Cologne, Germany - Making a good thing even better – for interzum Project Manager Matthias Pollmann and his team, that was the goal behind their strategic revision of the interzum 2013 concept. From now on, in order to provide a clearer structure and facilitate categorisation for visitors and exhibitors alike, the trade fair will concentrate on three exhibition segments instead of seven. In 2013, the world’s biggest trade fair for suppliers to the furniture industry and interior finishing will be continuing on its successful course. With around 12 months still to go until the event, the majority of the hall space has already been rented.

A good 12 months before the next interzum in Cologne, the management’s preparations are already in full swing. Some crucial modifications have been made to the concept and a major reform has already been implemented: next year, instead of being divided into seven segments as in the past, the world’s leading fair for suppliers to the furniture industry and interior finishing will focus on just three areas: “Materials & Nature”, “Function & Components” and “Textile & Machinery”. Players from the individual value chains will thus move even closer together and the trade show will provide exhibitors and visitors alike with a clearer structure that permits more rapid categorisation. “In the past, we’ve had exhibiting companies who fitted into two segments, which made meaningful categorisation difficult. Now it’s easier for companies to identify with one of the three areas – and visitors will be able to get their bearings more easily too,” explains Matthias Pollmann, Project Manager of interzum.

“Materials & Nature” clusters together all companies with a focus on wood, veneers, parquet, interior finishing, decorative finishes, decor papers, laminates, wood-based materials, solid surface materials, edgings, finishes, adhesives, embossing cylinders and press plates and will occupy Halls 5.1 and 6. “Function & Components” is aimed at manufacturers of semi-finished products for tables, chairs, cabinet and office furniture, lighting and lighting systems, fittings, locks and built-in components and will be housed in Halls 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 7 and 8. Halls 9 and 10 will provide sufficient presentation space for the “Textile & Machinery” segment, which is intended for companies that produce upholstery materials, manufacture machinery for upholstery and mattress production or are active in the field of upholstery supplies, covering fabrics and leather.

With a year still to go until the trade show opens its doors, the level of bookings already indicates a very positive trend. “There is a high demand for space in all segments – which is why it definitely makes sense for any company that wants to be sure of a place at interzum 2013 to register in plenty of time,” says Pollmann. The early bird period for interzum 2013 expires on 31 May 2012 and many firms have already taken the opportunity to sign up and benefit from the corresponding advantages.

“The prevailing mood is extremely good right now,” says Pollmann in explanation of the successful early bird period. “This year, all the trade shows for the furnishing segment and wood-processing industry are doing excellently. As you would expect, nobody wants to miss the most important trade fair platform in the suppliers sector. That was already obvious from the fact that, in 2011, 78 percent of exhibitors stated that they wanted to take part in interzum 2013 as well.”

The next interzum will take place from: 13 – 16 May 2013

Much more information is available at: www.interzum.com

Source: Koelnmesse