Leading representatives from the home textiles industry see the upcoming Heimtextil (12-15th January 2021) event as a decisive way to boost their business activities after the restart, reports show organiser Messe Frankfurt.
They have also expressed their confidence in Messe Frankfurt's comprehensive protection and hygiene concept.
"Heimtextil 2021 will be different – more concentrated and focused on actual business," says Olaf Schmidt, vice president textiles & textile technologies at Messe Frankfurt. "And the necessary hygiene precautions will also of course change the look of our trade fair. We consider ourselves all the more lucky that numerous exhibitors and visitors, both national and international, are placing their trust in us by announcing their participation and are counting on Heimtextil to be the first industry highlight after the restart."
Hall occupancy by exhibitors is now taking shape – by mid-July, 947 exhibitors from 49 countries had made firm bookings.
Heimtextil is also receiving positive signals from the world of politics. At trade fairs, it is important to ensure that the minimum social distance of 1.5m is observed. As a guideline, 3sqm of space should be available for each person. And, since the start of July, travel to the EU from selected countries has been possible again.
Given the challenging situation facing many companies, Heimtextil is supporting its exhibitors and visitors with a new measure – exhibitors will be given free ticket codes to pass on to their customers. "We want to create additional incentives for national and international buyers to visit the trade fair in Frankfurt at the start of the year so that they can meet old and new business partners alike," says Olaf.
"UK textile businesses are cautiously optimistic about future business in the mid to long term, and are confident that the international market for their high-quality products will gradually resume following lockdown," comments Ann Thompson, textile consultant at the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).
"Heimtextil is an essential business platform for our members. All British exhibitors in the UK pavilion in hall 4.1 have already rebooked their spaces for Heimtextil 2021, and are looking forward to welcoming their customers from around the world to their stands. UKFT have been impressed to see how proactive the Heimtextil team have been in terms of implementing and communicating the new health and safety measures for the forthcoming show. I am sure this will go a long way towards reassuring exhibitors and visitors regarding attendance at this world-renowned event.“
