The Antwerp Design Week (ADW) is yet to take place, but it can already be deemed a great success. The number of participating companies has increased by 10. It is confirmed that a minimum of 41 businesses, including some from abroad, will take part in the event. 'There will certainly be more in the next two weeks, although we cannot accommodate all registrations. Quality is the benchmark,' says ADW Chairman Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert. Visitors who register now can win a free hotel night at Hotel August.
The Antwerp Design Week will take place from June 2 to 7. Participants are companies active in the interior industry in the fields of design and decoration.
Just like last year, the following companies are participating again: Bazar Bizar, BuzziSpace, D&M | PAJU, Domani, Ethnicraft, Goodwill, Heatsail, Heerenhuis, Henry Dean, Royal Botania, Scapa Home, Serax, Sempre, XLBOOM, Gardeco, Joli, JU., Marie's corner, Paveau, Pomax, Vincent Sheppard, TOOON, and Flamant. 'Compared to the previous edition, there is only one dropout. That speaks volumes about the event's status,' indicates Van Cauwelaert (see photo), the driving force behind it.
The ADW club has 16 permanent members who are based in Antwerp. 'Everything depends on the willingness to collaborate.'
Newcomers
Newcomers include: Gommaire, Carl Hanssen, Umbrosa, Ofyr, Kewlox, Cosentino, Hay, Aquanova, Melmath, Authentage, Vitra, RASTELI, Unik, Omar, Marckdael, Limited Edition, Mon Dada, and FibreGuard. 'There will be several more great brands joining in the coming weeks. At the end of this month, we will close registrations. The focus is on Belgian companies (at least 80%), as we have a rich supply of quality companies in the Antwerp region ourselves,' he believes.
'Furthermore, some agencies are also participating to attract as many customers from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg as possible. It is also new that Fedustria is participating in ADW. This recognises the importance of this event by the Belgian federation of the wood, textile, and furniture industry,' concludes Van Cauwelaert, who expects growth in the coming years to reach at least 70 to 80 participating companies.
Logistics
The organisation is focusing more than ever on logistics. Visitors will be made as comfortable as possible moving from point A to point B. Shuttle transportation will be provided in the city in the form of cars from importer Polestar and taxi companies. Velo passes will also be provided, allowing visitors to use city bikes. De Klub A will be established centrally in Antwerp, serving as a meeting point where all participants will be presented scenographically and also serving as a hub from which shuttles depart to all locations.
The main goal remains to facilitate cooperation between companies, and all participants are partners in the organisation. Clusters of companies will be formed at various locations to be even more attractive to visitors.
Economic potential
The city council also provides full cooperation, as they see the economic potential of hundreds of visitors who often stay in the city of Scheldt for two to three days. 'Antwerp is an incredibly pleasant city to be in,' says Van Cauwelaert. 'It is a metropolis in miniature. The city has many nationalities, but there is great mutual tolerance. As a visitor, you will lack nothing in terms of museums, restaurants, cafes, and sights,' he knows from personal experience.
On Wednesday, March 27, an introductory meeting will be held for the participating companies at Het Steen in Antwerp.
More information:
Antwerp Design Week
www.adw.life
[email protected]