The focus was on ventilated curtain walls and balconies along with fastening and erection systems. Selected experts gave talks on design, cost-effectiveness, quality, the latest developments and legal matters and offered opportunities for discussion. This was accompanied by exhibitions of new products by big-name manufacturers.

The themes covered by the selected speakers ranged from current topics in construction law to practical tips. Themes like the concept of "subjective defect" and the current state of buildings were covered along with allied issues relating to the housing and real estate industry. A remarkable fact is that attendance is not only free, but the event is also recognized by North Rhine-Westphalia´s Chamber of Architects as a training event and rewarded with a bonus.

"The value of this event for everyone attending is immense," says Gert Moegenburg, press officer of the Association of Construction Materials and Components for Ventilated Curtain Walls, Berlin. "Reference is made just as much to safety guidelines as to legal, design and commercial issues; I wish there had been something like this several years ago."

"The design of the home surroundings and home interiors is an important topic for us as distributors of plastic products for façades and balconies," explained Axel Bollinger, the Member of the Management Board of ThyssenKrupp Schulte holding the introductory address. "We see the façade and balcony conferences as an ideal opportunity for dialog not only with manufacturers, but also with users, decision-makers, processors and suppliers." Further events of this kind will follow.