COLOGNE, Germany–About 1,200 companies from 60 countries are expected to exhibit at the upcoming IMM Cologne, the international furniture fair that takes place here Jan. 19 to 25.
Non-German companies account for about 60 percent of the show’s exhibitors, and buyers from more than 125 countries are expected to attend. Last year’s show saw 107,000 attendees from 130 countries.
“At a time when there are few constants in the trade fair sector, exhibitors gravitate toward shows with a dependable time frame and an international setting where they can focus on the efficient pursuit of their business,” said Udo Traeger, head of Koelnmesse’s Furniture, Interior Design & Textiles division. “IMM Cologne offers some crucial benefits. Because it’s held in January, companies can present their new products earlier to international markets than at any other trade event.”
It will also be the fifth year of IMM Cologne’s Trend board, which is composed of experts from the design and architecture industries. This year, the trends include Extra Much, which rejects minimalism for more creative and bold looks; Near and Far, based on the principles of nature and which combines elements that don’t seem to belong; Tepee Culture, which demonstrates a love of nature and where design means ecological responsibility; and Re-Run Time, which interprets sustainability in terms of how designs stand the test of time.