer food to their customers as well as bottles of water.

Transportation

I recommend not renting a car although parking is available at the show if you get there early each day. Taxis are available from the hotels to the show but getting a taxi in bad weather at the end of the day could mean standing in line for quite a while. Many nearby hotels have free van service for their customers; public transportation (tram) is available, free to fair goers. It runs from the lower tracks of the station at the entrance to the show and stops all over town.

Currency

The Euro, the standard currency throughout Europe, is worth about $1.50 which is historically high. Foreign currency can be changed into Euro’s in the airport, at your hotel or at banks at the Messe. Credit cards are accepted at most places however most taxis require currency. An exchange fee is charged and the exchange rate varies. Generally speaking the best rates and fees are on credit card purchases and at your hotel.

Let me know if you have any other questions since we want to make your trip as comfortable as possible. For information like show hours, exhibitors, etc., check the Domotex website.

For those of you for whom this won't be your first trip to Hannover, what would you add to this list?

I look forward to seeing you in Germany,

Jim

Technorati Tags: Hannover Germany travel tips Domotex travel tips

German DIY Tour Available to North American VIP Delegation

2009-11-08T23:59:00.001-05:00

Last year during Domotex 2009, I decided to take an afternoon to tour several major German floor covering retailers that I had read about for years. I discovered that several DIY stores like OBI, Praktiker [Praktiker Wikipedia entry], Hagebau, Toom and Hornbach were located within 10 miles of the fairgrounds.

For years I attended Domotex to see products from around the world and gather merchandising ideas from exhibitors’ displays. I'd fly to Germany arriving early Saturday morning, catch an hour nap at my hotel and be at the show in the afternoon. After a couple of full days visiting and walking past more than 1,000 exhibitors, I'd drag myself to the airport and fly home.

That changed with my visit to these German DIY stores!

In just a couple of hours I was able to see each of these European giants, several of which give Home Depot and Lowes a run for their money. The experience was eye opening. I could not believe that it had taken me so many years to take advantage of my travels to Hannover to witness firsthand the German retail floor covering market.

In fact, I thought this tour was so worthwhile that I asked Domotex to organize a similar opportunity for attendees of our North American VIP delegation.

For the 2010 program, Domotex has arranged for a six passenger van for the use of the North American VIP delegation on a limited schedule.

VIP attendees who sign up IN ADVANCE will be shuttled to at least three stores quickly and efficiently. The tours should take only two hours. Vans will pick up participants on the fairgrounds at a pre-scheduled time.

The best news of all is that Domotex is picking up the tab!

There is no charge to participants who are registered as part of the North American VIP delegation. This sure beats hiring a car and driver, mapping out your visit and worrying about parking.

Sometimes it's just good to be part of the right group!

If you have any questions or have not yet signed up for the North American VIP delegation for Domotex, contact me at jgould@floorcoveringinstitute.com. Space will be limited so make your reservations as soon as possible.

~ Jim

Technorati Tags: Domotex 2010 German DIY retailers German floor covering retailers Domotex North American VIP delegation

Join DOMOTEX VIP North American Delegation & Make The Most of Your Visit

2009-10-30T08:05:00.001-04:00

Were you aware that Domotex organizes a VIP North American Delegation? It's a great way for truly making the most of your visit, particularly if you are new to Domotex or new to Europe.

My first visit to Domotex was in 1990. The floor covering industry had broken away from Heimtexil in Frankfort a year earlier to establish an international show specifically for floor covering in Hannover, Germany.

That first visit I was lost and intimidated by the size of the show. I was also awed by the presentation of so many beautiful products. The exhibitor’s names, product colors, styles and composition were all very different from what I knew in America. Looking back it probably took me three years before I felt comfortable, and could distinguish between exhibitors that were major manufacturers and those that were simply local distributors.

Luckily, I had travelled Europe a lot before 1990 so I wasn't surprised by the differences in electricity, currency or language. I do remember, however, not knowing about the weather, appropriate dress, local transportation, how to register, location of the show, where to stay or eat. When I started to consult with Domotex, I explained my experience and questioned how we might be able to enhance the Domotex Experience for North American exhibitors and attendees and make the show and Hannover less intimidating, more comfortable and more user friendly.

To that end Domotex helped organize a VIP North American Delegation.

Sounds fancy but in reality it is a valuable package of perks being offered to North American visitors FREE. If you are attending Domotex in Hannover, Germany, January 16-19, 2010, you are eligible, just let me know you are going and I will sign you up, no charge. Here is what you can expect from becoming part of the VIP North American Delegation:

- Pre-registration to show, no standing in lines
- Free Admission tickets to the show (value $33 per day)
- Free Show Directory (value $25)
- Assistance with air reservations
- Negotiated hotel rates and room block
- Free local van, tram or train from hotel to the fairgrounds
- Free access to quiet VIP meeting area
- Appointment with US Department of Commerce Trade Specialists
- Visit to Retail Floor Covering stores in the Hannover area,
- Help scheduling appointments with key potential vendors or customers
- Answers to any questions you have about Domotex, Hannover or the European floor covering market.

Participation in the VIP Delegation does not mean that you must use any of these services. Get your own hotel or book your own air travel if you like. We are just offering the service if you want guidance or to check your prices.

Our goal is to be there if you want us and to enrich your Domotex experience. Whether you need help arranging business meetings, guidance on how to “work the show,” or simply need information about making your trip to Germany and Europe more fun, let us know and we will do our best to help.

First time traveler to Europe? We will send you a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about weather, dress, transportation, electricity, currency, credit cards and language.

First time traveler to Domotex? Let us know and we will help you know what to expect.

The Domotex VIP North American Delegation really is a great way to make the most of your visit to Hannover and Domotex! Please don't hesitate to contact Rita Dommermuth at rita@hfusa.com or me at jgould@floorcoveringinstitute.com. We both look forward to helping make this Dometex visit the best ever!

~ Jim

Technorati Tags: Domotex Jim Gould Domotex VIP North America Delegation world floor covering trade show

DOMOTEX 2010: News for U.S. Attendees

2009-10-23T19:05:00.001-04:00

News about DOMOTEX 2010 for U.S. Attendees
October 2009

Anyone interested in visiting DOMOTEX this coming January may want to check out the show’s highlights on the DOMOTEX website. I have summarized a few of them here to whet your appetite! Please ask us about our U.S. delegation now forming.

High international profile: 80 percent of the exhibitors come from outside Germany

Compared with virtually any other trade show, DOMOTEX HANNOVER is an extremely international event. For example, 80 percent of the exhibitors come from outside the host nation. Exhibitors from some sixty countries come to Hannover to conclude business deals and make new contacts. Germany is represented by the largest contingent of exhibitors, followed by Belgium, Turkey, India, the Netherlands, China, Italy and Switzerland. The U.S. is represented by over 30 exhibitors this year.

Magnet for decision-makers: 70 percent of the visitors are from top management

There is no more attractive venue for top international decision-makers. In fact, 70 percent of all the trade visitors attending DOMOTEX 2009 came from senior management.

Anyone who has personally seen DOMOTEX knows that no other event offers trade visitors such a good overview of the global marketplace. The main display categories at DOMOTEX HANNOVER are:

• 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
• Laying skills, cleaning and application technologies

Very important news for anyone interested in hand-made carpets - they are now displayed at the northern end of the Grounds in halls 19 - 23

The display category “hand-made carpets” will be shown for the first time in the exhibition halls at the northern end of the Exhibition Grounds [in red on the image to the left]. These halls can be accessed directly from the main entrance Nord 1, an entrance used by large numbers of visitors. Ample parking is located adjacent to these halls plus they are well connected to the Hannover public transportation network.

The new location makes it easier for trade visitors to find the individual keynote displays. Roofed walkways make the trip between halls provides shelter from the winter weather. The new halls presents a much better delineation of the full range of hand made types and styles and a convenient lounge offers a great place for business meetings and social interaction.

Here is a link to the DOMOTEX 2010 Visitor Brochure [which includes the hall plan graphic].

I’ll be sharing more highlights over the next weeks, but don’t hesitate to contact the U.S. office anytime for assistance.

While you are in Hannover, take some time out to visit the city. Follow this link to the cultural scene.

~ Rita

Rita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191

Technorati Tags: Domotex Domotex 2010 Domotex 2010 highlights Domotex 2010 Hall Plan Hannover cutlure Domotex 2010 Visitor Brochure

The US, The World & The Floor Covering Industry

2009-10-16T11:46:00.001-04:00

I learned an important lesson when I was younger: that the US, as big as it is, exists in a larger world; the more I could learn about the rest of that world, the better I could understand and anticipate US business issues, particularly in the floor covering industry.

During the summer of 1966, I worked in a small town in northern France called Notre Dame de Gravenchon; a picturesque town of less than 5,000 people nestled in the Seine River Valley. The city’s largest employer was SOCOBU, a synthetic rubber manufacturer owned by Standard Oil of New Jersey. It was their factory that I called home for six weeks of my youth. The town was not a tourist attraction, although my memory says it should have been, and to my surprise no one spoke a word of English. Calling on my six years of high school and college French, I communicated using “fr-anglais”, a combination of their native tongue mixed with my butchered classroom teachings.

Most noteworthy about that experience was the realization that these factory workers knew the names of my Senators from Missouri and I did not know any names in their government except President Charles de Gaulle. They told me about the JFK conspiracy theories and why Martin Luther King had been shot. Except for the misconceptions that Roy Rogers roamed the Wild West and Al Capone still lived in Chicago, they knew more about my country than I did. Embarrassed by my lack of knowledge about the rest of the world, I committed myself to expand my focus and this served me well in my business career.

Notre-Dame de Gravenchon

Believe it or not, the US floor covering industry is just one part of a worldwide business that is constantly being impacted by non-American issues. Oil prices set in the Middle East is just one obvious example, but what about the whole green movement? Ten years ago, Europe was listening to the Greenpeace demonstrators while many Americans considered them extremists. Today, environmentalist concerns are driving major projects from the Carpet America Recovery Effort to renewable flooring made of bamboo and cork. The 2008 passage of the Lacey Act Amendments closed the American door on wood flooring imports made from illegally harvested logs and practically eliminated endangered species like Merbau from the market. This was not a radical surprise for those who had been following developments around the world and the increased awareness of environmental issues including the growing black market in illegal logs.

So what is the best way to keep up with changes coming down the pike that will impact our floor covering business in the USA?

The easiest way I've found to stay informed is through our industry media; print, broadcast and Internet. And, it's equally important for manufacturers, distributors and retailers to get out of their domestic comfort zone and venture into new lands to see what the rest of the world sees every day. That's where DOMOTEX can be a valuable resource.

Domotex is the largest and broadest international floor covering show in our industry. Held in Hannover, Germany each January, the show gives one excellent exposure to innovative products, new trends and innovative display ideas. In addition to Germany, DOMOTEX offers shows in Shanghai, China in March and another in Dubai, UAE in May. I don’t mean to diminish Surfaces, Coverings, Cersaie or Cevisama. Quite the opposite! These are all great shows and each not only provides valuable perspective, but is also far better than staying at home. However, Domotex offers you that world perspective that I mentioned above as being so critical for understanding and anticipating US business issues in flooring.

Note that these are not vacation trips justified by a business show. To benefit from Domotex you need to spend two to three full days walking the acres of buildings and talking to the 1,200 exhibitors about their products. It is exhausting, but also very rewarding and, to me, one of most energizing things you can do for your business.

As Americans, we need exposure to the rest of the world to have a complete picture of what is happening in our industry here in the US. I hope to see you at Domotex in Germany from January 16 – 19, 2010.

Jim

Technorati Tags: Jim Gould Domotex floor covering industry global flooring perspective flooring issues global flooring issues

Ed Korczak, NWFA on Why Exhibit at DOMOTEX

2009-10-09T09:48:00.002-04:00

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has recognized the value of foreign trade shows for years. Along with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the NWFA has sponsored a collective space for their members to exhibit at DOMOTEX. By joining together as a group, they stand out from other single space exhibitors and can share some of the costs associated with showing at Domotex. Why exhibit? Let’s listen to Ed Korczak, Executive Director and CEO of NWFA:

For the past seven years, I have attended Domotex as the CEO/Executive Director of the National Wood Flooring Association based in the United States. The NWFA is an international trade association dedicated to promoting and advancing the hardwood flooring industry, and Domotex seemed like the perfect venue for reaching out to other markets worldwide. Boy, what an understatement.

I learn what the rest of the world is doing in floor covering at Domotex Germany. The show represents all facets of the floor covering industry. It fills 13 large exhibition halls and attracts some 1,400 exhibitors and 40,000 attendees each year. What is even more impressive, though, is that the vast majority – exhibitors and attendees alike – are from markets other than Germany. It definitely is a global show with a large global presence.

What I quickly discovered the first year is that Domotex offers flooring companies one of the best opportunities to expand into international markets. That first year, the NWFA sponsored a pavilion for its members to exhibit at the show. We had six members take advantage of the opportunity. This year, we are up to 14 members exhibiting in the NWFA pavilion, with a waiting list. That is because our members recognize that Domotex offers them an opportunity to introduce their products to a diverse international audience, in one place, at one time, and at minimal expense. At Domotex, our members can try out their products on a targeted audience of global buyers – both manufacturers and consumers – before they invest millions of dollars in production for a product that may need modifications to sell overseas. It just makes economic sense.

And Domotex Germany is just the tip of the iceberg. The NWFA has attended Domotex Shanghai and Domotex Dubai as well, and with similar results. Domotex represents a tangible opportunity for anyone interested in expanding their markets globally. Domotex provides the venue. You simply have to provide an open mind, as well as the ambition and determination to succeed in a global environment.

Thank you, Ed.

For more information about exhibiting at DOMOTEX, contact Rita Dommermuth at rdommermuth@hfusa.com. The NWFA group space is sold out for January, 2010 but if you act quickly other space is still available.

~ Rita

Technorati Tags: Ed Korczak NWFA Domotex flooring wood flooring global flooring trade show National Wood Flooring Association

Navajo Textile Weavers Demonstrate Rug Art At DOMOTEX

2009-10-02T08:03:00.014-04:00

Marie Sheppard looking on as one of our booth’s neighbors
makes a headdress from napkins
Dear DOMOTEX Blog readers:

This blog post has been contributed by my colleague Donna Hyland on behalf of Sharleen Daugherty. Donna “officially” retired from Hannover Fairs in 2002, but re-joined HFUSA last year to boost our sales outreach efforts for DOMOTEX and INTERSCHUTZ 2010, our fire-emergency technology show.

Prior to leaving HFUSA – and her central position as the DOMOTEX project director – she fulfilled a long-held dream of bringing a group from the Navajo Nation and their beautiful hand-woven textile art to DOMOTEX.

The project team in Hannover turned an area of the show into a virtual Navajo setting, complete with piles of rocks, hand cut fences to display their rugs, and “taxidermied” goats and sheep, all of museum quality construction. The exhibit also included sand paintings, pottery, silver and stone jewelry, figures, and natural dyed woven baskets.

Experience a first-hand account from Donna and Sharleen of this great adventure.

Rita Dommermuth
VP Sales, HFUSA

-----------------------------
DOMOTEX 2000, Hannover, Germany:

“Lufthansa passengers Hoskie and Sheppard report to Terminal B, Gate 21, immediately. Your flight to Frankfurt is ready to depart. Repeat. Lufthansa passengers Hoskie and....”

The loudspeaker blared, but in the din of airport noise it could easily go unheard. My heart raced. I felt waves of panic rush over me—just like the dreams I’d been having. But this time it was real; Minnie and Marie were missing.

An experience of a lifetime, actually three lifetimes, had begun. My company was representing the United States at DOMOTEX 2000, and I was accompanying two Navajo weavers on their first international journey. This was just one of many “firsts.” Minnie Hoskie and Marie Sheppard lived in remote regions of the Navajo Reservation, a 25,000 square mile area located primarily in the northeast corner of Arizona. The eighty-mile trip into Gallup, New Mexico, was the furthest the 65-year-old Minnie had traveled from her home in her lifetime.

I have a book full of wonderful memories and photographs of our time in Hannover, Germany, but only the space to tell you a few. The enormity of the fair grounds made an instant impression. Our booth was located in a building easily the size of three football fields. It housed exhibitors of handmade weavings and carpets from around the world. During setup time it became apparent we were the only females in this exhibit hall, a minor inconvenience to the male exhibitors when Minnie walked into the men’s bathroom upon finding the women’s locked.

Marie Sheppard looks on as Minnie Hoskie demonstrates her art.

The hospitality of the German people also made an impression. Minnie and Marie were instant celebrities as they strolled the streets of the small town where we were housed in their colorful Navajo garb. On the night after our arrival, our hotel hosted a reception in honor of the two women; Marie had her first taste of a German delicacy, congealed duck fat spread on crackers.

Cultural exchanges rank as the most memorable and meaningful. Throughout the exhibition there was a steady stream of visitors from around the world visiting our booth to watch the two women who sat on the floor in front of traditional looms. Language was never a barrier; the magic that came from their hands was all that was necessary. On the last day of the event an entourage of women and young girls dressed in burkas paraded into the hall and straight to our booth. They stayed for over an hour, taking turns at sitting alongside Minnie and Marie and admiring their silver and turquoise jewelry.

And then there was the group from China who opened a brief case revealing bundles of $100 bills and wanted to purchase our entire exhibit—the summer hogan (name of a typical Indian dwelling), the stuffed life-size sheep and goats, the handmade loom stands, and all the weavings. The venture was foiled when they learned that I could not obtain hundreds of weavings every month, that looked “just like” Marie’s award-winning rug, for their Hong Kong market.

It wasn’t all business. Hannover Fairs hosted a party for the exhibitors, a grand event held on the grounds at a Hofbräuhaus. Minnie and Marie had their first taste of German beer, learned to do the Macarena and other traditional dances, and when the band played songs from each country represented, quiet and shy Minnie stood on a bench shouting out an Indian war hoop at the playing of “New York, New York.”

These are memories of a time when people from around the world, representing hundreds of cultures and countries, came together in peace and harmony. They will never be forgotten.

Contributed by Donna Hyland, DOMOTEX & INTERSCHUTZ Sales Manager, HFUSA.

Technorati Tags: Navajo Nation Navajo textile weavers Navajo rug weavers Marie Sheppard Minnie Hoskie Sharleen Daugherty DOMOTEX international rug exhibit Donna Hyland Interschutz

From Rita Dommermuth and the DOMOTEX Hannover Fairs USA Team...

2009-09-25T08:01:00.017-04:00

I am Rita Dommermuth and, on behalf of the worldwide DOMOTEX team, I would like to welcome you to the DOMOTEX blog.

We are here to assist with any and all questions related to DOMOTEX and encourage you to share your DOMOTEX experience with us and others. We would also like to answer your questions and will respond to your observations about the annual show in Hannover, Germany (taking place in January) and DOMOTEX events in Shanghai and Dubai (in the spring of every year).

Over the half dozen years that I have been involved with DOMOTEX, I have seen a real evolution in floor coverings and technologies. DOMOTEX offers such a vast goldmine of styles and technologies from every corner of the world that cannot be found anywhere else in one place that it is -- by far -- my favorite show event. I compare it to the United Nations because rarely do you see professionals from as many corners of the world, nor as much variety, from the timeless and beautiful handmade rugs that will be the antiques of tomorrow to the latest in machine made creations that defy imagination.

But the most important aspect of DOMOTEX is its reach into markets and potential for finding partners, distributors and new suppliers.

From the U.S. perspective, I appreciate the efforts of several organizations that have been part of DOMOTEX almost from the beginning, the American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) based in Dalton Georgia, the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) in St. Louis MO, and the State of Georgia – a great supporter of the flooring industry. We also have a superb level of media interest in the U.S. which we appreciate.

We have also won new friends. More recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce has provided trade support through its certification process and the NWFA has been joined by the American Hardwood Export Council.

I would also like to extend our appreciation to Jim Gould and his colleagues at the Floor Covering Institute for the reality check they have provided, since DOMOTEX can only be an effective marketing tool if it responds to the expectations of its participants. It is those friends and partners that we will rely on to provide information and input that will be helpful to you and you will see them on this site from time to time. But we don’t want to stop there. Everyone who has ever participated in DOMOTEX is an expert and first-hand accounts are the best way to experience the shows.

The DOMOTEX team encompasses many individuals who all play their part in creating a worldwide event that brings value to participants. I will provide more details in future blog posts, but let me start here by introducing Donna Hyland, sales manager of DOMOTEX, who organized the first USA Pavilion at DOMOTEX. Donna will provide additional comments from time to time sharing her DOMOTEX highlights.

We are here to provide you with the best DOMOTEX experience possible and invite you to join what we hope will be a lively community!
See you in Hannover, Shanghai or Dubai!

Rita Dommermuth
rita@hfusa.com
Hannover Fairs USA
Long Beach CA
562-901-9191

Technorati Tags: Domotex Domotex Blog Rita Dommermuth Jim Gould Hannover Fairs USA flooring trade show US Department of Commerce NWFA AFA american hardwood export council Jim gould floorcovering institute

Domotex 2009 TalkFloor Highlights

2009-09-18T17:37:00.003-04:00

DOMOTEX 2009 received wonderful visibility from the flooring media. In a previous post, Rita shared with you the highlights covered in her interview with FloorDaily. This post covers the highlights from our interview with TalkFloor's Dave Foster.

On January 19, 2009, Rita Dommermuth, Monika Arnold and I spoke with Dave Foster recapping DOMOTEX 2009. The interview lasts 39 minutes.

Always Something New @ DOMOTEX.

With the backdrop of a global recession, some predicted DOMOTEX 2009 to be a bust. Instead, Rita reported the show had a record number of exhibitors with attendees filling every hall. Officially, attendance was down slightly but I was impressed with how upbeat show attendees and participants were.

Americans were well represented in the American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) and expanded National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) spaces. These organizations, with economic support from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the American Hardwood Export Council respectively, had provided affordable exhibition opportunities for American manufacturers and service providers to show their goods. Combined with stand alone booths from Mohawk, Beaulieu, United World Logistics and others.

Buyers from around the world visited current suppliers and searched for new opportunities. While floor covering business is down 20% globally, Rita said the other 80% must have been shopping and buying at DOMOTEX. She saw many buyers from fast growing areas like Asia and the Middle East. Rita and Monika reported that they heard upbeat reports because the quality of visitors was rated very high by everyone. The international flavor of the exhibition was proven by more than 80% of the exhibitors and nearly two thirds of the attendees coming from outside of Germany.

Filling 13 large exhibition halls is not easy but nearly 1,400 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors needed that much space. Complete halls were filled with handmade oriental rugs from every corner of the globe; a literal magic carpet bonanza. Other halls featured laminates or wood, vinyl and luxury vinyl tile, broadloom carpet, fibers, installation and maintenance equipment. Monika explained that one highlight of the show was contractworld, a designated commercial exhibition hall that drew 2,500 architects and designers to view products, listen to presentations and network with their peers.

Clearly “green” was a major part of every exhibitor’s presentation. I told Dave that while American’s are catching onto this concept, it is in full bloom in the rest of the world. Evidence was seen in product innovations, in seminar topics and in the buyers’ questions. Europe already has strict regulations regarding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, water usage and recyclability. While Americans took a large step forward with the Lacey Act Amendments (2008), Europe is quickly moving down a similar path.

I always find something new that makes my trip to DOMOTEX worthwhile. This year’s “find” was an robotic wood floor covering sander. Guided by lasers, this R2D2 looking robot, methodically sands an entire room evenly without human intervention. Advancements in products and installation systems were shown in click luxury vinyl tile and click ceramic to name a few otherse. There is always something new at DOMOTEX. What better venue or economically efficient method is there to show a new product or design and get immediate market feedback?

Dave broadcasted the interview on his Dalton radio show and then printed excerpts on his Internet site to update his readers. As good as Rita, Monika and I tried to be in describing the show, there was no way we could capture the flair, the products or the excitement of the DOMOTEX experience.

For more information about DOMOTEX 2009, read the official release documenting the 2009 DOMOTEX event which makes the points:

+ DOMOTEX 2009 emits positive signal in tough economic climate
+ Caliber of visiting professionals higher than ever
+ Exhibitors emphasize innovation and creativity
+ Special displays and events highlight latest trends
+ contractworld: networking hub for international architects
+ A particular highlight: the world's largest Nain carpet
+ Highly exportable concept

Let me know if you have any questions.

~ Jim

Technorati Tags: Domotex 2009 TalkFloor Jim Gould Rita Dommermuth European flooring trends

U.S. Commercial Service Offices Offer Foreign Trade Support

2009-09-11T10:23:00.011-04:00

Our Government Does Help via the U.S. Commercial Service by offering support for doing business in foreign countries. Were you aware?

A couple of years ago I had the good fortune of being introduced to Catherine Mayer of the United States Department of Commerce, Commercial Service division in Frankfurt, Germany. Now before you repeat the threadbare joke about being from the government and wanting to help, let me tell you about my experiences with Catherine and what she does.

In hopes of encouraging American businesses to export, our government has set up Commercial Service offices in key cities around the world.

Staffed with dedicated people who know the local government, language, customs, laws and general business environment, they are a tremendous resource for American companies that want to expand their business into new territories. Want to meet a prospective client in their country? On occasions, Catherine has arranged for a meeting invitation to be sent from the American Consulate and even offered meeting space in Consulate buildings. I thought that would be pretty impressive to most foreign buyers.

Last year at Domotex in Germany, Catherine arranged for Alexander Kansky, a trade specialist living in St. Petersburg, Russia, to speak to American exhibitors about the growing markets of Russia and Eastern Europe. One large American manufacturer scheduled a follow up trip to Russia enlisting Alexander to help schedule appointments.

Whether it is data on market size, the names of companies involved in a certain industry sector, amount of duty that will be charged, translation of documents or environmental requirements, our US Commercial Services staff is your right hand at locations around the world. They have a range of websites from the Commercial Services Trading Partner site (a good place to start), to the International Trade site. Interested in a specific country? They have a website dedicated to almost every country around the world. For example, check out China and Germany.

Come to Domotex in Hannover, Germany, January 16 – 19, 2010, contact Catherine to pre-arrange meetings with potential partners in Germany or set up an appointment to discuss your needs in person. Can’t make it to Europe this Winter? No problem. Commercial Services offers a range of services via the Internet from a beginners guide to exporting to sophisticated webinars on timely subjects, including seminars about exporting or importing. Visit The Global Design Build Products & Services e- market Express, too, so you can receive notification of research, events, business opportunities and webinars relevant to your global interests.

Anyone interested in expanding their business should partner with the experts in Commercial Services and take the uncerrtainty and anxiety out of expanding into unfamiliar territory.

For further information, contact:

Catherine Mayer at the American Consulate General U.S. Commercial Service, Gießener Straße 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Main
Tel.: +49/69/7535-3159
Email: Catherine.Mayer@Mail.doc.gov

Some background on Catherine: she received a B.S. in Apparel Production Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and attended graduate school at New York University. She worked in the apparel industry in New York in the capacity of patternmaker, industrial engineer, and technical manager.

After moving to Germany in 1992, she received her German language certificate from the Goethe Institute and worked as Technical Apparel Development Manager for a German apparel manufacturer. She has managed a corporate fashion department and worked as a teacher and translator in Germany as well.

Catherine worked as a contractor for CS Frankfurt for a number of years and joined the staff in April 2007, assuming responsibility for the textile sector as well as the floor coverings sector in conjunction with the Domotex trade fair.

She is responsible for advising U.S. firms with regard to CS programs and services, planning and implementing U.S. product promotions in connection with major textile trade fairs in Germany, market research and industry outreach within her sectors as well as performing Gold Key and other services for clients. She is a member of the Textiles/Apparel Team and the Global Design Build team.

I look forward to seeing you at Domotex!

~ Jim

Technorati Tags: BUY USA US Department of Commerce Importing Exporting Catherine Mayer foreign trade support Jim Gould Alexander Kansky Global Design Build Del.icio.us Tags: BUY USA US Department of Commerce Importing Exporting Catherine Mayer foreign trade support Jim Gould Alexander Kansky Global Design Build

Domotex 2009 Highlights From Floor Daily

2009-09-04T14:28:00.001-04:00

Have you started thinking about DOMOTEX 2010? It's coming right up. More specifically, from January 16 through 19, 2010 in Hannover, Germany. In case you haven't - or are just getting started - here are highlights from DOMOTEX 2009 captured in an interview I participated in with Floor Daily's Kemp Harr.

From the Hannover fairgrounds where Domotex takes place, Kemp interviewed Rita Dommermuth and Monika Arnold, both with DOMOTEX, asking them to discuss the 2009 show.

Here is how he describes the interview: "Rita and Monika discuss the traffic and highlights of this year's DOMOTEX show in Hannover Germany - the largest flooring trade show in the world. Listen to the interview to hear more about the U.S. companies that exhibited, the new acoustic forum and the Contract World annual awards."

Highlights:
Hannover is located in the northern part of Germany, and Domotex takes place in the southern part of the city of Hannover, occupying 13 halls of the 27 halls on the Deutsche Messe fairgrounds.

Domotex is the largest floor covering trade show in the world traditionally attracting approximately 1,400 exhibitors and 45,000 visitors. The exact numbers vary from year to year, but attendance has gone up steadily over the last years.

Products presented at the show range from high end rugs and carpets, to broadloom, vinyl, new flooring products as well as handmade products from all over the world.Despite the economy, Domotex has seen an increase in exhibitors over 2008, and 45 exhibitors from the US, including 14 new companies in 2009, and all have expressed satisfaction with the quality of interactions.

Monika is the project manager for several product categories within Domotex, including contractworld, the new World of Acoustics Forum and contractworld.awards, which well known architects and design community members from around the world actively participate in. For the 2009 program, contractworld.awards received 570 entries from 36 countries. A jury of well-respected professionals selected 14 winners [see contractworld.com for more info].

Domotex includes many special activities including an international flooring laying competition, new products, and information sessions. For example, Domotex is certified by the US Commerce Department, which offered roundtable discussions and insider trade advice, including one about doing business in Russia.

Listen for yourself.

If you attended, do you have other observations to add?

~ Rita

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Jim Gould, DOMOTEX Advisor

2009-08-28T09:55:00.004-04:00

A couple of years ago the executives of DOMOTEX contacted me to ask if I could help them improve the experience of American attendees and exhibitors to their shows. Not only was I flattered with their question and show of confidence, I was thrilled to have a chance to increase the effectiveness of the show that had impacted my life so dramatically.

Like most Americans in the floor covering industry, my career was focused on America. My distributorship was located in the Midwest and everything we sold was Made in America. I had no knowledge of the international market, how it differed from what I knew or how it might help in my business. Following the recommendation of a friend, I made my first trip in 1990 and had my eyes opened to a whole new world. I was amazed at how the industry presented itself, the selection of products, the manufacturers, even how the products were displayed and merchandised. Two years later I stumbled across Pergo at DOMOTEX HANNOVER in Germany and it changed my business career and my life.

Of course, since then our industry has become much more global. Laminate from Sweden, wood flooring from Germany, vinyl from Belgium and ceramic from Italy, expanded into products from China, Brazil, Viet Nam, New Zealand… literally around the world. Since 1990, I have attended and searched every DOMOTEX exhibition. I look for what is new and different; amazingly I always find something that had not been shown in the USA. Sometimes it is an insight into the future since many products and looks are previewed overseas before they ever show up in America.

The international draw of DOMOTEX brings manufacturers from around the world; many, like Pergo in 1992, have never been seen in the American market because they do not know how to sell into this huge market. At the same time DOMOTEX offers American manufacturers an efficient and economical way to show their products to new markets. In just four show days over 40,000 potential customers can be exposed to the product or concept. If it generates excitement, further investment and investigation is justified; if little interest is generated, a lot of time, effort and money to develop that foreign market will be saved.

Since I joined the DOMOTEX team as an advisor in 2008, we have tried to enhance the experience of both American exhibitors and attendees; to maximize the return on everyone’s time and money in being part of DOMOTEX. This year we will organize local visits to retail stores to better understand how floor covering products reach consumers in other markets. We will act as match makers putting buyers and seller together who might otherwise walk past unseen opportunities. Engaging the US Department of Commerce, we will help exhibitors identify and target potential export markets.

While we have a DOMOTEX sales team here in the U.S., I hope anyone with questions about DOMOTEX will also contact me. Whether it is advice on Germany, Hannover, hotels, exhibitors anything at all, please send me an email to jgould@floorcoveringinstitute.com or call me at 314-812-2700. As an industry insider, I look forward to helping.

Jim Gould

President
Floor Covering Institute LLC

Technorati Tags: DOMOTEX Jim Gould Floor Covering Institute flooring

Welcome To The Domotex Blog!

2009-08-19T09:36:00.002-04:00

Willkommen!

We are pleased to Welcome you to The Domotex Blog, our blog relating to Domotex - The World of Flooring, the largest trade show in attendance and exhibit space and flooring's leading international exhibit!

Domotex is a flooring world that takes place in Hannover, Germany, January 16 through 19, 2010, in Shanghai, China via Domotex asia/ChinaFloor, March 23 through 25, 2010, and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 10 through 12, 2010 via Domotex Middle East.

Via The Domotex Blog, we intend to share with you perspectives and information highlighting the benefits of participating - by exhibiting in, attending and/or buying from - in Domotex, the trade show, as well as international insights relevant to the flooring industry.

In addition to hearing from those of us from Domotex intimately involved in the show, we also plan to include perspectives from experts in the flooring industry, in North America and internationally. The views expressed here will represent our personal views and not necessarily those of our parent company, Deutsche Messe. However, we are experts in our fields and eager to share that expertise with you.

We encourage you to add comments and suggestions. Trade shows can be overwhelming. Add to that an experience in unfamiliar territory, in a foreign country, with jet lag, and the combination can be rather intimidating. The goal is to address as many unknowns and questions you have so that all you have to worry about is the jet lag!

A few rules.

This blog is about open conversation and honest communication. Please keep the conversation relevant to the general interest of all readers, maintain respect for everyone involved (no matter the circumstance), and offer comments that add value and depth to the conversation.

We will moderate comments, and reserve the right to exclude any offensive or irrelevant posts.

However, we would rather that conversation flow freely. So, please be respectful and simply think before you type. We promise to do the same, and although we may not be able to respond to every comment, we’ll do our best to do so in a thoughtful and timely manner.

We also request that you not post private information [e.g., a phone number or address] as this is a public forum.

We will not share any subscription information with outside parties. We may try to email you, though, for additional followup. And, we may refer to your comments in subsequent blog posts.

Given these guidelines, we encourage you to let us know of topics of interest. The goal is to educate you about the international trade fair experience, help you get the most out of the experience, and share global flooring perspectives.

Thank you for reading and, again, Welcome to The Domotex Blog!

The Domotex Blog Team

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