In brief

Fewer exhibitors and visitors Shortly after the end of the 29th DIY & Homing event (previously DIY) in Kortrijk, Belgium, it is not yet clear when and how frequently the fair should be held in future. The organisers wish to make their decision on the basis of a survey. This year fewer exhibitors and visitors were recorded than last year. The number of visitors went down by six per cent. Providers of services such as logistics, store design or merchandising were also present this year for the first time. Major brands signing up The organisers of the trio of fairs, Totally DIY, Totally Secure and Totally Tools, expect an increasing level of interest in the 2011 event. More than 60 per cent of the exhibition space has already been booked according to a report from show organisers Brintex, and the major brands in the DIY industry have announced their intention to participate. The fair will take place in Birmingham from 6 to 8 February 2011, for the second time running alongside Spring Fair International. Conference to feature at Ferroforma-Bricoforma It is planned to hold an international conference at the next Ferroforma-Bricoforma, due to take place in Bilbao, Spain, from 23 – 26 March 2011. What is more, a design and innovation contest will be included for the first time. Fernando Bautista of the COFAC hardware cooperative organisation was elected as chairman of the fair’s technical advisory committee at its inaugural meeting. The fair organisers are hoping to attract exhibitors with the offer of discounts on various service packages. Other plans include organising group travel for visitors as well. New Products Parade The organisers are again setting up their New Products Parade at Eurobrico in Valencia from 3 to 5 November 2010. This special area will group together the innovative products that are being displayed at the fair. In addition to the TCB, an exhibition for kitchens, bathrooms, built-in furniture and renovations, a third show is due to be held in parallel to Eurobrico. This is ZOW Trend & Design, a trade fair for furniture and interior design. Positive mood ahead of Moscow fairs Gardentool Moscow is to be staged for the fifth time from 1 – 4 March 2011. Euroexpo, the organisers, see a high level of potential for growth in the gardening sector. IVG, the German association for the garden industry, is one of the sponsors of the fair. The last event attracted 6 000 visitors, 40 per cent from the wholesale and retail trade and 20 per cent…