Werner Dornscheidt, Messe Düsseldorf, told delegates at the GLS Press Roundtable on January 25 that they have easily exceeded their minimum target of 150 participants. ‘Counting 174 exhibitors from 13 nations (Europe and overseas) so far, we can already pride ourselves on having achieved a very remarkable result despite the tight economic situation’, he said. ‘Furthermore, we assume that registrations will be received right up until the last day.
‘There is also great interest in entering international markets via the first GLS amongst non-European joint participations, the majority of which are state-subsidised. In this context, we are still amidst concrete negotiations with participations from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, India, Indonesia as well as Malaysia and expect the number of participants to grow even further by the beginning of GLS.
‘With our trade fair concept, we respond to visible changes in markets and are determined to promote initiatives designed to stimulate and extend markets. Despite all our international orientation which we consistently pursue in all projects, as exhibition organisers we, of course, continue to see ourselves working side by side with our national industry that we wish to secure and promote at least on an equal footing.
‘To this end, we have worked out a new hall layout concept occupying Halls 5, 7.0 and 7a in order to ensure the segmentation and polarisation of European goods. This is why such renowned German exhibitors as ABRO, L.CREDI, Medici, Nobody or Vogt of Florence, who have already bindingly registered for the premiere of GLS, will be located in Hall 7.0. Bulaggi (ARWA B.V.), Maison Mollerus, MGM and Tosca blu will also be housed here alongside other companies from European manufacturing countries.
‘In Hall 7a we will predominantly present young labels such as MEXX, Ameribag, PACOR-PAMERO, s.Oliver accessories, next to accessories by the likes of Doppler Schirme H. Würflingsdobler with Knirps and happy rain Würflingsdobler.
‘A special highlight here will be the Action Center comprising the ‘GLS-Bagstage Area’ where 13 up-and-coming young designers have the opportunity to present their creative ideas to the interested trade audience.
‘In addition to this, we have also accepted extremely attractive participations from non-European countries like Egypt, Taiwan and the Philippines.
‘We are especially proud of the national participation from Thailand, introducing itself with a high-fashion and high-quality range of goods at GLS. All in all, the Thai participation encompasses 20 exhibitors on 240 m2 of exhibition space. The special attraction and quality of Thai companies with their own aspirational collections are guaranteed to be a highlight of the fair. It is certainly not by coincidence that renowned southern European enterprises have goods manufactured in this country. These fashionable ranges from throughout the world are grouped together in Hall 5.
‘Hall 5 will also house the joint GDS/GLS Showcenter. High-calibre and inspiring shows with trends from top to toe will be staged here and it will also be the location for our long-established sector get-together as part of the GDS/GLS on stage party.’
