December 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:

Anne Meerboth-Maltz
Tel. (312)781-5185
Fax (312) 781-5188
email: ameerboth@mdna.com

Messe Düsseldorf North America
150 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60601

IMPROVED STRUCTURE IN GDS 2010 PREMIUM SEGMENTS

Following the positive response to the different segment restructuring concepts last year, the premium segment at GDS 2010, International Event for Shoes & Accessories, will be further improved. “We are still fine tuning this conceptual approach – which makes the planned rearrangement and restructuring of Hall 4 into different Premium segments a further key step on the way to developing the individual lifestyle worlds,” explained Kirstin Deutelmoser, GDS Project Director. Held from March 12 - 14, 2010 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, GDS will be the international meeting point for the footwear sector.

GDS is therefore now further positioning itself as a fashion and trend trade fair – with its claim to market leadership in terms of individual concepts and stand design. The focus of the planned structural improvements in Hall 4 is the reorganization and modernization of the “Prime Square” section. A combination of the two concept areas “Upper Style Concept” and “Prime Square” has created the new concept area “Prime²” (Prime Squared). “In addition to the individual “Upper Style Zone” there will be two other concept areas: the “White Cubes” area will showcase trendsetting and progressive high fashion while the brands in the “Prime²” section will represent contemporary design along with traditional, skilled craftsmanship. This means we create a clear structure in Hall 4, making it easier for buyers to find their way around,” stated Kirstin Deutelmoser.

The centrally located Lounge with inspiring trend elements will form the communication meeting point for exhibitors and visitors. In addition, a section for various activities revolving around the topic of skilled craftsmanship and quality will be set up. A separate reception area in the central entrance concourse will welcome the trade buyers. Unlike “White Cubes”, this area will be freely accessible. The segment will feature a new stand construction system which is functional, sleek yet unusual. Different stand heights will provide transparency: around the Lounge will be low, open stands while higher stands will form the “edge” around the area. Stand materials used will be in line with sustainability standards. Lightness, warmth and originality will characterize the atmosphere of this zone.

Held concurrently with GDS, GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing, will again feature the entire range of the global high-volume business in Halls 8a and 8b. Due to the worldwide economic crisis some exhibitors had to cancel their participation for the March 2009 event. However, market recovery resulted in their return to the trade fair in September 2009 with renewed strength and optimism. After this positive development, GLOBAL SHOES was able to successfully regain its importance both as a leading trade fair and key business platform. “The global shoe business, and therefore also GLOBAL SHOES, has now stabilized. Which is why at the next staging we do not expect any notable decrease in exhibitor and visitor numbers,” commented Kirstin Deutelmoser. At the last staging of GLOBAL SHOES in September 2009, leading market suppliers and all key European volume buyers were in attendance.

About 1,145 exhibitors from 42 countries will present their shoe collections for the Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 season at GDS and GLOBAL SHOES 2010.

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at GDS or GLOBAL SHOES 2010, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit our web site http://www.mdna.com; Subscribe to our blog http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago

For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. at (866) 674-3476; Fax: (212) 674-3477; E-mail: contact@traveltradeint.com; www.traveltradeint.com