Blinds & Shutters - Issue 4-2020

NEWS NEWSDESK: tel: 01923 437 618 mail: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com
NEWS IN BRIEF
R+T postponed until 2022
Messe Stuttgart is postponing the next edition of the R+T
– the leading world trade fair for roller shutters,
doors/gates and sun protection systems – to 21 to 25
February 2022.
This decision was based on the intensive discussions between the project managers and all
partners, supporter associations, the Trade Fair Advisory Board and leading manufacturers.
During the last few weeks an intensive and, at times, personal survey of national and
international exhibitors was also conducted. This survey also produced a clear result. "From
the very first day, we focused on close and transparent communication with everyone
involved. The intensive discussions and the exhibitor survey clearly show that R+T cannot be
reliably staged at present with its accustomed quality, especially on account of the high
internationality and the extremely long preparation phase," said Roland Bleinroth, president
and CEO of Messe Stuttgart. "R+T is much more than just a trade fair! The exchanges with
colleagues, intensive technical discussions, numerous networking events and accompanying
events make R+T a large family gathering every three years. However, all this cannot be
guaranteed under the present conditions. Although it was not easy for us to make this
decision after two and half years of planning, preparation and commitment, it is the only
correct one at present," added Sebastian Schmid, department director technology at Messe
Stuttgart. "By postponing R+T to 2022, we primarily want to give our exhibitors and partners
the greatest possible planning security. In February 2022 manufacturers will again be able to
access the entire R+T network which they know and are accustomed to. We are pleased that
we and the industry have found a solution in order to repeat the previous success of the
leading world trade fair."
However, the postponement of R+T also opens up new opportunities and doors for the
industry. "In the originally scheduled event period, i.e. 22 to 26 February 2021, all our
exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their developed innovations and new
products to trade visitors all over the world during the digital R+T," said Sebastian Schmid.
The centrepiece of this digital format will be the R+T Innovation Award which will be
staged according to the original plans as a live event. Key topics such as handicraft, the smart
home and architecture will also be examined. The programme will be supplemented by
hybrid, industry-specific technical talks and different matchmaking services. The presented
contents will also be available online after the digital R+T for another 365 days up to the
next R+T and will be regularly updated. "In the next few weeks we will finalise the concept
for the digital R+T and will start the first implementations directly. We will also take all the
important steps to ensure a successful R+T in 2022. We can hardly wait to welcome all our
exhibitors and visitors in person again in Stuttgart from 21 to 25 February 2022," said a
delighted Sebastian Schmid.
Awning specialist markilux can
congratulate itself on yet another award.
The cassette awning MX-3, now on the
market for a year, won the “German
Design Award” at the start of February,
in the “Design Building Elements” section
in the category: “Excellent Product”.
The jury of the German Design
Council, who selected the awning as the
award winner, justifies this in terms of
the curves of the MX-3. The jury felt the
awning united linear architecture and
natural shapes. Klaus Wuchner, director
of sales and marketing at markilux, and
Christiane Berning, head of the
marketing and business development
department, were presented with the
award in the first week of February
during the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt
am Main. It is now the second design
award for the awning model as it already
received an “Iconic Award” for its stylish
design in 2019. “We attach great
importance to the balanced design of
our products that reflects the spirit of
the times and, simultaneously, is timeless,”
says Klaus Wuchner. Every time the
company receives an award, Mr
Wuchner sees it as a confirmation of the
company's product strategy. Because for
years now the company has interpreted
awnings as design products, from the
cover to the frame, communicating this
to the end customer. Christiane Berning
points out: “To leave this international
competition as one of 70 gold award
winners from 5,300 entries is one more
step toward making the brand wellknown
at an international level.” And, at
the same time, it is a quality seal which
indicates to the end customer both its
quality and value.
6 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE FOUR 2020
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