R+T Alliance Growing—New Subsidiary in Southeast Asia

SOUTHEAST ASIA BUILDING21 Jan 2026

R+T South-East Asia Logo

BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre)

Sebastian Esswein, Vice President of Messe Stuttgart

The R+T Alliance is further expanding its international presence. With the addition of R+T South-East Asia in 2026, a seventh event has been added to the trade fair association’s portfolio for the sun shading and doors/gates industry. The new trade fair will take place for the first time from 11 to 13 November 2026, co-located with FutureBuild Asia and DOMOTEX South East Asia at BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand.

Strategic step into the ASEAN region

With R+T South-East Asia, the R+T Alliance has tapped into one of the most dynamic growth markets in the industry. Thailand is the second-largest construction market in the ASEAN region, with an average annual growth rate of approximately five to six percent.

Key growth factors include the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), smart city initiatives, and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model of the Thai government. Projections indicate the ASEAN region will need annual infrastructure investments in excess of 500 billion US dollars by 2030. The region also boasts a megaproject pipeline valued at around 2.9 trillion US dollars. This has led to strong demand for sustainable building materials, renewable energy systems, and intelligent infrastructure solutions. The central geographical location and superb transport connections of Thailand have made it a hub for market access across the entire region.

“With R+T South-East Asia, we are continuing to pursue our policy of strategic expansion,” explained Sebastian Esswein, Vice President of Messe Stuttgart. “The R+T Alliance is providing companies in this industry with access to all the relevant international markets. As a gateway to the ASEAN region, Thailand provides the perfect opportunity to meet the requirements of these key growth markets.”

Platform for the construction industry: Three events under the one roof

Intended as a specialised platform for sun shading systems, doors and gates, R+T South-East Asia will be taking place co-located with FutureBuild Asia and DOMOTEX South East Asia (Home of Flooring and Interior Finishing). FutureBuild Asia, in collaboration with leading regional trade associations, represents an international, conference-based exhibition for the entire construction and building ecosystem in Asia. As an important national partner, the event is supported by the Thai Contractors Association (TCA), the Council of Engineers Thailand (CEAT), and the Nation Group, among others.

Together, the three events represent a comprehensive industry platform that attracts industry professionals, political decision-makers, and investors from the entire ASEAN region, while creating ideal conditions for the market entry of international companies in Southeast Asia. Worldex G.E.C. Co. Ltd., Hannover Messe, and GLOBUS Events are organising the event together with Messe Stuttgart.

There are three main exhibition areas covered by R+T South-East Asia: Sun shading systems (interior and exterior, awnings, roller shutters, Venetian blinds, as well as technical textiles and accessories), doors and gates (including drives, controllers and smart home solutions), and interior and exterior design (soft decoration, outdoor furniture and home accessories). The trade fair is aimed at the entire industry value chain, from property development and building ownership in the public sector to architecture, home building, and specialist retailers.

R+T Alliance: Positive international development

The other events in the R+T Alliance are also reporting a strong demand. For R+T Asia 2026 (27 to 29 May, NECC, Shanghai/China), 544 companies have registered with almost 33,000 square metres of exhibition space now reserved. The Sun Shading Expo North America 2026 (3 to 5 November, OCCC, Orlando/USA) is also signalling positive feedback, with around half of the exhibition space for this year reserved during the previous event.

The world’s leading trade fair, R+T in Stuttgart (15 to 19 February 2027), is reflecting the positive international response. More than 770 companies have already registered, and over 90 percent of the available space has been reserved. The figures underline the importance of R+T as the most important innovation platform for the roller shutter, doors/gates, and sun shading industry.

About R+T Alliance

With a history of success stretching back more than 60 years, R+T has managed to bring its trade fair topics to various international markets.

R+T Alliance, the trade fair association for the sun shading and doors/gates industry, currently comprises seven trade fair events at six locations on three continents: R+T in Stuttgart, R+T Asia, R+T Turkey, APAExpo by R+T, Sun Shading Expo North America, OUTDOOR. AMBIENTE. LIVING, and now R+T South-East Asia.

The dates at a glance: