The worldwide corona infection does not allow a hybrid “Domotex” as it was planned from May 18 to 20 in Hanover. Therefore, the leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings will be held this year for the first time on May 20 as “Domotex Digital Day.” This was announced by Deutsche Messe AG. Novel digital formats – the central element is a digital conference – will address the issues that concern the international floor coverings industry, promises “Domotex.”
“Trade fairs like ‘Domotex,’ which are characterized by great internationality on both the exhibitor and visitor sides, have a long planning lead time. Following the recent surge in global infectious disease, accompanied by renewed lockdowns, worldwide travel warnings and restrictions, and quarantine requirements, we have now had to make a decision. Unfortunately, for the first time in its 32-year history, we will not be able to hold ‘Domotex’ as a physical trade fair at the Hannover site in 2021,” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. “Even a hybrid ‘Domotex’ is not conceivable in the form and at the present time, as that would require a certain proportion of physical exhibitors and visitors, combined with travel from all parts of the world. We have therefore decided to hold ,Domotex’ as a purely digital event, in order to give our customers the necessary planning security from now on.”

And Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director “Domotex” adds: “‘Domotex’ thrives on the live experience. The exhibited products must be experienced live on site in terms of their haptics. As long as the worldwide pandemic has us so firmly in its grip and a sufficient vaccination quota cannot be guaranteed worldwide, we cannot safely plan for the future with a physical event. Markets thrive on exchange. Our customers are urgently looking for participation formats so that they can in turn enter into dialog with their customers and present their products and topics despite contact restrictions. Our answer to this is the ‘Domotex Digital Day’. A conference format in which we will address current topics with top representatives of the industry on May 20, 2021 and provide participants with an interactive business platform. As part of the conference, exhibitors will be able to present their products and innovations and make direct contact with their customers. The specific opportunities for participation will be available in our store very soon.”

The Covid-19 pandemic is forcing trade show organizers to rethink. Numerous trade shows are currently taking place purely digitally to meet market participants’ desire for complementary digital offerings. With the “Domotex Digital Day”, Deutsche Messe is acknowledging the importance of the rapidly increasing online channels in the flooring industry as well. The digital event will therefore also focus on the topic of digitalization. But “Domotex” 2021 is to remain unique, a cautious “back” is planned: The next hybrid “Domotex” is scheduled for January 13-16, 2022, at the Hannover Exhibition Center.