IFA attracts international top-level executives to Berlin

For the first time, IFA tried a new concept called “Global Markets”. The idea was for exhibitors who would be on-site anyway to be able to meet potential suppliers. “Here companies working in the sector can stock up on processors, circuit boards and any other electronic components they may need. You can hardly be any more efficient,” Koslowski says. The demand for these very specific exhibition spaces could not be met in the fully booked Messe Berlin which is why IFA Global Markets was set up in Station Berlin for three days. “This certainly was a very shrewd move. However, there were many issues that we will have to improve in the years to come,” Koslowski says, summing up this year’s event. Moving forward, the aim is to raise IFA‘s profile together with its partners.

High quality of trade visitors

This year again IFA managed to find a happy medium between consumer fair and professional fair. “Purchasers and distributors very quickly get an idea of which products are in particularly high demand,” Koslowski says, referring to the event as a “miraculous testing ground”. He is particularly happy about the quality of trade visitors: “All relevant top-level executives come here joined by experts from research and development, marketing and competition monitoring in order to get an overview of the markets in general as well as the competitive environment.” This applies to companies from Japan, Korea and the US alike.

Electrical household appliances are “crown jewels”

The Smart Home area was one of the topical highlights at this year’s IFA. After last year’s trial featuring 15 companies, this year 60 exhibitors showcased their products. Another striking development was the fact that the car industry is moving closer to the consumer electronics market. According to Koslowski, this is due to the fact that modern cars certainly are the largest computers imaginable on four wheels. Electrical household appliances were another true highlight this year. Introduced as a novelty on the market in 2008, touch panels are now featured on nearly every surface in modern kitchens, from fridges to hobs. Visitors can also catch a glimpse into newer technologies such as drones, 3-D printers and scanners or virtual and augmented reality. “We want to eliminate inhibitions, true to the motto: Just give it a go,” says Koslowski.

IFA has not yet released official visitor numbers. However, Koslowski is expecting figures similar to last year’s turnout when 245.000 visitors attended the trade fair. In terms of order volume, there aren’t any official numbers available yet either. However, according to Koslowski’s estimate, the figures should be well above the four billion mark.