Trade Show in Germany Draws Thousands

This year started good for the home furnishing industry with a successful trade show in Cologne, Germany. The imm Cologne held from January 14 to 20 this year is proclaimed to be a success by its organizers. The said trade show welcomed 1,251 exhibitors from 53 countries. Sixty-six percent of that number came from outside of Germany.

Visitors flocked to Cologne from different parts of the world. According to the organizers of the trade show, there were more than 107,000 visitors who attended the show at one point or another. Of these, over 31,000 are from outside of Germany.

Internationally-known designers have also visited the event. Cory Grosser, an LA-based designer is one of the numerous designers who flocked the event. Grosser said that he has attended the imm Cologne for five years now.

"This event always kicks off the design show season and helps set the tone for the coming year. I meet existing clients, see friends and colleagues in the industry. More than other events, Cologne is well suited for business meetings, I actually met several new clients at the show," said Grosser.

The designer also pointed out that the event is good way to start the year. He said that it is a good venue for Americans to be exposed to European designs. "Being the first show of the season, US attendees can get a look at the dominant European trends for the upcoming year - especially from the top German design companies,' said Grosser.

Another American who attended the event is David Morcaski, Chairman of Environmental Design at the Art Center College of Design. Morcaski said he had been attending the trade show for twelve years.

One of the reasons for his coming to the trade show is the blend of different styles from different countries. "I am always looking at how all the components of a fair are put together and what the reaction of the people I come in contact with is," said Morcaski.

This year, the event was praised by event goers thanks to an organized display floor. At the said event, one can easily find the right home furnishing pieces that they are looking for. Even one can find fireplace screens at the said event.

Morcaski gave a positive review of the event. "I attend four to five trade shows a year and the Design Post does add to the overall interest of the fair. The installation on Kitchens was good. The high end market in the US is greatly influenced by what's going on in the design side shown here in Cologne. I look forward to next year's fair. I believe it is a good way to start the year," said Morcaski.