Next year's imm cologne, traditionally a January show, will take place from 4-7th June as a one-off 'spring edition', organiser Koelnmesse has announced, stating that the dates have been chosen in close consultation with its market partners.
“Today, the imm cologne advisory board gave the concept proposed by Koelnmesse for the imm spring edition in June 2023 the green light unanimously," says Gerald Böse, Koelnmesse's CEO. "This concept will ensure that imm cologne can take place again after a two-year break.
"The industry has given its backing to a strong interior design trade fair in Germany, the biggest market in Europe. I firmly believe in face-to-face exchanges. In my view, they are immensely important for the industry’s development, especially in challenging times. The sector needs an in-person platform in Germany, an event with international appeal and a strong communication reach like imm cologne."
The imm cologne team presented its vision for a new concept this June, which will unfold in two steps, the first being the spring edition, which will run from Sunday to Wednesday.
“The spring edition is synonymous with a new beginning," says Koelnmesse's COO, Oliver Frese. "imm cologne wants to use it to motivate and to show how it is experimenting with new ideas and leaving well-trodden paths behind. What’s more, the event in June gives our partners planning certainty.”
Consumers will be able to visit the trade fair by invitation, giving the spring event a clear business focus, he adds.
Matthias Pollmann, VP trade fair management at Koelnmesse, goes on to say: “It’s also our goal to create new participation formats in the market.” The kitchen segment will be included in the imm 2023 spring edition. At the same time, the plan is to incorporate the city more closely.
The future dates for imm cologne and LivingKitchen will then be decided following close consultation with the industry and the associations involved.
