Hannover, Germany—After initially being postponed to May 18-20, Domotex will no longer take place as a hybrid trade show format this year. Instead, an alternative digital business platform is planned in the form of the Domotex Digital Day, to be held May 20, 2021.
According to show organizers, the current global infection situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to plan and organize a physical presence on site in Hannover. The focus element of the digital platform is a digital conference that will address current and forward-looking topics in the international flooring industry.
“Following the recent surge in global coronavirus cases, accompanied by lockdowns, worldwide travel warnings and restrictions and quarantine requirements, we now have had to make this decision,” said Andreas Gruchow, member of the management board of Deutsche Messe AG, the show organizers. “Unfortunately, for the first time in its 32-year history, we will not be able to organize Domotex in 2021 as a physical trade show on our exhibition grounds in Hannover. Even a hybrid Domotex is not realistic in the current situation, as it would require a certain proportion of physical exhibitors and visitors on site, combined with travel from all parts of the world. We have therefore decided to organize Domotex as a purely digital event in order to give our customers the necessary planning security from now on.”
Sonia Wedell-Castellano, global director of Domotex, added that the show thrives on the live experience, and products need to be experienced live, on site in terms of their look and feel. “As long as the global pandemic has us so firmly in its grip and a sufficient vaccination rate cannot be guaranteed worldwide, we cannot safely plan for the future with a physical event,” she said. “Markets thrive on exchange. Our customers are urgently looking for participation formats, which allow them to get in touch with their customers, expand their existing network and access new contacts to present their products and innovations despite contact restrictions. Our answer to these needs is the Domotex Digital Day.”
Domotex Digital Day is a conference format, she added, in which the show will address current topics with top representatives of the industry, and provide participants with an interactive business platform. As part of the conference, exhibitors will be able to present their products and innovations, embrace business and indulge into networking and connecting. The specific opportunities for participation will be available in its online store soon.
With the new format Domotex Digital Day, Deutsche Messe said it is acknowledging the importance of rapidly increasing online channels in the flooring industry. The digital event will therefore also put a special focus on digitalization aspects.
The next hybrid Domotex show is scheduled for Jan. 13-16, 2022, at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.