Organisers of the world's leading flooring show Domotex have announced radical plans to change its focus between carpets & rugs and hard flooring in alternate years.
The show in Hannover was re-launched in January after two years of Covid closures and while the event was heralded as a "full success" by organisers Deutsche Messe, visitor numbers were around 20,000 compared to 35,000 pre-pandemic and exhibitors were down around 50%.
Deutsche Messe spokeswoman Saskia Krolop says: "Numerous exchanges with our exhibitors and the market have shown that the Carpet & Rugs segment and Flooring segment have different needs in terms of the frequency of Domotex. Therefore, both worlds will be brought together at the Hanover location in the future in a model with rotating focuses."
The plan is than in years with an even number, like 2024, the show will be styled as the "Domotex - Home of Flooring" and will "comprehensively unite the entire field of hard floor coverings, and related goods as well as carpets and rugs."
In odd years, like 2025, it will be "Domotex - Carpets & Rugs", focussing exclusively on textile products. The events will continue to be held in January.
As a result, it is likely that Hannover will be hosting smaller annual shows, each with a more distinct focus. The dates for 2024 are January 11-14.
https://www.domotex.de