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ZOW sets new standards in Turkey
Second supplier fair in Istanbul from 1 - 4 October

The sales situation is looking very promising indeed, with over 200 exhibitors having already registered for the second ZOW in Istanbul from 1 - 4 October 2009. They include major Turkish supplier companies such as Kastamonu Entegre, Yildiz Sunta MDF, Starwood, AGT, Roma Plastik, Samet and Cebi Kilit. At the Istanbul Expo Center, they will be presenting new products for surfaces and fittings, semi-finished products, elements and systems, materials and interior design. Furnitex, which will take place at the same time as ZOW, will also be presenting furniture fabrics, leather, microfibre materials and upholstery accessories.

The first ZOW in January 2008 was an all-round success. 14 000 visitors from Turkey and the Middle East made the trip to Istanbul to take in the ‘new’ trade fair and find out about the latest products for the furniture supplier industry. “We expect significantly more visitors to ZOW in 2009, because this trade fair concept, which is completely new to Turkey, was very well received,” says Survey boss Suleyman Durdu. This year, for the first time, ZOW will be held at the same time as Furnitex, the supplier fair for seating and upholstered furniture, and Z-TEC, the supplier fair for wood and furniture processing machinery. “A trade fair event of this kind is unique in the region,” says Durdu.

As is the case all over the world, ZOW in Turkey also takes place in a location where visitors can meet a concentrated number of furniture manufacturers: in the region surrounding Istanbul. With an annual growth rate of 5%, Turkey is still one of the most interesting markets in the world. The furniture industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in Turkey, helped by investment in residential construction from private companies and state institutions. The state-of-the-art Istanbul Expo Center, which is located very near Atatürk Airport, provides the ideal setting and facilities for a successful ZOW. Istanbul also has plenty of fascinating tourist attractions, including magnificent mosques and palaces, exotic bazaars and shops, and of course the Bosporus.    

The ZOW workshop concept

Those who still don’t know ZOW can look forward to a special type of business event. People, products and communication form the focal point of this unique trade fair, which has made a name for itself around the world with its workshop concept. Open, transparent stands of defined sizes, built with standard modules, invite visitors to come and discover exhibitors’ products and give even smaller companies the opportunity to make an impact.  Forum areas with catering provide an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to relax and talk on a more informal basis. Parking, admission and catering are free for visitors. ZOW provides an ideal opportunity to do good business, as only company decision-makers are invited.

ZOW in Turkey is the seventh ZOW venue worldwide, in addition to Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia and China (Shanghai and Shenzhen). Turkey has always been considered the gateway to the Middle East, including countries such as Syria, Jordan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. With its multitude of construction projects, the UAE in particular offers significant sales potential for Turkish and international supplier companies. Istanbul – the place where East meets West – is the ideal starting point from which to break into these markets. ZOW offers the ideal platform for this.