The 30^th edition of Domotex 2018 doesn't open for another five months, but it's already apparent that the leading tradeshow for carpets and floor coverings will be a very strong and international affair. The show will feature around 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 nations.

"We're more than pleased with the influx of exhibitor registrations for the upcoming show,” said Susanne Klaproth, the director in charge of Domotex and Deutsche Messe. “It proves that the market is happy with where Domotex is headed. More exhibitors have confirmed their participation at Domotex than at the same time last year.”

New approach

The upcoming Domotex is taking a fresh new approach, with an improved site layout and a core focus on the product individualisation megatrend, as symbolised by the adoption of Unique Youniverse as the keynote theme.

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a world of trends, innovation and lifestyle in way they have never done before, according to organisers. "Many exhibitors are already hard at work preparing for their showcases and their new locations at the venue. They are busy doing things like exploring ways of harnessing the keynote theme and figuring out how they might profile their organizations at the new 'Flooring Spaces' presentation format. Visitors are right to be excited about what awaits them at the show, particularly in Hall 9," said Klaproth.

Hall 9 is the home of Framing Trends – a richly diverse and immersive showcase in which established companies, industry newcomers and artists will engage with the keynote theme in an array of creatively staged individual and joint displays.

Presentations and discussions

Framing Trends in Hall 9 will also feature a varied programme of talks by big-name architects and designers, as well as start-up entrepreneurs and design students. The talks will take the form of speed presentations and discussion groups dedicated to the individualisation trend. The presentations and discussions will examine the implications of this trend in many areas, including product design, production, sales and marketing.

The specific topics to be explored are:

• Modular design: individual vs. mass-produced?
• New one-off originals: handmade vs. digital? and
• Retail interactive: virtual vs. real?

Carpet Design Awards

The Carpet Design Awards are another Hall 9 highlight. The internationally coveted award honours the world's best new designer carpets in eight categories. The 24 carpets shortlisted for the award will be on display in Hall 9 for the duration of Domotex.

At the start of each year, specialist carpet dealers, owners of carpet and rug exhibition galleries and visitors from the interior design industry look to the shortlisted creations on show at Domotex for ideas and inspiration for their own new season's collections, organisers report.

New layout

Domotex 2018 features a new layout that aims to put related products in closer proximity to one another, thereby making it easier for visitors to get a comprehensive look at the latest market offerings.

Halls 2 to 4 will now be home to the wide array of hand-made carpets and rugs. Halls 5 through 7 will feature classic machine-woven carpets and rugs, bathroom sets and runner rugs. Hall 8 will be the gateway to the latest carpet creations from designers and labels.

www.domotex.de