Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/620205
16 STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / PEOPLE IN THE KNOW 2015 SPECIAL / REPORT The organizers of the 2016 R+T Asia trade show are looking to surpass the success of this year's trade event and to help do that they are expanding the Window Zone area into its own exhibit hall. The 2016 R+T Asia will be held March 22 to 24 at the New International Expo Center in Shanghai, China. It is the leading Asian trade fair for roller shutters, door and gates, windows and sun protection systems. Approximately 22,000 visitors from 98 countries attended this year's show and set the bar high for the next event. "We want to attract even more exhibitors and visitors to Shanghai," said Jane Liang, project manager at VNU Exhibitions Asia, which jointly organizes the event with Messe Stuttgart. Highlights Expanding the Window Zone into is own exhibit hall is an important change for the 2016 trade fair. For the debut of this product segment at the 2015 show, the Window Zone was integrated into the InnovAction area. Products from the segment's windows and integrated sun protection were showcased. The Window Zone is being expanded for 2016 as "the demand for energy efficient products and combined solutions is as high as it has ever been," said Liang. Other new programs and exhibition areas have been added to draw visitors to the 2016 event. The Smart Home 2020 product area has been added to highlight security, energy- and cost-efficient building supplies. Also premiering in 2016 is a soft decoration forum and the newly introduced category of Interior Doors as part of the doors and gates area. Hosted Buyer Program A special effort is being made to attract new visitors from North America or Australia. The Hosted Buyer Program offers five pre-scheduled face-to-face appointments with highly relevant industry suppliers. Other benefits include VIP direct access to the show, complimentary lunch, access to events and entertainment and many others. The program is open to companies based in North America or Australia that did not attend R+T Asia in 2014 or 2015. Senior-level decision makers with purchasing responsibilities are eligible to apply for the program. Applications are offered online at hostedbuyer@vnuexhibitions.com.cn. Organizers are expecting some 450 total exhibitors at the 2016 event. Of those, 80 exhibitors will be from outside China representing 19 countries of origin. R+T Asia was introduced in 2005 as an offshoot of R+T Stuttgart in Germany. Since then it has reached its own level, becoming a must-attend three-day business-to-business trade show for networking and meeting new business partners to expand business opportunities. Higher Levels of Success New events, programs have R+T Asia looking to leap the high bar set at 2015 event. Approximately 22,000 visitors from 98 countries attended the 2015 R+T Asia trade fair setting the bar high for the next event.