RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2018
10
C
o-innovation, artificial intelligence, voice recognition and the
soaring popularity of smart connected devices have powered
IFA to yet another record edition. The world's leading trade
show for consumer electronics and home appliances attracted
245,000 visitors this year. IFA is more important to global brands and
retailers than ever before, with almost 150,000 trade visitors attending
the show; more than 50 percent of the trade visitors came from abroad,
marking a new all-time high in international attendance. The event –
timed for the all-important end-of-year business ahead of Black Friday,
Singles Day in China, and Christmas – suggests that the industry is in
a positive mood; high order volumes for deals struck during IFA grew
yet again, totaling 4.7 billion euros.
With 1,814 exhibitors and rented floor space covering 161,200
square meters, this year's IFA boasted two fully booked-out areas:
IFA's traditional space – the Berlin Exhibition Grounds – saw every
square meter taken, while IFA Global Markets (for trade visitors only)
at STATION Berlin was totally oversubscribed.
"IFA is the most effective and globally the most important meeting
place for doing business – not just for our industries and retailers, but
consumers and media as well. We are delighted with the positive
feedback we've had this year, and in particular to have successfully
integrated new industries in 2018. It's this spirit of co-innovation –
where companies from many different industries use their skills and
ideas to tackle today's challenges – that inspires all industries at IFA.
Co-innovation is the main driving force for innovation today," said Dr.
Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin.
"As a driving force of industry and commerce, IFA 2018 has
strengthened its position as the world's leading trade show for
consumer electronics and home appliances. At 4.7 billion euros, the
high volume of orders remained stable, ensuring a solid basis for the
end-of-year business. With its wealth of innovations, IFA had a positive
influence on the mood of international markets," said Hans-Joachim
THE POWER OF CO-INNOVATION
