Domotex Hannover Preparing for Another “Hot” Janua

Hannover, Germany, November 2, 2006--Domotex Hannover, which will take place 13–16 January 2007 at the Hannover Fairgrounds in Hannover, Germany, will host approximately 1,250 exhibiting companies from 60 countries. In addition, Domotex -- which presents the world's largest array of carpets and floor coverings -- also serves as a central venue for conferences, forums and meetings staged by international organizations and trade associations. Stephan Ph. Kuehne, the board member of Deutsche Messe AG responsible for Domotex, said, "We are very optimistic as January's show approaches. Once again the demand for space has been huge and we expect to host roughly 1,250 exhibiting companies and 45,000 trade visitors on 90,500 net square meters." Mr. Kuehne added, "Exhibitors and visitors value Domotex as an opportunity to establish business contacts, and the supporting program enhances that value significantly. Domotex this year attracted more senior decision-makers than ever before -- in fact, our survey revealed that 50 percent of the audience occupied senior management positions." According to Deutsche Messe AG, Domotex's continued success is due in no small part to its international appeal -- approximately 75 percent of exhibiting companies come from outside of Germany. Countries that participate at Domotex range from Brazil, China and Egypt to India, Russia and the United States. Belgium, which will bring 100 companies, is the largest contingent, followed by Turkey and the Netherlands. Attendance from abroad is projected to exceed 50 percent in 2007. Domotex Hannover 2007 Exhibit Program Applications Technology, Laying Equipment, Cleaning and Maintenance // Carpets and Rugs (Hand-Made) // Fibers and Yarns // Laminate Flooring // Natural Stone and Ceramic Tiles // Parquet and Other Wooden Flooring // Textile and Resilient Floor Coverings // Woven Carpets and Rugs (Machine-Woven) Supporting Program ContractWorld An international architecture and interior design forum in Hall 4 where architects, designers and planners meet to talk and share ideas. Highlights include the presentation of the annual Contractworld Award, Europe's most prestigious interior design prize, on 13 January 2007, and the Contractworld Congress, where a line-up of distinguished speakers will present the latest developments in the design of offices, hotels and shops. Additionally, the Contractworld Expo showcases floor coverings, furniture and light fittings for the contract furnishing sector. FloorRorum Located in Hall 3, Floorforum is a contemporary carpet design and textile floor coverings showcase where internationally renowned designer Ulf Moritz will create a series of rooms that demonstrate how modern area rugs and textile floor coverings can work together with furnishing fabrics, furniture and accessories to exciting creative effect. Exhibitor displays will surround the center of the display, which will focus on the themes "Poetic Tradition", "Natural Romantic", "Chic Frivolity" and "Cosmic Lounging". Carpet Design Awards Domotex Hannover will host the second annual Carpet Design Awards, a competition that recognizes innovation and talent within the handmade carpet industry. Entrants will be judged across eleven categories, with each category winner awarded a prize of EUR 1,000 as well as a trophy. The three best entries in each category will be displayed in Hall 15 during DOMOTEX. The prize award ceremony will take place on Sunday, 14 January 2007. Business Training Business Training is an education workshop in Hall 15 that provides practical advice for the carpet trade, especially retail salespersons, and covers everything from initial customer contact to providing on-site advice at the customer's home. Business Training offers clever tips and new ideas for seasoned sales pros and retailing rookies alike.