New Milestones set in the golden anniversary edition

of a AWFS^® fair

The Golden Anniversary edition of the AWFS^® Fair, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center July 18 – 22, 2007 continued the tradition of delivering great value to both attendees and exhibitors, setting new milestones in many areas. Over 30,000 industry professionals, from 66 countries networked, learned, conducted business and experienced the excitement of 2007’s largest industry

event over the course of four demanding days. With 910 exhibiting companies, the most of any previous show, occupying 475,875 net sq ft, an increase of 14% from 2005, AWFS^®Vegas 2007 was the largest, most successful and exciting Woodworking Machinery and Supply Fair^® to date. Angelo Gangone noted that, “With more exhibitors occupying more exhibit space, it was only due to careful planning and the incredible team effort on the part of all of our staff and vendors that exhibitors experienced the smoothest move-in ever. This set a highly positive buzz that continued over the next four days.”

Other milestones of the 2007 event included a 40% increase in the number of new products vying for Sequoia Awards, a 30% increase in the number of entries in the Fresh Wood Student Competition, a 45% increase in the attendance at the Gala Awards Dinner and the successful inaugural debut of the National Belt Sander National Championships. Exhibitors such as Vollmer of America, already have plans to substantially increase the size of its exhibit space in 2009. For Vollmer this is a six-fold increase since making their initial appearance as an AWFS® Fair exhibitor in 1999. “The ’07 show was a big success for Vollmer in many ways. We were able to reinforce existing partnerships with customers while introducing them to our newest technologies. The Fair is a wonderful opportunity to present new applications and to listen to our customers; to learn how to better serve their needs and meet industry expectations. It is this willingness to listen and then adapt our systems to customer needs that drives VOLLMER’s success. The AWFS Fair provides our company with an unmatched opportunity to accomplish these goals and more,” said VOLLMER of AMERICA President, Ralf Kraemer.

The continued growth in attendees drawn from the cabinet industry, the Fair’s largest attendee segment, growing by 12% in 2007, offset the prolonged decline in the furniture category that has occurred over the past decade even though it had been buoyed slightly in 2005 as a result of the co-location of the Furniture Market’s grand opening event. International attendance from our neighbours to the north, Canada, also set new record highs, growing once again by 27%. Ana Druk, AWFS^® international liaison, notes that this year’s international program was the best ever in participation, use of the International Business Center, and seriousness of the international buyers attending the show. Formal delegations came from a number of countries that had never had a single attendee in the past, and these individuals were prepared to buy. One first time international attendee, not only found two new suppliers, but finalized initial purchases of $135,000 and plans on repeat orders if the products measure up. Another individual used the IBC to finalize the purchase of two pieces of equipment costing approximately $165,000. The DOC representatives who spent the time meeting both exhibitors and international attendees, commended AWFS^® on the association’s initial participation in the IBP program and on the quality of the fair’s International Directory, distributed to all international exhibitors who attended the event.

Dale Silverman, AWFS^® EVP, notes that “As in 2005, we had many new attendees from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Particularly thrilling was the record number of Wood and Wood Products Top 100 companies that sent a record number of their employees to the Fair this year and signed most of them up for the Awards Dinner as well. The Awards Dinner has distinguished itself as being “THE” premier industry event celebrating the best and brightest.” One of the many first time attendees that had never experienced a “major” show before, Rusty Henderson, Master Refinisher from Troy Ohio dropped by the AWFS^® booth to thank the association. The Fresh Wood Competition, showcasing 58 finalist pieces drawn from a record 210 entries not only drew record crowds of attendees and exhibitors, but the national press. “AWFS^® goal is to continue to strengthen the value proposition of the AWFS^®Fair, building it into the most important woodworking supply and machinery industry show in the world.” notes Skip Hem, AWFS^® president. “The 2007 event is now history and both the board and staff are already working on a number of creative and innovative ideas to make the 2009 event as vital, exciting and important as was 2007.”

ZOW Shanghai – Gateway to the Asian Market

From September 12-15, 2007, the third ZOW Suppliers' Show for the furniture and interior design industry takes place at the SNIEC Shanghai International Expo Center, running parallel to Furniture China. More than 170 exhibitors from 16 countries will be present in 2007 to show all the latest supplier innovations in surfaces and fittings, semi-finished products and elements and systems to the Chinese audience. Exhibitors are coming in from Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK and USA, as well as from China.

Organizer Survey will continue to pursue its successful "Creating Close Contacts" formula in Shanghai, which has become the trademark of ZOW events worldwide. Central to this unique show are the clarity of exhibitors' displays and the interaction between exhibitors and trade visitors facilitated by the designated open-plan communal space. Invitations go out to corporate decision-makers only, to enable discussions with customers to be effective. Ready-made all-in packages for exhibitors, an open and transparent stand design and extensive services for visitors, such as free admission, parking

and catering, make ZOW particularly attractive for all show participants and add a creative workshop quality to the venue.

The simultaneous staging of ZOW with Furniture China has proved to be extraordinarily fruitful. A great number of exhibitors and visitors at Furniture China take the opportunity to up-date themselves on the latest supplier innovations showing parallel to the nation's biggest furniture show. "Last year, more than 12,000 guests from the industry visited ZOW in Shanghai, and we expect some 15,000 trade visitors in 2007," declares Bernd Rademacher, Director of Survey Asia based in Kuala Lumpur.

China remains one of the sales markets with the greatest potential for furniture suppliers. The annual economic growth rate runs at more than 10 %. 1.3 billion people live in a country that has developed in recent years into the second biggest industrial nation in the world. The building boom is relentless with 80% of public funds alone flowing into the housing and apartment construction industry. According to the latest forecasts, income per head in China is due to double by 2010,

with a new middle class on the rise that's keen to spend and consume. By 2015, the number of people moving into new accommodation will be around 20 million - and that's just an annual figure! Hence the huge demand for furniture and interior fittings. In fact, the ideal condition for ZOW in Shanghai as it becomes more successful from year to year. The show is now considered to be an important platform for the Chinese and East Asian furniture industry.

FURNITURE MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY CHINA 2007

Concurrently with ‘FURNITURE CHINA 2007’, ‘ZOW CHINA 2007’

September 12-15, 2007, Shanghai

Woodworking Machinery, Furniture Raw Materials

A Leading Platform for Furniture Manufacturing Industry

90% growth in exhibiting space, still 200 companies waiting out of the door

With great supports of all exhibitors, FMC2007 (The 13^th Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China) has been fully booked out three months before the show opening. A lack of 15,000 sqm makes 200 companies fail to participate in the show this year. As forecasted by the organizer, Year 2007 witnesses another positive growth of FMC, with up to 90% growth in exhibiting space. Active reactions from manufacturers show the prosperity of furniture manufacturing industry in China.

Updated data from the organizer – Shanghai CMP Sinoexpo Int’l Exhibitions Co., Ltd. – reveal that FMC2007 will exceed 30,000 sqm in space and have up to 600 companies exhibiting, providing an all-round display of latest products and technology of woodworking machinery, furniture manufacturing raw materials and components. To build up a leading platform for furniture manufacturing industry home and abroad, the organizer spares no efforts to promote FMC through over 100 domestic and international media, and send invitations to 100,000 trade visitors in its huge database cumulated throughout past 15 years, thus better proving the tenet “Base in China, Face to the World” of FMC2007.

Concurrent event Furniture China, the stable backing of FMC

A total display area up to 220,000 sqm of ‘Furniture China’ currently held together with FMC2007 will have around 1,600 furniture manufacturers participating. Facing directly with these trade visitors around, the convenience of neighboring sourcing provides FMC a strong backing to be successful.

Being the largest international furniture show in Asia, Furniture China is a professional event with a variety of display sections, such as residential furniture, office furniture, cabinet furniture, and etc. Its concurrent summit forum – World Furniture Congress will also be on the stage for the first time in Shanghai. Furniture China has become the 4^th largest furniture show in the world, after the premier three in Germany, Italy, and the United States. With a 30% annually growth, Furniture China guarantees FMC a perfect exposure opportunities for woodworking machinery manufacturers and furniture material suppliers.

Year Round Online Display, new B2B concept of Trade Show

In order to easily touching exhibitors of FMC and Furniture China, an online B2B platform, www.furnitureinchina.com, is built up and warmly welcomed since its appearance. Being a new highlight of the expo industry, the website provides visitors convenient indexes of FMC exhibitor list, stand number, exhibiting products, and functions to arrange appointments onsite the show, etc. As a year-round show on website, the B2B platform provides 365 show days online for exhibitors and trade visitors.

By the end of May, over 1,500 exhibitors of Furniture China and FMC2007 have registered and submitted their information.

THE NEW ACIMALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2007-2010

The new board of directors – voted by Acimall at the ordinary assembly in Ischia on June 16 – shows continuity in the management of the association, member of Confindustria, that gathers the Italian manufacturers of woodworking technology.

So, both the President Ambrogio Delachi (Delmac) and the Vice Presidents Grazia Finocchiaro (Gruppo Scm) and Paolo Griggio (Griggio) were confirmed. Many board members were also confirmed – Claudio Ginnasi (Simimpianti), appointed as the new treasurer, Luca Lari (Artiglio), Marco Alberti (Alberti Vittorio) and Gianni Volpato (Volpato) – plus two new entries, namely Franco Paviotti (Metal World) and Gianni Raggi (Falcioni-Cefla).

“The will expressed by our associates – commented Ambrogio Delachi – is proving the effectiveness of our decisions and the strategies we have pursued for the past three years. But this is also a clear spur to providing our industry companies with the necessary tools to face a more and more competitive and global market, where we cannot think that the “made in Italy” mark will be enough to ensure our success forever.”

It is worth underlining that the composition of the board of directors – that will guide the association until 2010 – is highly representative. “Over the next three years – Delachi added – Acimall will rely on the contribution by board members coming from different industry segments and organizations. From small and medium businesses to large industrial groups, from primary operation to tools, from finishing to traditional equipment, up to big plants. Incomparable sources of knowledge and experience that will help our association identify, interpret and support the specific needs and features of the many different areas we represent.”

IWF® RANKS ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP TRADE SHOWS FOR BUYERS

The International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair - USA® is one of the nation’s top trade shows (#5) in attracting attendees with buying influence, according to the Trade Show Trends report issued annually by Exhibit Surveys Inc.

The Trade Show Trends report for 2006 showed that IWF ranked fifth among exhibitions with the highest buying influence among attendees and tenth among shows where attendees had plans to buy. The report, based on audience surveys conducted at 50 shows in 2006, said that 92 percent of attendees at IWF 2006 had the power to recommend or make purchasing decisions, and 64 percent of attendees at the event plan to buy within 12 months. These influential buyers come to IWF from all 50 states and 85 foreign countries, with attendees representing everything from one-man shops to the largest production facilities, making the event a key place for exhibitors to showcase their latest products and achieve a great return on their investment.

IWF 2008 will be held Wednesday-Saturday, August 20-23, 2008 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The 2008 event has over 900 exhibitors and over 750,000 net square feet of exhibit space sold already 14 months before the event. IWF 2008 is forecasted to be double the size of and will have twice the number of contracted exhibitors than the next largest show in the Americas. In addition to a strong base of past exhibitors that have increased the size of their exhibits, there is substantial interest from new companies in key market segments such as cabinetry, furniture, supplies, architectural woodworking and other woodworking areas, solid surfaces, plastics, flooring, windows/doors, machine tooling, composites, material handling, hardware and components.

"Key decision-makers worldwide come to IWF because they know it is attracts the manufacturers and suppliers that provide the manufacturing solutions they need for this wide-ranging industry, for every company from the one-man shop to a large production facility,” said Charles R. (Tommy Tomkins, IWF 2008 Chairman and President of Cresent Fine Furniture Company, based in Gallatin, Tennessee.

“Our buyers stress that IWF is their best opportunity to see and evaluate the most innovative new technology, machinery, supplies and services displayed all in one place, and to meet with new and existing suppliers. Live demonstrations presented by the world’s leading manufacturers, technical sessions that explore the issues facing the industry and networking with peers are added value that make IWF the must-attend event,” Tomkins added.

Features of the 2008 Fair will include a Technical Conference program to meet challenges facing the industry, the New Product Showcase highlighting the industry’s latest developments, The Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award® for innovation and the trend-setting student Design Emphasis Competition.

INTERZUM 2007 - INTERZUM IMPRESSES AS THE LEADING

INTERNATIONAL FAIR

Enthusiastic exhibitors and visitors, good business deals and transactions along with innumerable innovations characterized the scene at this year's interzum and ensured a very good mood in the exhibition halls on each day of the fair. "interzum has strengthened and consolidated its position as the leading fair", said Wolfgang Kranz, Executive Director Koelnmesse, in summing up the event.

"It is impressive confirmation of the fact that sectors, which act in a uniform and specific approach and help to shape their leading fair with commitment, can also increase their own corporate and entrepreneurial success", the Executive Director went on to say. This was also confirmed by Hubert Schwarz, Chairman of the interzum Advisory Board and Executive Director of Julius Blum GmbH Deutschland: "The great expectations, which we have placed in this interzum, have been completely fulfilled - not only due to the high internationality of the event, but also particularly in relation to the number of German visitors. Overall this interzum has been fantastic."

For the first time interzum was held in Koelnmesse's Northern Halls. "Because the new halls, flooded with light and inviting despite their dimensions, along with the Trade Fair Boulevard as the central feeder element between the halls, lend the event a brand new flair", was how one exhibitor praised the ambience and atmosphere at interzum. As far as the visitors were concerned, the new, compact structuring of the fair in particular was very well received. "The routes and distances have become much shorter, ensuring an even more efficient visit to the fair" was the comment from one foreign trade visitor.

The shortening to 4 fair days and the event's changed sequence from Wednesday to Saturday were also welcomed.

In rented hall space, which has increased by 10%, 1,361 participating companies (rise of 5 percent) from 61 countries presented their innovations in the areas of fittings, surfaces, timber-derived products, natural materials, upholstery materials and machines. Around 75 percent of the exhibitors came from other European countries and overseas. With over 50,000 guests from 137 countries the fair had an extremely international flavour once again in terms of visitors. For the first time there was also a renewed increase in the number of German visitors.

"The German furniture industry has made use of its home advantage in order to comprehensively inform itself about the international trends. We see this as confirmation of the leading trade fair concept", said Udo Traeger, Vice-President Furniture, Interior Design & Textiles at Koelnmesse.

The numerous trade visitors from Germany and abroad expressed their great satisfaction with the innovativeness shown by the furniture industry's supplying sectors and also their delight at the many intelligent and smart new solutions presented by the manufacturers. "We had an impressive stay at interzum: fantastic flair, attractive and very individual presentations by the exhibitors along with very interesting ideas and proposals for our own ideas pool", said the Marketing Manager of a major German kitchen furniture manufacturer.

An exciting contrast to the exhibitors' innovations was provided by the trend shows and lecture forums at the centre of the halls. There experts from the most diverse fields of competence and expertise held discussions on current questions and issues in the sector. The supporting events at interzum also attracted great interest. With the "Tappi Symposium", VHI Innovation Congress and the 11th European Veneer Day, a total of three premieres were held. The fact that interzum is becoming increasingly interesting and attractive for architects was confirmed by the great response to the Interior Architects' Day organized by the North-Rhine Westphalia Chamber of Architects on the 4th day of the fair.

Future-orientated innovations recognized by the interzum award
Once again this year outstanding innovations in the sector characterized the "interzum award: material innovations and design", organized for the fourth time by Koelnmesse in cooperation with red dot. A total of 51 products were selected as award-winners by the top-ranking members of the jury and presented in a separate special show during interzum.

The trends at interzum :

Design is becoming increasingly important in the furniture industry's supplying sectors and goes hand-in-hand with technical innovation and optimum functionality.

Greater comfort, convenience and user-friendliness is the main motivating factor in the area of increasingly stylish, chic fittings.

Perfected and refined drawer systems optimize storage space and promote tidiness and order down to the last niche, nook and cranny.

The soft-operating opening/closing mechanism has become a standard feature. Draws close as if by magic, and even top cupboard units' folding doors feature compressed air systems facilitating opening and closing.

Decors impress through their sheer diversity. The trend-setters are decors with a texture-like surface, floral patterns and imaginative motifs.

The diversity in the area of veneers is increasing. Even previously neglected or somewhat forgotten types of wood are being increasingly used for the furniture industry - fully in keeping with the trend towards a growing individualism.

Light is increasingly becoming a component of good design. In particular the LED light source (Light Emitting Diode) is generating many new impulses in the furniture-making sector and an emotionally appealing room design.

The lightweight construction panel - with an interior mostly in cardboard-based honeycomb form - is ready for its market launch. It is extremely stable and light, thus ensuring new furniture formats coupled with the simultaneous responsible and economic use of the resource wood.

As far as mattress covers are concerned, breathable, but also dirt-repellent fibres are making increasing inroads. Most mattress covers can be removed and washed.

Energy and material-saving machines are increasingly becoming a standard feature for the furniture industry's international supplying sectors.

EFE 2007 – THE PREMIER AND MOST EFFECTIVE FURNITURE FAIR DRAWS A SUCCESSFUL END

The Export Furniture Exhibition or EFE was successfully held on 4^th – 8^th March 2007 at the new venue - Stadium Putra, Kompleks Sukan Negara, (National Sports Complex), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

EFE opened its third annual exhibition in this new venue with the Minister of Plantation Industry and Commodities, Malaysia Yang Berhormat Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui as guest-of-honour turning the EFE’s Cube as a gesture of his Ministry efforts in guiding the furniture industry to greater heights.

EFE as the stage for a dynamic convergence of industry players and industrious entrepreneurs from the global furniture industry, this year, EFE have recorded a total of 197 booths with 167 exhibitors from Malaysia and 25 foreign exhibitors from foreign countries, namely China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and etc. And in the five days exhibition, the exhibition had attracted more than 10,000 visitors from 151 countries worldwide.

EFE 2007 exhibitors have taken their initiative to decorate their booths. This has created an attractive and very impressive surrounding giving an atmosphere of a truly international fair. The panel of judges comprising of consultant from government agencies and head of school from design colleges moved off to judge the 58 entries in the three categories – Best Booth, Best Product and Innovative Product competition of the EFE 2007. The judges were happy to comment that there were improvements in the overall standard of design in the competition. On product identity, they believe that development really takes a long time and that we must be very committed .

Again in EFE 2007, students from colleges are invited to be abreast of the latest furniture design, material, branding and etc. The organizer hopes that the new generation of Malaysia has more and earlier chances to contact with the furniture industry and rise out their interests on the furniture design and manufacturing.

EFE, promising to be a thriving hub of trading opportunity activities, this is the time to take advantage of the event from forging strategic business partnerships and chart your route to the global furniture market.

The global furniture market awaits you at EFE 2008, the premier and most effective furniture fair in the region today. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2008.

RED OAK: THE NEWEST ANSWER TO FURNITURE MAKING

Internationally renowned Italian furniture maker Maurizio Riva launched a new collection of American red oak furniture, designed by Terry Dwan, at the Cologne Furniture Show in January. Speaking at the show, Riva said that he now appreciates that, as one of the most sustainable hardwoods, red oak is able to take the pressure off other hardwood forest resources. Riva is no stranger to American hardwoods having pioneered some of the most exclusive and contemporary European designs in black cherry during the 1990s. Today the company, which has 500 distributors around the world, uses mainly American black walnut and white oak.

Maurizio Riva is highly sensitive to environmental issues, working with some of the world’s top designers and architects including Renzo Piano from Genoa. As with many leading Italian furniture makers, all their emphasis is on temperate hardwoods and red oak now gives them another option, particularly as supplies of cherry and walnut are not endless. Riva regards red oak as the “brother of European and American white oak with a colour that is warm and beautiful” which he hopes will be appreciated by the company’s many customers

Terry Dwan, a well known American designer working with Riva has created the STRONG BOX collection of solid hardwood furniture for Riva under the banner RIVA 1920. The LUDO console and the FALO’ stool were the two pieces selected to be presented in red oak at Cologne.

Most popular now in Italy is American black walnut which is also experiencing huge demand from other countries, especially China. Fifty percent of Riva’s tables are walnut, but given historical experience - Italian walnut supplies were not sustainable in the long term – no modern furniture maker can normally rely on availability of any one species. Red oak might just be an exception, given the enormous natural oak resources in the USA. Oaks represent 40% of its total standing hardwood forest; which has a long record of sustainability by natural regeneration supported by a framework of protective legislation.

Asked how Riva found red oak as a material for furniture making, the answer came back that just as with white oak, they had no particular problem in working it. However, they did find some darker veins inside the wood which were mainly cut out before use - although some can still be seen in one of the stools. Cologne is regarded as an essential platform from which to launch new furniture collections into the top end of the central European market and Riva’s stand this year had much to offer. Business was brisk, but with environmental issues increasingly strong in the minds of trade buyers, the promotion of red oak by such leading makers as Riva provides new options for the industry to develop a new fashion in hardwood that consumers can feel comfortable with.

Source: American Hardwood Export Council

DOMOTEX ASIA/CHINAFLOOR 2007 REACHED A NEW HEIGHT!

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR (DACF) 2007 once again broke several new records at the end of its Shanghai run from 28 to 30 March, with organizers reporting double-digit growth rates for Asia’s biggest floor coverings show. A total of 35,695 professionals came to Shanghai to see and source the latest products and trends. The interest from overseas increased significantly. The number of foreign visitors was 5,944 (compared with 4,315 in 2006, a 37% growth) from 91 countries from all 5 continents. The top 5 visitors’ origin countries and regions were Korea, USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Taken together with the fact that 38% of all visitors attended the show was major decision makers, it’s easy to see why over 62% of all visitors came to place orders during or directly after the fair. 90% of all visitors said they would be back for the 2008 edition.

The number of exhibitors grew by 11% to reach a new total of 928 (2006: 833), among which 239 exhibitors were from outside China. And the show also registered an increase in the amount of display space sold, reaching a new high of 85,000 square meters for gross display space (2006: 73,000m² - a 16% increase). According to the exhibitor questionnaires, over 89% of all exhibitors state their participation objectives had been met with over 90% further adding that they would be back again next year.

DACF2007 saw big increase in its four major segments. Wood & Laminate Flooring covered 3 standard halls and 2 temporary halls this year, with over 40,000 square meters space, further establishing its importance for the market and the show. Textile Floor Coverings also had up to 20% growth, reaching 24,000sqm with more and more international and Chinese brands actively participating. Resilient Flooring also doubled the size of last year to 6,000sqm and has become more and more popular with visitors from hospitals, office buildings and other contract businesses. Flooring Technology section also grew 38% in exhibition space, covering 10,000sqm and was well received by the flooring manufacturers from China and abroad.

Various conferences and satellite events were held in conjunction with the exhibition.

Design Week Shanghai 2007, the premier designers’ event attracted over 800 designers and architects and many of them visited DACF. Sports Arena the special display area for sports flooring provided an ideal meeting place for the constructors from stadiums nationwide and a series of workshops were held. The 1st edition of DACF Floorlaying Competition concluded with great success. All players in the competition were well-prepared and performed excellent with outstanding techniques, winning cheers from visitors. Finally Zhejiang Jiusheng Flooring Company won Solid Wood Flooring Gold Prize and both Sika and Richfame won the Silver Prizes. At the Sino-US-Europe Floor Summit on March 30, association leaders and representatives of companies discussed hot topics in the parquet and laminated coverings industry.

DOMOTEX asia / CHINAFLOOR 2008 will be held in Shanghai New International Expo Centre during March 11-13, 2008.

TIFS - ASIA’S BEST FURNITURE SHOW WRAPS UP ON A WONDERFUL NOTE OF SUCCESS

Taipei International Furniture Show (TIFS 2007), the five-day furniture extravaganza wrapped up on March 7, with many business deals closed on the exhibition floor. Sponsored by the Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade, organized by TAITRA, and the Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers’ Association (TFMA), this event

brought together a total 226 local and international exhibitors in 1,083 booths that attracted 40,000 local buyers and 407 international buyers. The top five buyer-countries represented were Japan (26.57%), U.S.A. (13.02%), Hong Kong (6.88%), Mongolia (6.39%), and the Philippines (3.19%). A large number of exhibitors declared that they did excellent business and made fruitful contacts during TIFS ‘07 thanks to the soaring visitor numbers and the improved quality of the show. One of the highlights of TIFS ‘07 was the Lohas Furnitures & Furnishings exhibition area, which showcased environmentally friendly furniture made from innovative materials and renewable resources. Highlighting the theme concept Life of Health and Sustainability, several globally recognized furniture companies joined hands in staging quality furnishings that are both eco-friendly and eco-chic. Among them, FLORA presented colorful bamboo home furniture made from renewable resources that are termite and moisture-proof. Visitors to the show were amazed at the extent to which Taiwan furniture manufacturers use innovative materials, renewable resources, and environmentally friendly construction methods to make eco-certified furniture at reasonable prices. With price wars taking place across Asia, Taiwan’s furniture industry has restructured and refocused to offer new product lines such as OA, office, and glass furnishings. Bringing together the diverse output of Taiwan-operated factories stationed in and beyond Taiwan, TIFS ‘07 showcased a comprehensive selection of high-end office furnishings that sets Taiwan apart from Southeast Asian countries. Visitors to TIFS ‘07 praised the show’s quality selection of Taiwan-made office furnishings designed to enhance user safety and comfort. For example, local manufacturer Camel King staged a new line of ergonomic office furnishings and won the 2007 TIFS Furniture Design Award. Another popular exhibition at TIFS ‘07 was the Designer Area, which featured influential local furniture designers across different generations. The area showcased Taiwan-made wood furnishings that underscore aesthetic design and fine craftsmanship; moreover, it exhibited furniture by such young local designers as Yuan-hua Lu who is globally recognized for his modern construction techniques and oriental design. Among the many event highlights at TIFS 2007 was the Furniture Design Competition & Exhibition. This year’s competition drew thirty-seven entrants. The five winners icluded Icon Collection 74761 by ELEMENTI APS, Silver Jazz Office Chair Collection and Rocking Office Chair Collection by Camel King, Double Seatback Office Chair Collection by Tempur, and the Folding Chair Collection by EURO AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CORP. The workshops at TIFS ’07 featured keynote speakers such as Mr. Teifon Walters, Vice President of Herman Miller and celebrity designer Xijie Lu. With Aesthetic of Furniture and Space as the main topic this year, the workshops gathered opinion leaders from the industry and generated business opportunities for furniture industries at home and abroad. TIFS ‘07 attracted more exhibitors and visitors than the previous year thanks to the improved quality and professionalism of the show. As Taiwan furniture manufacturers strive to create a competitive industry based on product quality and diversity, Taipei International Furniture Show will continue to upgrade itself by showcasing high-end home and office furnishing solutions for a new age of design, materials, and innovation.

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