It’s been a whirlwind start to 2018, and there’s no slowing down. Seems like everyone we spoke with at the January conventions is optimistic about the strength of the flooring market and all the opportunities we have to look forward to at every level of business.

“In the U.S. for the manufacturers and the retailers, it is exciting times,” said John Rietveldt, CEO of technology company I4F. “The new technologies are exploding in a positive sense. There are so many opportunities with products, compositions, and things are looking better and better. There are so many innovations I am enjoying, and for all of us, it is creating value. I am pretty optimistic for the next couple of years.”

The positive momentum continues among manufacturers who are investing in new products and marketing strategies to help retailers get more consumer traffic in the door.

“This year, we are in a great space to take stickiness to our brands and stickiness from our product as well as a strong digital presence on our own website and drive that down to the retailer in store so that the consumer gets a consistent 360-degree experience,” said Karen Mendelsohn, senior vice president of marketing at Mohawk Industries. “To be able to create that robust content that you need, rich assets that you need, to really to engage the consumer, make it real for her, tap into an emotional level–less about specifications–and then repurpose that content appropriately for the different platforms and across social. That’s a focus for us and it’s a competitive advantage.”

Selling those competitive advantages is part of what makes reporting on this industry so fascinating. One we are watching with interest is the recently announced Domotex USA. The three-day show, which will be held February 28 through March 2, 2019, in Atlanta, is targeting flooring professionals in retail, installation, remodeling and building.

Raymond Bianchi, vice president of events and business development at Hannover Fairs USA, said the new show is answering a need for buyers in the eastern two-thirds of the United States. “There won’t be a need for as many corporate events, or as many larger events, and we can make this an efficient use of their marketing dollar,” he added.

Show organizers also chose Atlanta for its proximity to U.S. manufacturers and a focus on innovation. Bianchi said that survey results revealed that attendees want to combine show travel with visits to local factories, educational opportunities and meetings with local reps.

What do you think about Domotex USA? Do you plan to exhibit or attend? Let us know your thoughts by contacting me at kernt@bnpmedia.com.