Two hightlights, one pity, different feelings-observation on the Domotechnica 2008
2008-08-01

Cologne has welcomed its grand feast -- Cologne International Household Appliances exhibition 2008 in February. In the exhibition region, a series of appliance products were displayed including the white goods, the small household appliances, the spare parts, the kitchen appliances, the household automation appliance, and the service industry appliances and so on. Exhibitors, who come from more than 30 countries such as Germany, Italy, China, gathered together with 600 suppliers. Mr. Michael Dreyer, Asia Pacific president of Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, said, the two highlights of this exhibition are the new structure built on the basis of product categories and the various activities supporting the themes. He said the trade audience can benefit from both the trade exhibition and the theme activities, "the current industry trend of development plays a decisive role in the home appliances industry. We hope that we can focus on these themes and provide the power for the development of the world and the European appliances industry. Highlight one, the Structure full of Creativity 2008 Cologne electrical appliances exhibition used a new structure for the first time on the basis of product categories. The exhibition region was divided to “domo-Selection”, “the global resources” and “domo – Components”, so that the trade audience could quickly find the exhibitor whom they are interested in. In the 'domo-Selection' the visitors found products from well-know national and international brands which set standards in terms of their quality, functionality and design. In the 'Global Sources' section there are non-branded appliances which are produced by manufacturers from developing economies, designed for the mass market. A third area will be devoted to components and accessories. In the separate "domo – Components" area, visitors encountered the components industry, which presented components and equipment here as well as showing the trade visitors the latest technical advances for the development of household appliances. Highlight two, supporting activity that close to consumption ¡¡ The Domotechnica show traditionally features a number of programmes related to developments in the industry and representing retail opportunities. In 2008, these will be 'Energy efficiency in household appliances', 'Coffee Cologne' – an appliances and accessories exhibition and events relating to coffee preparation, and the '50 plus market' focusing on the special needs of the older consumers. The Hall of Fame will be exhibiting the winners of the Plus X Award – rewarding exceptional appliances in terms of design innovation, ecological impact and user comfort.

A Pity¡¡ The Domotechnica 2008 has undergone a little change. The net exhibition area is about 20,000 square meters, one tenth of that a decade ago. Not only Germen large enterprises such as Bosch, Siemens did not participate, but also Panasonic, LG, and other mainstream brands of Japan and South Korea were absent, even China's Haier has gone nowhere. It’s just a pity that more manufacturers didn’t support the show. However, based on its own long history, and the appropriate adjustments the experienced organizers made according to the present situation, the Domotechnica 2008 in Cologne still can be regarded as an effective platform for the display, communion and trading platform.

Different feelings The Midea Group paid much attention on this exhibition. Its exhibition area is the largest among Chinese enterprises. In addition to central air-conditioning and Soot Smoking machine, the Midea showed air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, drinking fountains, electric fans, electric heaters, microwave ovens and so on. They drew attention of many customers. Some enterprises also pay attention to the collection of the products information. Derun Electric Co. Ltd. said: “The information about wine cabinet products collected on the exhibition is more than expected. We get a more direct understanding of our customer requirements and we communicated with Chinese counterparts smoothly."