News
ZOW 2oo5 in Bad Salzuflen from 21st to 24th February
More Services for Exhibitors and Visitors
Although autumn has scarcely begun and the leaves are only just falling, spring of 2005 is approaching very rapidly - and that means ZOW 2oo5. The event takes place for the eleventh time from 21st to 24th February and intensive preparations are already in hand.
From Monday to Thursday, between the hours of 9.00 and 18.00, the exhibition centre at Bad Salzuflen will be devoted entirely to furniture suppliers, whose latest products are already eagerly awaited at the show that has grown to become the most important launch platform in the trade. The number of exhibitors is once again around 550 - the same as in 2004. Final listings will be given at the end of November when details are concluded.
The attractiveness of ZOW in Bad Salzuflen is reflected in the fact that the whole 28.000 m˛ was completely sold out half way through 2004. Within this situation, many companies have expressed a desire for more stand space. Peter H. Meyer, Managing Director of the ZOW organisers, SURVEY, comments, "We have noticed this trend over the past couple of years, which comes as a result of increasing internationalisation of the visitors causing exhibitors to request for more display space be made available. We have attempted to counter these requests, so that the previous stand sizes - which represent an important part of the ZOW concept - will suffice."
This faithfulness to the concept leads to an ever-increasing demand at ZOW in Bad Salzuflen. In February 2005 companies from 29 countries will fill the three halls with their products from almost 50 product areas. The division of the halls is retained as before in the interests of visibility and the visitors wish it to remain so.
In the search for the most important introductions, the ZOW "Innovation Scouts" scheme will take place for the third time in succession. This features a high-profile team of judges comprised of manufacturers and users who will appraise previously short listed entries for the degree of innovation. The best entries will then be widely publicised at Bad Salzuflen.
Superb catering system of the usual top quality
For even better hassle-free operation, the catering system in Bad Salzuflen in 2005 is being improved to reduce waiting times, without, of course, reducing the standard or quantity of food and maintaining one of the hallmarks of ZOW. The menus in the restaurants will change daily, with special meals available for vegetarians - another plus for all participants.
Both visitors and exhibitors who arrive by car, will, for the first time, be directed from the Autobahn exit at Herford/Bad Salzuflen and to ZOW. So that parking can be achieved close to the halls, another 500 parking places have been made available, thus making things much easier because now over 3.000 places are offered. All parking is free, and from parking areas further afield, shuttle buses will be provided. ZOW Show Manager, Dietmar Schöner expressed his satisfaction, "We have really tackled the parking problems. However, as in previous years, we still advise visitors and exhibitors to take advantage of the free local bus travel using the ZOW entry passes." From the rail station and the town centre, buses 942 run hourly direct to the show. They return at four minutes past the hour.
For rail and air travellers there are shuttle services from the ICE (Intercity) station in Bielefeld and the Paderborn-Lippstadt airport. Accurate departure times for these services will be found on the Internet under www.zow.de. On the same Website, exhibitors, visitors and representatives of the press will find all they need to know for their exhibition planning: exhibitor lists, on-line registration, ZOW handbook, Press Tool, and travel guidance.
With this comprehensive Service Package, the eleventh edition of ZOW is set to provide maximum convenience. As the signs for the economic situation are now looking increasingly positive, all participants at ZOW 2005 can look forward to the event with optimism and confidence.