“We’re just getting ready for the new normality,” says Maik Fischer, Director of “Interzum”, about the preparations for the world’s largest supplier and interior design trade fair. “Together with the industry, we want to reshape the future, that is our goal and our challenge,” the Director continued.

With the next “Interzum”, which will take place from 4th th 7th of May, Koelnmesse is offering the industry the first globally significant industry event since the beginning of the Corona pandemic and thus the desired platform to show innovative products, discuss current issues and thus revive business – naturally in compliance with applicable hygiene and protection regulations.

 “We must not wait for old times to return, but must start into the future together with confidence and courage,” comments Maik Fischer on the current development, “because for the global furniture industry and interior professionals, ‘Interzum’ 2021 is essential to give them new impetus, discover innovative products and thus revive and expand their own businesses.

For the safety of exhibitors and visitors, Koelnmesse has developed “#B-SAFE4business “, a concept that has been agreed with the authorities and takes into account all hygienic, medical and organizational measures. The exhibitors can therefore expect a trade fair with high safety standards for all participants.

After expiration of the first early booking tariff in mid-June, the number of registrations is almost at the same level as at the comparable time of the “Interzum 2019”, which is historic in its dimensions. “This very pleasing number of registrations in these difficult times confirms that the exhibitors are eagerly awaiting ‘Interzum 2021’ for the global re-launch of their business,” says Maik Fischer, evaluating the number of registrations. This means that with the current start of planning, over two-thirds of the planned exhibition grounds have already been booked. In addition to many well-known exhibitors, from market leaders to small think tanks, Maik Fischer’s team can also welcome important returnees to Cologne next year. These include the Kastamonu Group and the companies Yildiz Entegre and Financiera Maderera (Finsa). The focus on digital printing and floor coverings, as well as a start-up area, will ensure additional attractiveness and guarantee further exhibitor potential in the remaining months. Currently, companies that have not yet registered for “Interzum” 2021 can reserve their stand space at a preferential price until September 30, 2020.

“Of course there is a lot of need for explanation at the moment, but we sense in our conversations with visitors that they not only see the necessity of a visit to the trade fair, but that they are also looking forward to the ‘Interzum’,” says Fischer. “Everything depends however on to what extent travel restrictions are lifted. However, despite the current travel restrictions, we already reach around 70 percent of trade visitors.”  At the same time, the team is also developing a hybrid event format for visitors who will not be able to travel to Cologne. “We will build up a sustainable and lasting digital extension of the ‘Interzum’ and learn from our digital formats of the coming fall – the ‘Gamescom’ and the ‘Dmexco’ – but also from the ‘Imm Cologne’ and ‘Living Kitchen’ 2021. We are thus giving exhibitors the opportunity to present themselves and their products digitally as well, to enter into an exchange with virtual visitors and thus increase the overall reach of their ‘Interzum’ presence. In addition to our digital matchmaking opportunities, we not only expand the business opportunities for our exhibitors, but also reach a wider range of visitors.