IGS Magazine sat down with Elke Harreiss, Head of Department and Exhibition Director for FENSTERBAU FRONTALE to discuss the Fair and the future of this exciting event.
IGS: FENSTERBAU FRONTALE runs parallel with the HOLZ-HANDWERK Fair dedicated to woodworking craft. Which one is more important to you?
Elke: Both are dedicated to the same solution, sustainability and innovation with equal importance. We are a little bit like twins with both events representing innovation and change in their respective industries. They work together in synergy and form a unique and special combination.
IGS: What does the future hold for FENSTERBAU FRONTALE?
Elke: There is no physical space to grow as we are limited in terms of the size of the grounds that the NürnbergMesse occupies. However we will develop and re-design the new South Entrance and adjoining halls. Hall 3C is currently being built and is going to be the latest show-stopper in the south-west corner of the exhibition grounds. Once again designed by Zaha Hadid’s architectural office, hall 3C will meet the same quality and energy standards as hall 3A, which is one reason why it is so popular with our customers. The new south axis will give the impression of a slightly bigger space and add something to the imagery and special ambiance that this event has.
The moment everyone is waiting for: The hall doors to FENSTERBAU FRONTALE are about to open. Elke Harreiß savours the moment.
IGS: And here we come to the most important question that everybody is asking: What will be the highlights for 2018? Are there any exciting new programmes FENSTERBAU FRONTALE will offer it’s visitors and exhibitors this year?
Elke: In keeping with past events a number of traditional programme highlights will be kept, including the architects area, innovation awards and the architecture forum. However we are proud to debut two new programmes that we are sure will be well received: guided tours and an impulse forum.
The Architects Area includes a small red Logo which leads visitors to relevant exhibitors with interesting products for architects and designers. As always, it will be very popular with architects coming to find solutions and inspiration. There will be another edition of the Innovation Awards. As in past events, we will have the awards ceremony: The Innovation Awards for Architecture + Window Door Façades that will be presented by AIT and Xia Intelligente Architektur magazines to FENSTERBAU FRONTALE exhibitors.
The Architecture forum is a combination of informative presentations on windows and facades exclusively run for architects and designers. Another collaborative programme will be run by the University of Applied Science in Bern (BFH), Switzerland and a number of Swiss industry associations that will present a series of seminars in a special show, ‘Windays Light on innovations from Switzerland’.
For the first time we are introducing guided tours which will be very interesting and useful for craftsmen visiting the exhibition. We will guide them to the specific exhibitors and stands of leaders in the latest developments in sectors such as Smart Home/ Building Automation, Doors and their Metal Fittings,Ð Security Technology/Anti-Theft Protection, and Modern Windows for every Purpose. This will allow visitors to make the most of their time at the exhibition and steer them to exactly where they need to be to get the most value.
Smart homes will be a focal topic in 2018 with a large bulk of the event dedicated to this expanding industry. We will have a special show Windows & Doors 4.0 organised in conjunction with ift Rosenheim, which will present the latest innovative research on the digitalisation of windows and doors for smart homes. It is our hope to build awareness on the planning, assembling and configuration of electronic components and the use of smart home technologies.
This year, I am especially excited to present the newly established FENSTERBAU FRONTALE FORUM. For the first time in the events history there will be a designated presentation area in Hall 3A on various industry topics. It will focus on current industry issues like digitalisation, building automation, safety and practical tips for trade’s people. Experts in these fields will impart their knowledge in TED-style presentations and there will be a dedicated lounge for networking and meetings. In addition, we are very pleased to include job boards that will connect potential employees with employers, this is a fantastic initiative that adds to the other programmes and opportunities introduced for the first time.
IGS wraps up the interview with some final thoughts from Elke
Elke: Even after 17 years in the trade fair business I am still fascinated every time by all the hustle and bustle in the halls on the last set-up day. There’s hammering and drilling going on, display cases are being filled and staff are getting their instructions at the exhibition stands. When you walk through the halls it’s hard to imagine that the trade fair will begin just 24 hours later. But the next morning everything is spick and span and organised and the exhibitors are ready to receive their visitors. The greatest feeling is when the hall doors open and the event that we have been focused on and working very hard on for two years finally gets under way.
For more information visit: www.frontale.de