COLOGNE, GERMANY -- In Cologne this May, interzum once again confirmed its status as the world’s leading trade fair in its field. With 52,400 trade visitors from 147 countries, the furniture industry and interior finishing event was up 13 percent as compared to the previous show in 2009. Whilst the visitor structure has always been highly international, this year’s 24-percent increase represents a significant gain. With Interzum 2011, Koelnmesse has clearly underlined its position as a beacon for the worldwide furniture industry.

In 2011, 1,434 companies exhibited at interzum; 378 of them came from Germany, 1,056 travelled to Cologne from abroad. Italy was the most strongly represented country with 276 firms, followed by Turkey with 88 companies. In total, this corresponds to an increase of almost six percent as compared to 2009 (1,356 exhibiting companies). This year the world-class fair’s total exhibition space grew by eight percent and was spread over ten halls (one hall more than in 2009). As at all the previous events, the majority of visitors to the fair were decision makers – a fact that was repeatedly commended by exhibitors.

• Agro: “Interzum exceeded our expectations. The numerous visitors turned the trade fair into a thoroughly lively event.”

• Albrecht Bäumer: “It was a very successful fair for us, as the resulting sales go to show.”

• Alu Style: “The high quality of the booths was impressive – not just in our hall but in the other halls as well.”

• Blum: “Once again, interzum impressed us with its good atmosphere and reliable organisation. This year’s interzum confirmed that the commitment shown by Koelnmesse and the entire industry has been well worthwhile. It’s hard to think of a more international suppliers’ fair than Interzum.”

• Cebi: “All in all, it was one of the best interzum events ever for our company.”

• Decotec: “It was the best interzum ever.”

• Egger: “For Egger, taking part in the trade fair definitely paid off. In view of the positive feedback we received at the show, our decision to realign our trade fair strategy was 100 percent correct.”

• Effegi Brevetti: “We’re very impressed by the internationality of the visitors.”

• Gera Leuchten: “Our expectations were definitely met. Even in the run-up to the event, we felt as if we were in very competent hands with the organisers.”

• Grass: “As the most important fair for the furniture supplier segment, interzum definitely has the necessary clout.”

• Gross + Froelich: “It was the most forward-looking interzum for many years.”

• Hailo: “In particular, we think the supporting programme is excellent as compared to other trade fairs.”

• Karl Baliko Woodbox: “We’re delighted to say that Interzum is again THE truly international fair for the industry.”

• Kings Mountain International: “Such a huge amount of visitors in one building within less than a week – that’s truly amazing.”

• Leder Reinhardt: “We get the feeling that interzum 2011 attracted more visitors from abroad.”

• Munksjö: “This year companies from the value creation chain that were missing in the past were exhibiting at the fair again, the entire industry is represented at interzum in all its diversity.”

• Naber: “The good leads at this year’s interzum certainly paid off in terms of post-show business.”

• Pessotto: “We had ten times as many visitors at our booth as two years ago.”

• Pfleiderer: “From one event to the next, the supporting programme is increasingly geared towards the various visitor segments (industry, dealers, finishers and architects) and therefore helps enhance the quality of the visitors. The measures taken to improve the trade fair are definitely making an impact – Interzum is once again the leading fair.”

• Resopal: “The trade fair even managed to exceed our expectations. All in all, the mood was very positive and the customers showed a great deal of interest. Koelnmesse knows what it takes to make interzum interesting for visitors – and the good supporting programme definitely plays a role in that.”

• Schattdecor: “The innovation of interior concept was able to unfold its full effect for the first time. The exhibitors in Hall 6 staged an impressive show with some fascinating booths.”

• Schock Metallwerk: “We had a lot of valuable leads, the majority of which have meanwhile led to new projects and even concrete orders.”

• Süddekor: “It was a very successful fair for Süddekor, we were able to launch a large number of new finishes.”

• Vauth-Sagel: “Interzum 2011 was sensational. It was the best and probably most successful suppliers’ fair we’ve ever experienced.”

A total of 52,400 trade visitors (46,345 visitors in 2009) flocked to the Rhine metropolis. 17,900 of the visitors were from Germany, 34,500 came from 147 other countries around the globe (approx. 66 percent). With a 24-percent increase in the number of foreign visitors as compared to 2009, the event made considerable gains in terms of internationality.

As a result of the consistently good feedback, exhibitors are extremely positive about interzum 2011 even several months after the event – and are already signing up for interzum 2013, scheduled for May 13-16, 2013.

Source: Koelnmesse