In brief

The China International Hardware Show (CIHS) 2014 retained its visitor and exhibitor numbers, although the kitchen and bathroom segments were no longer represented. The number of visitors from abroad who attended the event in September 2014 in Shanghai, were higher than the targets from the previous year. The CIHS is organised by the German Trade Fair Association Koelnmesse and the Chinese National Hardware Association. In 2015 the CIHS will be moved to another exhibition centre in Shanghai, the Hongqiao National Conference & Exhibition Center. Here it will occupy Halls 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2 and 8.2 with altogether around 150 000 m² exhibition space. The exhibitors from abroad and the wide selection of tools, hardware, kitchens and bathrooms, will each occupy a separate Hall. The supporting programme will consist of forums and further activities. In addition, there will be a new fixed date for the future. The next CIHS takes place from 21 to 23 October 2015. Michael Dreyer, Vice President Asia Pacific for Koelnmesse, is convinced that the move to a new exhibition centre will play an important roll in attracting more international exhibitors and visitors.

The organiser of the British trade fair Totally DIY/Totally Tools announce new elements for the supporting programme for the fair. Thus, in 2015 there will be "Business Match" sessions on all three fair days. This means that there will be ten-minute discussion slots between exhibitors and buyers without any further obligation on either side. "This is just a quick introductory chat, to see if a further meeting would be of interest to both sides", show director Paul Grinsell explained the concept. Also new in 2015 will be the "Innovation Zone", which will be sponsored by the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) and set up in the immediate vicinity of the already established "New Product Showcase". The visitors will have the opportunity to get to know innovative products that are currently unknown in the DIY retail market. "This initiative", said Peter Stone, CEO of BHETA, "fits perfectly with our aim of assisting suppliers who want to improve their business in the DIY retail market". The Totally DIY/Totally Tools takes place from 15 to 17 February 2015 in the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. It will be organised, as always, by Brintex.

In the view of the trade fair…