After having to cancel DOMOTEX two years in a row due to the pandemic, DOMOTEX 2023 proved once again that it remains the industry’s most important trade, innovation and trend platform. During the four-day world’s leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings, trade visitors, around 69% of them from abroad, were able to discover new innovations and trends and make new business contacts with more than 730 exhibitors in eight halls.
After four eventful days, DOMOTEX 2023 closed its doors on Sunday. Sustainability, internationality and visitor quality were the hallmarks of this year’s event. Exhibitors, visitors and organizers all agree: DOMOTEX 2023 was a resounding success.
“We are overwhelmed by the positive response as well as the energetic spirit of this year’s DOMOTEX. The atmosphere in the halls is so super – exhibitors and visitors alike are delighted to finally come together again at their industry trade show to meet face-to-face, exchange ideas, make new contacts and close deals,” says Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director DOMOTEX. “What also pleases me is that the quality of visitors at the show is outstanding. After all, the decision-maker share is 80%. Those who come to DOMOTEX come with very specific intentions.”
As a “must-attend” event, Michael Roithner, central buyer for floor coverings and carpets at POCO Einrichtungsmärkte GmbH, uses DOMOTEX to meet existing and potential suppliers in the shortest possible time – this time especially those he has not been able to visit in the last two years. As determined by a visitor survey audited by FKM, around half of the decision-makers place orders with exhibiting companies during their stay at DOMOTEX. Even during the current show, two-thirds of trade visitors said they would visit the next DOMOTEX in Hannover in January 2024 again.
Exhibitors delighted with high attendance & visitor quality
On the exhibitor side, the first DOMOTEX in three years also clearly exceeded expectations. “We were pleasantly surprised by the number of visitors we welcomed to our stand after the pandemic. We did not expect such a lively turnout this year due to the difficult world situation. For DOMOTEX 2024, we would like to see an even stronger event with a united flooring industry,” reveals Niklas Håkansson, Managing Director of Välinge.
Jelena Đugum, Director of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce is sure that “the results of this year’s DOMOTEX will give a tailwind to the Croatian wood industry.” Positive feedback also from Lydia Bober, Head of Marketing & PR at SELIT Dämmtechnik GmbH: “For us it was the right decision to be here. The contacts we make at DOMOTEX are very valuable for us.”
A spirit of optimism also prevails in the RUGS exhibition area. “Our customers have been isolated for a long, long time. It’s very important for us and our colleagues to be here, shaking hands and showcasing our products,” says Reza Rejaye, general manager of Reza’s Oriental & Modern Rugs. Oriental Weavers has also been waiting a long time for DOMOTEX to return, reports Yasmine Khamis, President of Oriental Group, “We are super excited to be here. We already had a great day on the first day of the show.” For her, DOMOTEX is “a place where everyone comes together: Customers, suppliers, competitors, everyone.”
Sustainability is a common thread running through the exhibition halls
At DOMOTEX 2023, the special show THE GREEN COLLECTION and the conference program DOMOTEX on Stage under the guiding theme FLOORED BY NATURE formed the heart of the event – this is where the megatrend of sustainability was staged and discussed. The special area was particularly popular with architects, interior designers and buyers, as Joachim Stumpp, Managing Director of raumprobe, confirmed.
Visitors to the materials show were particularly impressed by “the variety of materials on display and the associated possibilities for sustainable design.” Ina Nikolova of Berlin-based architects KINZO was also enthusiastic about the special show: “DOMOTEX 2023 presents so many important topics in one area and provides essential impetus – including in the conference program – that I can integrate into my own work.”
The sustainable focus was also reflected in the exhibitors’ product offerings. The guiding theme fit very well with the focus of the Münsterland-based company ter Hürne, emphasized Managing Director Bernhard ter Hürne. “We welcome the value-based orientation of DOMOTEX, which emphasizes living-healthy flooring solutions.”
DOMOTEX 2024 – greener, stronger, united
“We have absolutely struck a chord with our key theme this year and the new special show. My team and I are looking forward to further expanding THE GREEN COLLECTION at the upcoming DOMOTEX 2024,” announces Sonia Wedell-Castellano. “We will continue to expand our collaborations with industry experts such as TFI, offer wholesalers a presentation area, refocus more on contract furnishers and architects, and so on. In short, our concept will ensure that DOMOTEX 2024 remains the hub for carpets and flooring that there is simply no way around.”
Many exhibitors have already confirmed their participation for 2024 – including ter Hürne, Windmöller, Neuhofer, Merinos, Oriental Weavers.
