Largest Shows: January Is Good at Home

In Germany, January is a good time to stay at home. Not only is it cold outside, but it’s also a busy time of year for tradeshows serving industries related to the home - from electronics and gifts, to hardware and home furnishings.

Following are highlights from the five largest international trade fairs being held in Germany during the first quarter of this year (based on net exhibit space of the most recent edition of each show). As you'll see, almost all have something to do with nesting.

CeBIT, produced annually in Hannover by Deutsche Messe at Messegelande Hannover, is one of the world’s best known technology shows. CeBIT 2007 attracted 6,153 exhibitors from 77 countries. The show, scheduled March 4-9 this year, offers digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. Attendees are users from industry, the wholesale and retail sector, skilled trades, banks, the services sector, government agencies, science and anyone else interested in technology.

Messe Frankfurt stages Ambiente, for the consumer goods industry, every year at the Messe Frankfurt Venue. More than 4,600 exhibitors and visitors from about 100 countries participate, according to organizers. Exhibits fall into three categories: dining, such as table, kitchen and household items; gift ideas; and home furnishings and decorations. This year’s show is slated for Feb. 8-12.

Koelnmesse expected its imm Cologne held in Cologne, which took place last week, to kick off a strong year in home furnishings with more than 1,300 exhibitors from about 60 countries. At the show, held Jan. 14-20, exhibitors offered an overview of 2008 designs and trends, as well as an entrée into global markets.

Messe Frankfurt’s Heimtextil took place Jan. 9-12 at the Messe Frankfurt Venue, where 2,844 exhibitors from 65 countries presented their products. The annual international tradeshow for interior fabrics and textiles for home and commercial uses gave the contract business its own, independent section called “Contract Creations.” That sector, for commercial designers, had gained a foothold at Heimtextil last year with a large number of manufacturers.

Koelnmesse produces the Internationale Eisenwarenmesse/Practical World biennially at the Koelnmesse in Cologne. This year, the international tradeshow for the hardware business is scheduled March 9-12. In 2006, it attracted 2,000 exhibiting companies from 49 countries. Organizers will increase the do-it-yourself segment at this year’s show.