| Trade fairs such as MoOD have always been excellent indicators of a particular sector’s current state of affairs. Based on this idea, we can say that producers of upholstery, window and wall coverings are facing the first signs of a revival after several years of recession.
This revival did not immediately show itself based on attendance figures, but was evident from the exhibitor’s reactions during the final day. Many look back at a good fair, a surprisingly good fair even for those who had travelled to Brussels with low expectations. Most of them agreed that visitor quality was high. Ultimately, 6200 professional visitors were present at MoOD 2013 (compared to 7000 last year). Many among them visit the fair every year, but several visitors rediscovered MoOD after a few years of absence in order to find the latest novelties and new applications. Most of them were Europeans (mainly from France, Germany and the UK) with Asia and the USA remaining in second and third place, respectively. An increasing number of visitors from Central and South America had made the trip Brussels. Several exhibitors called MoOD “a must for the sector”. They praised the fair’s uniqueness on a niche market and its clearly aligned profile in terms of exhibitors and visitors. Specialization is crucial in this aspect. This way, MoOD remains a not to be missed gathering of producers of upholstery, window and wall coverings from around the world. |
“Satisfaction, confidence in the future and innovation and contract”
One of the most important things after a fair is the follow-up of the exhibitor’s comments. This survey is a confirmation of what already became clear during the fair itself.
The data show how MoOD was based on three major themes. First of all, most of the exhibitors left MoOD 2013 with a general feeling of satisfaction. Secondly, these exhibitors clearly indicate they are confident for next year’s edition and finally we see how two topics are mentioned explicitly: innovation and contract.
Exhibitors confirm it is mostly optimism that reigns for the future!
Surveys providing facts and figures are one thing, real reactions are another. As usual, we contacted a number of exhibitors, in order to probe how MoOD 2013 turned out to be for them. The result? Most seem to be quite satisfied.
Another conclusion is that it is no longer about flooding the market with new products, but carefully probing what the customer wants first. The future? Most seem to agree the problems are far from over, but optimism mostly reigns…
“I am not too optimistic, the market bounces back and forth. I don’t think 2014 will be an easy year, but it is clear thecontract market will become more important. If you ask me, MoOD also has to attract more attention from the high-end market. And this is so for visitors mostly coming from Europe and to a lesser extent from the US. At the same time, you need cheap or reasonable price ranges, with easy care natural products,” commented Ruchan Tacettin of Dina Vanelli.
