The trade show fulfilled the promises of exhibitors and organisers: crowded hallways, a great mood and even greater business. From 6-9 February 2012, 671 exhibitors from 33 countries came to Bad Salzuflen in the German furniture cluster East Westphalia-Lippe. More than 17,500 were the international visitors. Though there was a slight increase in international visitors (35%) compared to the previous year, the majority of visitors (65%) came from Germany. As in the past, visitors from Belgium, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and England accounted for the largest share of international visitors. However, it can be noted that there has been a significant increase in visitors from Poland, Russia and Italy this year. Event organiser Clarion Events Deutschland (Bielefeld/Germany) thus recognises the success of its marketing activities in these important regions.
Horst Rudolph, Managing Director at Clarion Events Deutschland says: “We are very pleased with ZOW 2012. Several conversations with exhibitors have confirmed the high quality of our customer contacts.” Many important German and international furniture producers, as well as representatives of renowned trade organisations came to gain information about the supplier industry’s recent product innovations.
At a press conference, Andreas Bielefeld, head of product development at Nobilia and ZOW advisory board member since 2011, stressed the ideally chosen date of Zow: “Anyone who wants to present new furniture in autumn has to make decisions here”. However, not only representatives of the furniture industry, but also visitors from related fields, such as engineering, visited Zow in Bad Salzuflen. “This shows that Zow is very attractive for a variety of target groups” says Horst Rudolph. Zow is the industry venue for anyone in the furniture business with a focus on products and processes. It stands for information, communication and networking.
Dr. Lucas Heumann, Managing Director of the Trade Associations for Wood and Furniture Industries in Herford/Germany, states: “We are grateful for Zow; it is an important performance feature of the furniture cluster East Westphalia-Lippe“.
