FINAL REPORT: H2X Canada, Hardware + Home Improvement Expo & Conference and D2X Canada, Décor + Design Expo & Conference – Toronto, Ontario, Canada , February 19 - 22, 2005

Toronto, Canada:The first annual co-located Canadian Hardware + Home Improvement Expo in collaboration with the Canadian Décor + Design Expo took place at the Toronto Congress Centre on February 19 - 22, 2005. A total of 148 exhibitors provided a broad variety of products for the 1,787 attendees from 10 Canadian provinces, 20 U.S. states and individuals from 5 other countries. A comprehensive seminar program featured a number of industry-leading experts presenting the latest in industry trends, cutting-edge know-how and motivating business tips. Special Feature areas, including a New Vendor Avenue and New Product Showcase, complemented the educational opportunities.

Given the difficult circumstances following the demise of the former main sponsor of the Hardware section, the Canadian Retail Hardware Association, late last year, all show sponsors contributed a great effort to save a Canadian platform for the involved industries. The co-location of the Hardware/Home Improvement with the Décor/Design sections provided new product diversity for attendees and beneficial cross-selling opportunities for exhibitors. Even though overall participation in the inaugural event fell short of the expectations of the show sponsors, many exhibitors reported good business contacts or leads. “We couldn't have anticipated the kind of positive response that we received at the Toronto Hardware & Home Improvement Show. As a new product, we were able to meet with a large group of significant Canadian and American buyers. Launching our new product at this show has catapulted us forward”, remarked Kim Cassar Torreggiani, Owner, The Original Wapinator. Gary Bryant, President, The Original Shoe Co. added: “This was an extremely well-run show. The staff was all friendly and responsive. We have experience at many major gift shows and this was a refreshing change. By attending the 2005
D2X-H2X show we managed to secure our complete sales rep force for Ontario and Quebec . Thank you for the opportunity.” Also reporting good results, Cheryl Moore, President, Queen Arts was happy to note: “Being a first time exhibitor, I felt the experience to be very beneficial in terms of assisting my company's promotion of its product. This was the right show for my market.”

Sponsors endorsing the innovative two-tier concept included the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association (PDRA), the Canadian Hardware & Housewares Manufacturers Association (CHHMA), the Walls, Windows Furnishing Association (WWfA) and the Floorcoverings Institute of Ontario (FIO). All involved organizations considered the show a qualified success and were pleased with the opportunity to provide the industry a truly comprehensive platform.