imm cologne Show Attracts Over 100,000 Visitors

Furniture World Magazine

For seven days, Cologne became again the capital of the international furnishing industry. Over 1,300 exhibitors from around 60 countries showcased their goods to the furnishings and design market and gave the 2008 furniture year a strong start. Top exhibitors, international design stars and creative newcomers provided settings that showcased the interiors of tomorrow. “This is the fifth straight year that I have attended the IMM Cologne“, remarked the LA based designer Cory Grosser. “This event always kicks off the design show season and helps set the tone for the coming year. I meet existing clients, see friends and colleagues in the industry. More than other events, Cologne is well suited for business meetings, I actually met several new clients at the show. Being the first show of the season, US attendees can get a look at the dominant European trends for the upcoming year - especially from the top German design companies“ . The blend of international trends is also what attracts David Mocarski, Chairman of Environmental Design at the Art Center College of Design who has been coming to Cologne for the past 12 years: “ I am always looking at how all the components of a fair are put together and what the reaction of the people I come in contact with is. I attend four to five trade shows a year and the Design Post does add to the overall interest of the fair. The installation on Kitchens was good. The high end market in the US is greatly influenced by what's going on in the design side shown here in Cologne. I look forward to next year's fair. I believe it is a good way to start the year“, remarked Mocarski. Widespread praise was given to the clear segmentation of the halls organized by furniture type and price point which decreased time and effort spent on product sourcing. Special highlight exhibits consisted of the “Art of Kitchen“ featuring various kitchen brands and “Dutch Design“, an exhibit showcasing design expertise coupled with product diversity. Other prominent exhibits included "Architecture Code Cologne" with special focus on urban living in Harbor cities and "Compasso d'oro", 50 years of Italian furniture design. In addition,150 show rooms throughout Cologne featured works of international designers and furniture manufacturers. Major trends are: - Goodbye to the good, old wall unit. The classic wall unit is finally out. It is being replaced by light and flexible wall systems. Upholstered furniture has a multi-functional character. Colors are dominated by white. - Technology is becoming increasingly important. Funiture now integrate technology such as flat-screen and speakers. Bookcases, wardrobes and even bedside reading lamps are now incorporated into LED lighting. The Light Emitting Diode is the lighting technology of the future. - Kitchens in the high end segment carry more technology. Electrically-powered drawers are opened and closed by a gentle tap. Increased demand for "Green Line" furniture manufactured by using natural materials and an environmentally-friendly production and disposal process. The next imm cologne will be held from January 19-25, 2009 For more information regarding imm cologne 2009 contact Ken Dickerson at 773-326-9926 or k.dickerson@koelnmessenafta.com imm cologne 2008 in figures: 1,251 exhibitors from 53 countries, 66 % from abroad. 107,000 visitors, 31,000 of them from abroad.