Show-goers enjoyed a wide array of demonstrations, seminars, and interactive exhibits at this year’s Remodeling Show, DeckExpo, and JLC LIVE, including the multifaceted displays and events going on at JLC’s Tool Alley. Individual exhibitors on the exhibit hall floor featured many interactive displays, as well, as demonstrated by scores of show attendees who were willing to remove shoes to comply with the “Bare Feet Wanted” sign at the Schluter booth. Participating at the show for Kleber & Associates was president Steve Kleber, who enjoyed watching sock footed individuals line up to experience the warmth generated by Schluter’s new DITRA-HEAT electric floor warming system. Schluter represents one of three companies we’d like to highlight in our show review, today, for their innovative and trend-setting products that remedy accessibility challenges while solving the age old problem of keeping the water in and the mold out.
Schluter Systems
Schluter Systems demonstrated DITRA-HEAT in the Tile Clinic both mornings of the show, displaying their unique electric floor warming system that incorporates uncoupling technology to provide protection against tile and grout cracking. In business since 1966, Schluter Systems develops innovative products for ceramic and stone tile installations including edge-protection and transition profiles, stair-nosing profiles, shower systems and waterproofing membranes.
wedi Corporation
We were impressed with the wide array of product benefits and features offered by the Germany-based wedi Corporation, manufacturers of waterproof building panels, and both standard and custom modular shower and spa systems for tile and stone installations. wedi underlayment panels allow for one-step installation of wallboard and waterproofing in tile showers and bathrooms. Reflecting an investment of 25 years of continuous product development, wedi building panels feature a 100% waterproof (manufacturer’s) guarantee.
Trending Accessibility
What could Trending Accessibility mean when they say, “Nobody uses a bathtub anymore!”? They’re message is that every home needs a European Wet Room offering a completely curbless, walk-in shower, universally designed for individuals with or without a disability. The American populous is aging, in fact, there are now 40 million Americans over the age of 65. Over the next 25 years, that number will double to one in five Americans aged 65 or older. Precipitously positioned to benefit from these statistics on aging, the Trending Accessibility exhibit was a one-stop shop for accessibility products, featuring information on products ranging from wet rooms, shower stalls, shower pans and curb-less/roll in showers to caregiver doors and shower panels.
“What Was New At The Show?”
One of the primary trade show-related questions we enjoy answering for our readership is the question, “What was new at the show?” Although Kleber & Associates, as a public relations firm represented several clients at the show, none of the three companies we’ve reviewed here are our clients. Endeavoring to provide an objective review, we’ve selected companies that not only represent cutting edge bathroom design, but, also strongly reflect culturally relevant (universal design) and architecturally superior new product development that has significantly impacted both the competition and the industry. Hope you’ve enjoyed this vicarious visit to the Remodeling, DeckExpo and JLC Live Show 2014!
Kleber & Associates is an Atlanta-based integrated marketing communications agency serving the home and building products industry for 25 years. Visit the Kleber & Associates website for the latest news and information about marketing for home and building products for consumers, architects, builders, remodelers, designers and manufacturers. Through our marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing expertise — we build better brands that build a better home.
