Special Events at Domotex Add Value

Hannover, Germany, January 12, 2006--A highly attractive supporting program is in store for exhibitors and visitors at the upcoming Domotex Hannover 2006 (14 - 17 January)--the leading trade show for carpets and floor coverings worldwide. Visitors will be attracted to the show in Hannover, Germany, by a broad program of special events that have been conceived in close cooperation with exhibitors, trade associations and other partner organizations as part of an ongoing dialogue to ensure that the events are geared to visitor needs and interests. contractworld 2006 - Visions for Offices, Hotels and Shops (Hall 4) Within the international architectural scene, contractworld at Domotex in Hannover is widely viewed as an invaluable meeting-place. Architects, interior designers, planners and other design professionals meet there to exchange ideas and information. Visitors from industry, specialist retailers and wholesalers, interior decorators and other professionals also value this high-caliber event as an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and current issues. In January 2005 the contractworld.congress--long regarded as one of the most important trade gatherings--attracted some 2,000 participants. The speakers at contractworld 2006 will include such internationally renowned architects as Peter Eisenman, Riken Yamamoto and Professor Klaus Kada. Conferences and seminars dedicated to specific themes help encourage lively discussion and active participation. One issue that will be appearing for the first time on the agenda in 2006 is "Health & Care", which will address a related topic, namely suitable residential alternatives and residential care for the elderly. The themed conference contractworld.materials is another new addition to the trade show program. This will be accompanied by a parallel exhibition, where visitors will be able to learn about innovative materials. At the contractworld.expo display area, manufacturers of floor coverings, furniture and lighting will present their products in the context of complete interior design solutions for the contracting sector. The focus will be on the interplay of innovative products and new applications. Exhibitors include the Italian Tile Manufacturers' Federation Assopiastrelle, the German Natural Stone Industry Association (Deutsche Naturwerksteinverband = DNV), and leading suppliers of natural stone and ceramic floor tiles. One visitor-friendly aspect of the event is that it is held in a single, convenient location--Hall 4--thus making it easier to find the required advice or contact quickly. The presentation of Europe's most important interior design prize, contractworld.award, is certainly one of the highlights. The prize-winning projects will be on display throughout Domotex 2006 at a special exhibition in Hall 4. contractworld has the support of German associations of architects and interior designers, as well as the equivalent organizations in Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands and the European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA). floorforum (Hall 3) The organizers of Domotex are pleased to have again enlisted the services of the award-winning Ulf Moritz, "Designer of the Year 2003", who is responsible for the design of "floorforum". Based in Amsterdam, Ulf Moritz has an instinct for design trends and is regarded as one of the leading and most innovative textile designers. Hall 3 will be transformed into a stylish artistic installation featuring modern carpets, floor coverings, textiles, furniture and accessories in four showrooms dedicated to the design themes "Dynamic", "Classic", "Emotion" and "Luxury". These four settings exemplify future-oriented trends in interior design. In an adjacent show, thirty-three exhibitors from Germany and further afield have joined forces to demonstrate the impact of floor coverings--whether textile floor coverings or made-to-measure carpets--on interior design.