COLOGNE -- The exhibitors at "interzum Cologne 2013" are now invited to submit their current products to an international comparison. The "interzum award: intelligent material & design" is awarded to the best designs in the supplier industry by an independent jury of experts.

From May 13 to 16, 2013, the international supplier industry for the furniture and interior decorating industries will meet once again at the "interzum cologne." More than 1,400 exhibitors from all over the world will present visions for designing future living spaces, inspiring product developers, designers and architects worldwide. Their goods are the key to the trends of tomorrow.

One decisive criterion for the economic success of products on the market is their quality. Even in advance of the "interzum", the exhibitors at this leading trade fair have the chance to prove the quality of their products and to demonstrate their know-how - by competing in the "interzum award: intelligent material & design 2013". The competition, which is being organised by Koelnmesse in cooperation with red dot for the seventh time, is part of the exclusive service package for the exhibitors at the "interzum cologne" and is free of charge. The closing date for applications is March 1, 2013.

This year, an expert jury will once again recognise the best innovations from the categories of Materials and surfaces, Fittings, glass and lighting as well as Upholstery manufacture and bedding. Five well-respected experts from design, architecture and the specialist field will examine and rate each individual entry. They will assess the products based on different criteria such as the degree of innovation, the quality of the material, the form or the functionality.

In addition to Prof. Martin Beeh, professor for design management at Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (University of Applied Sciences), the 2013 jury appointed to rate the product innovations will include Prof. Stefan Diez, designer and professor at Staatliche Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design) and Michael Lanz, general manager of the Munich-based company designaffairs GmbH. The panel of experts will be completed with the Dutch designer Dick Spierenburg and Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, the initiator and CEO of the red dot design award.

The "interzum award: intelligent material & design" is seen in the industry as an established yardstick of quality, which not only emphasises the significance of design as added value for the industry but can also be used by the award-winners as a convincing marketing tool to help them stand out from their competitors.

The proud winners will be celebrated at the interzum party on May 12, 2013. The awards ceremony marks the start of interzum cologne 2013. All award-winning designs will be presented to the public in a special exhibition as part of the trade fair. In this way, Koelnmesse is highlighting the significance of design as an engine of innovation.

Source: Koelnmesse