Heimtextil Opening Conference

Heimtextil delves into the world of AI at opening press conference

Promising over 2,800 exhibitors from 60 countries, the offerings at this year’s Heimtextil continue to grow.  

With a 25% increase in the number of exhibitors compared to the last edition, Heimtextil is expanding across all product segments. “Our trade fair brands are back and more resilient than ever before,” says Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt. “Moreover, they offer small to medium sized companies in particular a high level of international stability. Despite a gloomy economic backdrop, Heimtextil continues to expand and offer a market overview of the latest global trends in the home and contract textile sector.” 

At the opening press conference, panel participants Anja Bisgaard Gaede, founder of trends and business agency Spott; Danny Richman, AI consultant and inventor of the AI-based Fabric Genie app; and Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, discussed the potential of artificial intelligence for textile product design. The conversation was chaired by Alexandra Bohn, Style Content Director of F.A.Z. Quarterly. The experts considered ideas on AI’s integration in the industry, from tool combinations to integration in corporate guidelines. 

Olaf Schmidt underscored the rapid growth of AI and explained why Messe Frankfurt is actively focusing on AI and bringing together international experts in this edition of Heimtextil, with a panel discussion and workshops in the Heimtextil Trend Space. “AI is fundamentally redefining the economy, markets and industries,” he explained. “As trade fair experts, we know how to aid transformation efforts and reduce levels of complexity. With the global home textiles industry at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, now is the optimum time to spotlight the potential of artificial intelligence.” 

This year, Heimtextil has added two new halls for guests to explore, including Carpets & Rugs, where 100 global suppliers have rolled out their latest products and design highlights. The event will also be showcasing a new content programme, with activities curated under the headline theme of New Sensitivity, which will see the exploration of three categories in particular: ‘plant-based’ ‘technological’ and ‘bio-engineered’.

Find out more at www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

CREDITS
Photography: © Pietro Sutera / Messe Frankfurt