Shanghai, China—Domotex Asia/Chinafloor 2016, slated for March 22-24 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center here, will host its first North American distributor delegation during the show. Delegates will meet with peers from China and other parts of Asia, preview new products and technologies, tour manufacturing sites and learn about conducting business with Asian partners.
Pre-arranged visits to production facilities of leading flooring manufacturers located near Shanghai will give delegates an important introduction to China’s manufacturing and business practices. “Chinese manufacturers make fabulous products at excellent values, but business is conducted in a different manner in Asia,” said Jim Gould, president of the Floor Covering Institute. “It is important to see the facilities, meet the people, clarify expectations and avoid misunderstandings. Costly mistakes can be made if the details are not talked through to achieve a true meeting of the minds.”
Gould strongly recommends that all attendees take an extra day or two to visit manufacturers while in China during the exhibition. “China has become the hotbed of innovation. Anyone missing Domotex Asia/Chinafloor will be a year behind learning what is new and what the future holds. Distributors especially need to visit the show because their customers depend on them to offer the newest and best products available.”
Some delegates include Hoy Lanning, senior vice president, CMH marketing and Haines purchasing; Steve Rosenthal, senior vice president of sales and marketing, All Tile; Theodore Gillgrist, vice president, purchasing, William M. Bird; and Michael Martin, president and CEO, National Wood Flooring Association.