Shanghai—With nearly four months still to go for the ninth annual Domotex asia/China-Floor (DACF), organizers say demand from both exhibitor and visitor perspectives have been at an all-time high.

“The positive growth and rapid expansion of the 2006 edition has certainly carried over to the 2007 show,” said Wilbert Heijmans, director of VNU Exhibitions, one of the producers of the event. “Last year, DACF achieved great progress in terms of exhibition space, quantity and quality of both exhibitors and visitors, and we expect the same to happen for 2007.”

The last edition totalled nearly 800,000-square-feet of exhibition space, and 2007 is on pace to beat that by at least 20%.

Taking place March 28 to 30 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Heijmans said DACF will encompass six soccer-ball sized exhibit halls plus four large enclosed “tents” adjacent to and connecting to the other halls. These will feature many of the wood and laminate companies that are exhibiting as well as all the handmade rugs.

He added in terms of attendance, 2006’s record-breaking figure of 32,424 is expected to be beat as well based on initial inquiries. Over 90% of the people who attended said they would visit next year’s edition, and there has been a great deal of interest expressed by many who have yet to make the trip.

DACF ’07 will feature all types of flooring products and accessories, along with a full hall devoted to the latest equipment and technology in the industry, called Floortech Asia, and a Sports Arena display area.

Last year was the first for Floortech, and 116 companies from 10 countries set up shop. Heijmans said based on the reaction from both exhibitors and attendees, these figures are expected to increase.

Located in Hall W2, the Sports Arena includes displays and workshops to help with the rapid expansion of China’s sports fields and gyms, not to mention it being the host of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

There will also be numerous educational sessions and demonstrations to help attendees better understand the products on display as well as the Chinese and Asian markets.

Two added attractions for those visiting the upcoming event will be Design Week Shanghai 2007 and China Design & Contract Expo (CDC Expo), which both overlap DACF. Taking place March 29 to April 2, Design Week is an event that explores the mutual influence of designers and the material products they use from a global perspective.

Top-level architects and designers are expected to participate not only from an attendance point, but also as participants in lectures, discussions and workshops. Heijmans noted more than 5,000 A&D people are expected to attend.

CDC Expo takes place March 29 to 31 and features exhibits, educational and networking opportunities geared to take advantage of Asia’s real estate boon.

Chien Chung Pei of Pei Partnership Architects in New York said his trip to last year’s event was well worth the visit. “This was a very professional job and I enjoyed my time there. They went out of their way to enable the speakers to meet each other.”

For more information on attending or exhibiting at DACF ’07, e-mail chinafloor@vnuexhibitions.com.cn or call 011.86.21. 6247.7668.