Hannover. New machinery, tools and techniques: from 14 to 17 January, TREFFPUNKT HANDWERK at DOMOTEX 2017 will be a showcase for current trends, the latest new products and practical solutions for professionals engaged in the laying, care and maintenance of flooring materials. The displays embrace everything from machines and equipment for laying and removing floors, flooring materials, moldings and profiles to surface finishes and the treatment and preparation of substrates. Parquet and flooring installers, interior decorators, painters and joiners can try out new machines and tools for themselves, and compare notes with fellow professionals.

Hall 7 is geared to the skilled tradesman, and brings together the complete range of flooring technologies under one roof. This makes it an absolute must for anyone who sells or lays floors professionally. This is where flooring professionals can discover the latest floor-laying techniques and flooring trends – knowledge that ensures they will stay one step ahead of competitors.

Outstanding innovations in applications and laying techniques will also be presented in a conveniently concentrated format on the Innovations@DOMOTEX area in Hall 9. This dedicated display area gives visiting professionals a handy overview of the latest innovations in the sector. Visitors can then get more detailed information about parquet, other wood floorings and laminates, as well as outdoor floor coverings, from the displays in the neighboring halls 8 and 9.

Tips and tricks of the trade

The lecture program hosted by TREFFPUNKT HANDWERK (Hall 7, Stand D11) is a valuable source of practical information for flooring retailers and floor-laying professionals. In charge of proceedings is Norbert Strehle, an expert in the techniques of screed laying, parquet laying and general flooring work. On all four days of the show, leading specialists will discuss topical issues in working practice and present the latest in problem-solving techniques.

Richard Kille, expert spokesman for the interior furnishing trade, will be talking at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. about "Filling, smoothing, leveling. Do today's filling compounds still deliver what they promise?" Parquet specialist Bernhard Lysser is booked to speak at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the topic is: "Serious cases of damage. The parquet installer is not always to blame." Udo Herrmann is the owner of a contract flooring business, who writes and lectures on the secrets of success in the skilled trade sector, and he will be speaking at 12 noon and 4 p.m. on the subject: "Investing in good people. How to find, and retain, talented apprentices".

Completing the program at 1 p.m. is the popular quiz that tests the knowledge of a panel of experts. In the beer garden adjacent to the Forum, visitors can chat informally with experts, colleagues and exhibitors about what's new and what interests them in the work arena. The program has been organized in association with the trade journal boden wand decke.