COLOGNE, GERMANY - On 13 May interzum opens its doors. This year, more international exhibitors than ever are proof positive that interzum is the world's leading trade fair in the industry. Overall, almost three-quarters of the exhibitors - 1,500 in all - come from abroad. Excellent advance ticket sales suggest that the trade fair will be a complete success. Well over 50,000 visitors are expected overall.

From 13 to 16 May 2013, Cologne will once again be the scene of world debuts in the fields of materials, components, machinery and textiles. This is where industry experts meet and share their knowledge and where presentations of cutting-edge technology and materials turn into tomorrow's design ideas. With one short week to go until the trade fair opens, project manager Matthias Pollmann is extremely optimistic. "The excellent booking figures in the ticket shop suggest that visitor numbers have increased from 2011," he says. "We are currently expecting well over 50,000 guests from Germany and abroad - but naturally, we cannot announce actual numbers until the trade fair is over."

This year, more than 1,500 market leaders are proving to be a huge attraction. The majority - about 74% - come from abroad, which also represents an increase from previous years. Space was in such high demand that another hall was added. According to Frank Haubold, business area head for the trade fair management: "As always, interzum's success rides on more than just the exhibitor figures. First and foremost it has to do with the quality of the exhibitors and the innovations and world premieres that they present. Another typical feature of interzum is the piazzas in the three product segments, which provide focused insights into the industry's hot topics. I look forward to four exciting days in Cologne. My only recommendation is that everyone schedule in enough time to attend interzum."

Facts about interzum

- Dates: Monday, 13 May to Thursday, 16 May 2013 from 9:00 to 18:00.

- Exhibitors: over 1,500, 74% from outside Germany

- Number of visitors expected: well over 50,000 visitors from Germany and abroad

- Area covered: 10 halls with a gross area of approximately 155,000 square metres

- 3 product segments: Materials & Nature, Function & Components and

Textile & Machinery

- The most important piazzas: Innovation of Interior (Hall 4.2), Materials & Nature (Hall 6), Textile Production Line (Hall 10.1), Textile & Machinery (Hall 10.2)

- interzum award: awards ceremony on 12 May 2013 (only with prior registration), winning products will be set out on the boulevard

Information about InnoMateria:

This year, the interdisciplinary conference trade show InnoMateria will take place in hall 11.2 to coincide with interzum. Besides lightweight construction and other key topics in the area of materials for contemporary mobility, the programme also focuses on the production, storage and transformation of energy and on sustainable energy supply and use. Materials represents a new thrust for interiors and design. The trade congress and associated exhibition have made InnoMateria an interdisciplinary communication platform for innovative materials. The two event days, running in parallel on 14 and 15 May 2013, will provide a perfect opportunity at interzum for inter-industry dialogue in one location.