interzum in Cologne, Germany, ended very successfully on Friday, 12 May 2023. With approximately 62,000 trade visitors from some 150 countries, the leading international trade fair for suppliers to the furniture and interior design industry exceeded all expectations and inspired all present at the stands and numerous special event areas over the course of four days. The roughly 1,600 exhibitors had waited four years to finally be able to convene at the industry’s leading global event again. Accordingly, exhibitors and trade visitors alike were thrilled to have the chance to make full use of this global platform for communication and commerce once more. The exhibiting companies unveiled their innovative solutions and newest products at interzum and made their mark. “The trade fair could barely have showcased its importance for the industry any better,” said a delighted Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse. For him, the event’s success is a clear sign “that first-rate flagship events such as interzum are more vital than ever.”
The importance of interzum for the industry was also underlined by the high number of international trade visitors. In total, approximately 62,000 visitors were in attendance. The countries with the largest number of visitors were Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland. The number of Turkish visitors was very encouraging, having increased by 16 percent compared to the previous edition of the trade fair. Likewise, the number of trade visitors from India increased. Considering the current situation with regard to the issuance of visas, the number of Chinese visitors was satisfactory, too. Exhibitors also praised the high level of expertise among visitors from all countries.
interzum is giving the industry fresh impetus with its guiding principle of neo-ecology
The trade fair’s central theme was sustainability. With its focus on the overarching concept of neo-ecology, interzum brought sustainability, climate protection, resource efficiency and forward-looking planning to the fore before the trade fair even began. It became clear just how much interzum struck a chord with the industry at the trade fair‘s stands, where nearly all the exhibiting companies recognised the increasing importance of environmental issues. Aspects such as resource efficiency, smart materials, renewable energies or recycling and upcycling were key to many of the innovations exhibited.
The varied programme of events also explored these themes – and with great success. The three interzum Trend Forums, the interzum Product Stage and the interzum Trend Stage, where renowned industry experts discussed the most important developments, trends and emerging topics in the worlds of furniture, materials and furnishings, generated a lot of interest among the international trade audience.
interzum goes green: moving into a more sustainable future
The products, services and special events were not the only things that honed in on environmental issues. Many of the exhibition stands were also designed with sustainability and resource efficiency in mind. What’s more, the trade fair itself accepts its responsibility and is making active efforts to protect the climate. In the run-up to the event, interzum launched an initiative to make the world’s biggest industry event for furniture production and interior construction more sustainable in the future. Drawing on the experiences gathered this year, the trade fair will explore how it can further integrate sustainability into future events.
