Domotex asia/ChinaFloor (DACF) will host its first North American distributor delegation during the week of its 18th edition, which will take place March 22 through 24 in Shanghai.

Delegates will meet with peers from China and Asia, preview new products and technologies, tour manufacturing sites and learn about conducting business with Asian partners.

Pre-arranged visits to production facilities of leading flooring manufacturers located near Shanghai will give delegates an introduction to China’s manufacturing and business practices.

“Chinese manufacturers make fabulous products at excellent values, but business is conducted in a different manner in Asia,” said Jim Gould, president of the Floor Covering Institute. “It is important to see the facilities, meet the people, clarify expectations and avoid misunderstandings. Costly mistakes can be made if the details are not talked through to achieve a true meeting of the minds.”

Gould strongly recommends that all attendees take an extra day or two to visit manufacturers while in China during DACF.

“China has become the hotbed of innovation. Anyone missing Domotex asia/ChinaFloor will be a year behind learning what is new and what the future holds,” he said. “Distributors especially need to visit the show because their customers depend on them to offer the newest and best products available.”

Some delegates include Hoy Lanning, senior vice president, JJ Haines; Steve Rosenthal, senior vice president of sales and marketing, All Tile; Theodore Gillgrist, vice president, purchasing; William M. Bird & Co. and Michael Martin, president and CEO, National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).

For more information, visit domotexasiachinafloor.com.