Trading fairly
For Heimtextil 2016, the trade fair’s managers are continuing the ‘Theme Park’ concept, developed the previous year for Heimtextil.
The Heimtextil fair occupies 19 exhibition halls.
The Heimtextil fair runs 12 – 15 January 2016.
The motto of Light + Building 2016 is ‘Digital – Individual – Networked’. These three aspects are the keystones for the lighting design of modern spaces.
The Light + Building trade fair.
Lamps of all shapes and sizes at the Light + Building trade fair.
As Interior prepares to travel to Frankfurt, Germany, for Light + Building and Heimtextil trade shows, we ask veteran trade-fair-hopper Richard Bracebridge for his advice.
Before leaving:
• Arrange to be invited so that your trip is free. If not, book flights and accommodation well in advance. Accommodation can be hard to find and quite expensive.
• Purchase tickets for the fair and any technical papers/speakers you would particularly like to see.
• Find the best route by train/tube from your accommodation to the venue.
• Work on your fitness and break in a good pair of shoes, if you don’t have a suitable pair already.
• Make a list of the key exhibits and make a route plan hall by hall.
• Contact your key must-see exhibits – either New Zealand-based suppliers or head offices overseas – and make appointments for stand meetings, guided tours and factory visits.
• Find out who and where the functions (parties) are and plan to attend the best ones. Be aware that some occur prior to the fair opening.
• Download the Light + Building app.
• Find out whether other Kiwis are going – either to meet with, or to avoid!
• Check for flight-delaying volcanic activity in the northern hemisphere.
When you are there:
• Wear your comfortable and worn-in walking shoes.
• Go to the venue by train/tube. The Messe Frankfurt station is inside the venue but be prepared for the crowds.
• Register for the free WiFi and check that your app works.
• Be prepared to walk about 15km per day inside the venue halls. Use the travellators from the start; it will help by the afternoon.
• Go to the Erco stand for free coffee (or beer!) – all day, every day.
• Arrange one-on-one stand tours to make sure you see the vendors’ key products and services, and have a chance to ask questions.
• Take breaks and rehydrate – you may wish to visit the Erco stand.
• Make sure you get out and about in Frankfurt after dark to experience the many pop-up lighting installations.
• Be prepared to be drunk at functions… and on the Erco stand.
• Be aware of baggage weight limits. I suggest that you avoid picking up literature from exhibits unless very specific to your requirements. Give exhibitors your email address instead. You might have to submit to joining their mailing lists but at least you’ll be able to close your suitcase.
2016 Frankfurt Trade Fairs:
Heimtextil: 12 – 15 January 2016
This international fair occupies 19 exhibition halls and features a comprehensive textile portfolio for residential and commercial interiors.
Light + Building: 13 – 18 March 2016
With around 2,300 exhibitors each year, Light + Building is the place to be, if you are interested in the relationship between people and light, as well as in smart-powered buildings and intelligent sustainability.
Getting there:
For travel and tickets contact MesseReps & Travel.
