Interview with Olaf Schmidt, Vice President, Textile Fairs, Messe Frankfurt
August 31, 2009
NEW YORK, New York - Until 2006 Olaf Schmidt worked in the textile industry as a managing director of distribution/marketing. Schmidt now manages and coordinates the concentration and quality of product channels as the vice president of textile fairs for Messe Frankfurt.
What significance does the Heimtextil have?
Heimtextil is the biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles. Held over four days in January, it has been the sector's first trade fair of the year for decades and is the foremost platform for manufacturers, the trade and designers from all over the world. From 13 to 16 January 2010, over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 60 countries will present their products to international trade visitors. The product show will be accompanied by high-grade special shows and workshops aimed at both visitors and exhibitors.
How would you describe the current economic situation in Germany?
In the last few years, the situation seemed to be very difficult and consumption went down. According to the leading Business Institutions we have in Germany, there was a decrease of 3.8% in the first quarter of 2009 vs. a growth of 0.3% in the second quarter of 2009─It looks like the economy is on the mend. This is possibly a result of government funding. There is good communication between the government, business and trade unions. Many companies are reducing their workforce from 100% -70% but the loss of income is compensated by the government. (Mainly.) It costs the government a lot of money but people are getting by. For 2010, economic experts are expecting a small improvement and a change for the better, but if the U.S. doesn't experience one, neither will Europe.
What is benefit of US pavilions at Heimtextil in Frankfurt?
We're offering this service because it's always difficult for small and medium size companies to arrange events outside the U.S. Being a part of the pavilion offers the companies a lot of benefits: collective presentation, advantageous stand prices and a lot more. This new pavilion will also encourage U.S. companies to invest money in new designs, materials, and collections. The competition from Asia is very strong."
What is the price concept for the booths at your exhibition?
The price determines the size of the booth but not the location. The open stalls are the most expensive because people can see you from all angles. It is not like, first come first serve. Because of the temporary worldwide business situation, we are taking applications up until the last minute. But if you are very late with your application the selection of stand positions will be limited.
What is the situation for the trade fair business?
All fairs have noted a change due to the crisis. Last year, most of the trade fairs experienced fewer visitors registration. We invested a lot of money in marketing and press relations. We hope to have a improved situation in 2010. Until now we don't know whether our efforts were successful, because many exhibitors and visitors decide at the last minute about their participation or attendance. At the moment long term planning is not really possible.
What is the desired outcome of these trade fairs?
Textiles are used for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from garments to the house and home, not to mention technical applications─ the textile markets are characterised by high expectations. Messe Frankfurt supports the textile sector and its themes with three brands and 27 textile fairs in eight countries around the world. In the case of garment fabrics, we organised 14 fairs in five countries - in France, the U.S.A, China, Russia and India. The primary object of the textile fairs of Messe Frankfurt is to help manufacturers, dealers and buyers to make new business contacts, to open up additional fields of business and to increase their import and export potential.
How is the textile competence of Messe Frankfurt worldwide?
We hold seven fairs in five countries – Germany, Russia, Japan, China and India – for the home and household textiles market. Last year, we expanded our portfolio of events by IFFT Interior Lifestyle Living in Tokyo and Intertextile Guangzhou Home Textile. Technical textiles are represented by six fairs, also in five countries (Germany, Russia, India, China and the USA). In this case, all events are held under the Techtextil brand name.
The launch of the new leading international trade fair, Texprocess, parallel to Techtextil in Frankfurt from 24 to 27 May 2011 will further consolidate the expertise of Messe Frankfurt in the textile field. Texprocess is an investment-goods fair for the textile and fashion sector. Thus, Messe Frankfurt covers the entire process chain from materials and fabrics, via fashions and garments, to the most important investment-goods fairs for processing and care.
How many fairs take place in Frankfurt?
There are 42 trade fairs just in Frankfurt and Messe Frankfurt is one of the three largest trade fair companies in the world, with 15 subsidiaries and 52 sales partners worldwide.
Are there any new products you are particularly excited about?
All the new products are very "hush hush" as copyright infringement is extremely feared. But these are emotional products, not like plastic. You can look at them shining.
What significance does the Heimtextil have?
Heimtextil is the biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles. Held over four days in January, it has been the sector's first trade fair of the year for decades and is the foremost platform for manufacturers, the trade and designers from all over the world. From 13 to 16 January 2010, over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 60 countries will present their products to international trade visitors. The product show will be accompanied by high-grade special shows and workshops aimed at both visitors and exhibitors.
How would you describe the current economic situation in Germany?
In the last few years, the situation seemed to be very difficult and consumption went down. According to the leading Business Institutions we have in Germany, there was a decrease of 3.8% in the first quarter of 2009 vs. a growth of 0.3% in the second quarter of 2009─It looks like the economy is on the mend. This is possibly a result of government funding. There is good communication between the government, business and trade unions. Many companies are reducing their workforce from 100% -70% but the loss of income is compensated by the government. (Mainly.) It costs the government a lot of money but people are getting by. For 2010, economic experts are expecting a small improvement and a change for the better, but if the U.S. doesn't experience one, neither will Europe.
What is benefit of US pavilions at Heimtextil in Frankfurt?
We're offering this service because it's always difficult for small and medium size companies to arrange events outside the U.S. Being a part of the pavilion offers the companies a lot of benefits: collective presentation, advantageous stand prices and a lot more. This new pavilion will also encourage U.S. companies to invest money in new designs, materials, and collections. The competition from Asia is very strong."
What is the price concept for the booths at your exhibition?
The price determines the size of the booth but not the location. The open stalls are the most expensive because people can see you from all angles. It is not like, first come first serve. Because of the temporary worldwide business situation, we are taking applications up until the last minute. But if you are very late with your application the selection of stand positions will be limited.
What is the situation for the trade fair business?
All fairs have noted a change due to the crisis. Last year, most of the trade fairs experienced fewer visitors registration. We invested a lot of money in marketing and press relations. We hope to have a improved situation in 2010. Until now we don't know whether our efforts were successful, because many exhibitors and visitors decide at the last minute about their participation or attendance. At the moment long term planning is not really possible.
What is the desired outcome of these trade fairs?
Textiles are used for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from garments to the house and home, not to mention technical applications─ the textile markets are characterised by high expectations. Messe Frankfurt supports the textile sector and its themes with three brands and 27 textile fairs in eight countries around the world. In the case of garment fabrics, we organised 14 fairs in five countries - in France, the U.S.A, China, Russia and India. The primary object of the textile fairs of Messe Frankfurt is to help manufacturers, dealers and buyers to make new business contacts, to open up additional fields of business and to increase their import and export potential.
How is the textile competence of Messe Frankfurt worldwide?
We hold seven fairs in five countries – Germany, Russia, Japan, China and India – for the home and household textiles market. Last year, we expanded our portfolio of events by IFFT Interior Lifestyle Living in Tokyo and Intertextile Guangzhou Home Textile. Technical textiles are represented by six fairs, also in five countries (Germany, Russia, India, China and the USA). In this case, all events are held under the Techtextil brand name.
The launch of the new leading international trade fair, Texprocess, parallel to Techtextil in Frankfurt from 24 to 27 May 2011 will further consolidate the expertise of Messe Frankfurt in the textile field. Texprocess is an investment-goods fair for the textile and fashion sector. Thus, Messe Frankfurt covers the entire process chain from materials and fabrics, via fashions and garments, to the most important investment-goods fairs for processing and care.
How many fairs take place in Frankfurt?
There are 42 trade fairs just in Frankfurt and Messe Frankfurt is one of the three largest trade fair companies in the world, with 15 subsidiaries and 52 sales partners worldwide.
Are there any new products you are particularly excited about?
All the new products are very "hush hush" as copyright infringement is extremely feared. But these are emotional products, not like plastic. You can look at them shining.