The fair is an appointment not to be missed!

Flanders Expo welcomes specialists in window, door, blinds, façade and access technology

From August 31 to September 2, Flanders Expo in Ghent will be dominated by innovation and ambition in the world of window, door, sun protection, façade and access technology. The market is getting ready for a very special edition of Polyclose. Not only because this is the 20th edition, but also because the European trade fair exceptionally does not take place in January but just after the summer vacations. Moreover, it is not a digital event, but we can finally discover innovations and network physically again. Visitors can enrich themselves with numerous innovations, surprising novelties and new practical applications. Admission is free subject to online pre-registration. The fair is exclusively for professionals.

In mid-January 2020, I headed to Flanders Expo one last time as a journalist before COVID-19 would completely change our lives. I was not alone there, as the 19th edition of Polyclose also once again attracted massive interest from industry professionals. More than 14,000 professional visitors then found their way to Ghent and were introduced to the innovative solutions of 250 exhibitors with a focus on window, door and façade systems in aluminum and plastic, automation, biometric systems, building hardware, coatings, seals, tools, glass and accessories, machinery, gates and fences, roller shutters, hardware, access control, ventilation systems, fly screens, sun blinds, software,..., and much more. Some 25% of those visitors came from the Netherlands. Therefore, Polyclose is not only interesting to launch products for the Belgian market, but also for the entire Benelux and even beyond. 

Everyone back on the appointment

"Polyclose is an unmissable appointment to keep abreast of developments and innovations, and to make new contacts. Contractors, joiners, solar professionals, architects and building owners will be informed about the latest systems. Innovations and applications are presented as well as various live demonstrations for installers," says fair organizer Guy Martens. 

"Currently, more than 220 companies from Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries have already confirmed their participation, and more exhibitors are joining every week. We notice that digital events do not replace physical events. For fairs in general, and certainly technical trade fairs such as Polyclose, it is an added value that visitors can see and feel the products. Moreover, personal contact and human trust are still very important in this sector."

'Design meets technology'

Again for this edition, there are more than enough reasons to put Polyclose with a dot in the calendar. "We notice a positive schwung in the market. Both new buildings and most renovation projects require new windows and doors. Due to climate change and rising temperatures for much of the year, especially in summer, the emphasis today is less on energy-efficient heating of buildings than on cooling. Solar shading in any form plays an important role in this. And since we want to spend as much time as possible outside, even more than before the pandemic, patio coverings remain more popular than ever," Martens continues. 

"We are very pleased that quite a few loyal exhibitors are once again signing present (approx. 80%) and in addition we can welcome several newcomers from various sectors. Noteworthy is the growth of exhibitors from the IT and software sector. They present digital tools, which should allow exhibitors and visitors to automate and digitize their business and production processes."

As during the previous editions of this trade fair, a few trends are once again determining the various emphases on the exhibition floor. For example, sustainability and circularity have become indispensable in the construction sector. Furthermore, the trend toward ultra-slim profiles and large glass surfaces continues, which creates challenges in terms of assembly, insulation, air and water tightness, and shading. 

As already pointed out by the fair organizer, the theme of outdoor living also remains hot. In this regard, terrace coverings are increasingly being chosen as an extension of the home. In the field of access technology, in addition to security, we see increasing attention to flexibility. 

"Digitalization is also shifting gears in our sectors. Software has become indispensable. With the latest software packages, manufacturers are able to design, calculate and produce windows, doors and curtain walls for any type and size," concludes Guy Martens. 

"Finally, machine builders, for the past two years, have been able to show their products practically only through a 3D presentation. At Polyclose, machines will again be available for live viewing. Automatic, high-tech production lines for window frames and solutions for machining profiles for patio covers, balustrades, curtain walls... will be demonstrated."

Practical

The anniversary edition of Polyclose will take place in halls 1, 4 and 6 of Flanders Expo Ghent on Wednesday, August 31, Thursday, September 1 and Friday, September 2. The fair will open its doors each day at 9:30 a.m. and close at 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday there will again be the traditional nocturne until 8 pm.  

Professionals can attend for free, but must register in advance at www.polyclose.be. 

You can do so by using code PP92252261.