In mid-May 2012, Media Globe Krokus (MGK), the organiser of the Moscow International Furniture Show (MIFS), entered into a collaboration agreement with Koelnmesse.

For 2013, the goal is to enhance the international orientation of the MIFS format in collaboration with Koelnmesse and market the event under the dual name “Rooms Moscow/MIFS”. Efforts to win over globally operating companies seeking access to the Russian market will be stepped up. Over the last months, the two companies have been working together to finalise the implementation of their plans - the dates, hall plan and product groups have now been set. In order to ensure Koelnmesse’s interior design and furniture expertise is integrated to the greatest possible effect and can be deployed to ensure the new format’s long-term success in Russia and Eastern Europe, the product groups will be based on those of the world-class trade fairs in Cologne.

In May 2012, Media Globe Krokus (MGK) held the Moscow International Furniture Show (MIFS) for the first time. Thanks to MGK's knowledge of the sector and trade fair experience, the furniture show got off to a good start in every respect: around 250 exhibitors and 12,000 registered visitors took part in the premiere. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Koelnmesse will contribute its expertise in the areas of global exhibitor and media management. Gerald Böse, Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse: “In close collaboration with MGK, we will be focusing on the strategic development of the trade fair with the goal of establishing it as an annual furniture trade fair of international calibre.”

Ever since their decision to collaborate, MGK and Koelnmesse have been working intensely on the implementation of their first joint Russian furniture show. The most important decision – setting the dates – has now been made: Rooms Moscow/MIFS will take place at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center from 21st to 25th May 2013. The set-up period is from 17th to 20th May, breakdown from 25th to 27th May.

Decisions have also been made concerning the product groups. The entire spectrum of furniture and furnishing products for the home, office, garden and contract segment will be shown, as well as products for the complete design of entire interior spaces. A particularly interesting aspect: component suppliers will also be able to take part and present the preliminary stage of furniture production, so to speak. As the successful interzum moscow trade fair was discontinued this year due to organisational changes on the Russian side, Koelnmesse has thus succeeded in finding an appropriate export platform for its exhibitors and new target groups. On the whole, the range of products on show at Rooms Moscow/MIFS will be based on the leading international trade fairs in Cologne – imm cologne, LivingKitchen, ORGATEC, spoga+gafa and interzum. “Thanks to our many years of international experience in the furnishing sector, we can bring all the expertise we have accumulated in the field to these segments,” says Marc Zöllig, project manager for Koelnmesse’s trade fairs outside Germany, in explanation of how the product groups were defined. “Together with our strong and experienced partner MGK, we aim to make Rooms Moscow/MIFS an important date in the Russian trade fair calendar right from the start.”

The Russian market is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. According to AMEDORO, the Russian association of furniture and woodworking enterprises, consumer spending on furniture increased by 38% to US$ 14.8 bn in 2011 as compared to the previous year. Rising incomes and pent-up demand will ensure growth rates remain high for the next few years. Russia depends on imports to satisfy its rapidly growing need for furniture: more than half the nation’s furniture demand is already met by products from other countries. In 2011, imports accounted for around 55% of all furniture spending in Russia.

The Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center is the most modern exhibition complex in Russia. It has good connections with Moscow's transport infrastructure, including Myakinino Metro station. Rooms Moscow/MIFS will occupy Halls 13, 14 and 15 in Pavilion No. 3. Country pavilions from Germany, Italy and Turkey will round off the selection of products on show. Exhibitors can book complete packages in these pavilions and demonstrate their nation’s expertise under their own flag. Frank Haubold, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse: “We’re looking forward to giving Russian and Eastern European visitors to Rooms Moscow/MIFS 2013 a comprehensive overview of all the developments taking place in the furnishing sector – from furniture manufacturing all the way to production-ready blueprints and the design of interior spaces.”

For more information about the trade fair go to: www.rooms-moscow.com

Source: Koelnmesse