Sympathy overwelming in Brussels
By Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, September 16, 2001
This is a very different column than the one originally planned. I was set to talk about the spirit, direction and mood of the Decosit and TIP home furnishings fabrics fairs in Brussels, Belgium — all the wonderful stuff that typically comes out of first-class shows.
There were hundreds of Americans at the shows. The biggest concern for many was the slowdown of the global economy, the strength of the U.S. dollar and the potential impact this double whammy would have on their business.
To the surprise of most Americans, both Decosit and TIP proved to be better than anticipated. At least that was the mood until Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 11, European time.
As the unbelievable events in the United States unfolded, the reactions of the people at the shows and the people on the streets of Brussels were awesome. Many Americans were overwhelmed by the expressions of compassion and friendship that poured out of people they didn't know, as well as from people they did know.
The reaction of Patrick Geysels, director of Decosit, and his staff was supportive and sympathetic. Decosit's exhibitor party was scheduled for Tuesday evening, and by late afternoon they had canceled the event in deference to the Americans at the show.
Geysels and his troops also walked the halls, visiting with American exhibitors and the buyers they recognized, extending sympathy and whatever assistance they could. A television was set up in their offices for the Americans.
People on the street would stop anyone who looked American, grab a hand, give a hug, offer sympathy.
Also interesting were the reactions of American exhibitors. On Wednesday morning, a number of stands boasted new décor — American flags proudly flying.
Then there were the others who, with tails between their legs, closed their stands and ran.
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