From January 2026, imm cologne will be hosted as an annual event aimed at the consumer-oriented market segment, with "a refined and focused trade fair concept", reveals organiser Koelnmesse.
"To cater for the brand and premium segment, the new event format interior design days cologne (idd cologne) will be launched in October 2025. Its concept is carefully tailored to the specific market requirements of this segment.
"Developed in close collaboration with the furniture industry, the future duo of imm cologne and idd cologne is Koelnmesse’s response to the need to adapt traditional trade fairs to current market conditions with a flexible strategy.
The news follows Koelnmesse's decision to cancel imm cologne's 2025 edition."Its broad product range, covering the entry-level price point through to premium collections, had become increasingly challenging in recent years due to the considerable differences between exhibitors’ and visitors’ needs," Koelnmesse explains. "This meant that their requirements could no longer be effectively met with a single trade fair format."
Debuting from 26-29th October 2025, the new-format idd cologne aims to set new standards for premium brands in the residential and hospitality interiors segments. Alongside the retail and wholesale sector, the new format is aimed at industry professionals from the fields of interior design, architecture and project planning, and "will also welcome design lovers with a passion for beautiful interiors".
The concept for imm cologne has been completely redefined, the show organiser continues: "The long-standing trade fair will focus on the consumer-oriented interior design segment, showcasing in-demand, market-ready product trends for all areas of home living. This will make imm cologne even more specifically aimed at the international furniture trade, including furniture retail chains, purchasing associations, online retailers and marketers as well as further categories of trade visitors from the interiors industry, all of whom appeal to a broad customer base.
"imm cologne will remain an annual event hosted in January, making it the perfect start to the new interior design year."
Future editions will be condensed into four days, and the first fair in the new format will take place from 20th-23rd January 2026.
“We have redefined our trade fair portfolio in the interior design sector," says Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse. "For 100 years, Koelnmesse has been synonymous with outstanding trade fair formats, delivered in the heart of Europe and around the world. To be successful in the global trade fair business for such a long time, you have to keep evolving and respond to the changing demands of your customer base. That is precisely what we aim to do with the realignment of the trade fair format for our interior design flagship event imm cologne.
"Based on the findings of a thorough analysis of the interior design market carried out in conjunction with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and the Federal Association of the German Furniture, Kitchen and Furnishing Trade (BVDM), we have both adapted and realigned our approach. As a result, we now propose two focused trade fair formats that are closely tailored to the requirements of the different interior design segments and precisely in tune with the times.
“We have made our long-established imm cologne concept fit for the future and will launch a specialised event format in the form of idd cologne. We see ourselves as a driver of growth for the industry, standing for trust and reliability coupled with inspiration and viable future prospects.”
VDM president Leo Lübke adds: “The two new trade fair concepts that we have co-developed are specifically tailored to the different exhibitor segments and visitor groups. We are delighted that our industry will be presenting its innovations in Cologne again as early as next autumn. Leading premium manufacturers have already announced that they will take part. As the largest furniture-producing nation in Europe, we in Germany need these major industry showcases to strengthen our position in a highly competitive market.”
Markus Meyer, president of the BVDM, comments: “Trade fairs are symbols of renewal and innovation. This applies to both the products exhibited and the trade fairs themselves. After many years of success, trade fairs have experienced significant changes in expectations and demands in recent times. imm cologne is no exception. We firmly believe that the furniture industry needs a strong trade fair and that an event of this kind offers us excellent opportunities to do business and interact. That is why we support all initiatives aimed at furthering the industry’s interests by means of a leading trade fair. We look forward to interior design days 2025 and imm cologne 2026 with great anticipation.”
