The dates for GDS International Shoe fair in 2004 have been announced. After consulting with the international GDS Advisory Council, Messe Düsseldorf has confirmed that the 97th and 98th events in Düsseldorf are scheduled as follows: March 11-14 September 16-19, 2004.

A new project director has been appointed to head the GDS team. Danila Avdiu has been a Messe Düsseldorf project director since 1999.

[http://www.gds-shoe-fair.com] boasts more than 7,000 visits per month and approximately 65,000 page impressions. The International Shoe Fair’s portal that went live a year ago is enjoying growing popularity.

Since its launch, the services portal has undergone ongoing expansion and enhancements. It now presents all the GDS information in English, German and Italian. Interested visitors and exhibitors can plan and arrange almost everything for their stay in Düsseldorf online.

In the run-up to the fair, visitors also have the option of buying tickets online. Trade visitors can register on the portal to make their ticket purchases. At the same time, an email newsletter will in future keep the industry informed about up-to-the-minute GDS happenings. Hotels can also be selected and rooms booked directly through the portal.

The exhibitor database is available for downloading onto a PC or PDA (pocket PC or palm). Registered visitors get this service free of charge.

New on the portal menu is the ‘Videos’ section, where recordings of the complete fashion shows can be downloaded and viewed.