Inhorgenta europe 2007, which took place on the grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from February 23 to 26, 2007, was able to record another increase in visitor figures following the one at the event in 2006. More visitors were already registered on the first trade fair day than in the previous year, a development, which continued during the complete course of the trade fair. More than 30,000 visitors (2006: 29,660*) obtained information from the 1,183 exhibitors (2006: 1,138) from 44 countries (2006: 43 countries) on the four trade fair days. It became clear during the course of the trade fair that manufacturers have a guarded optimism with respect to future business developments, while retailers expect a substantially better market development.
Exhibitors presented the current trends, collections, new brands and technologies as well as pioneering marketing concepts with all aspects of timepieces and jewelry on the 64,500 square meters.
73% (72%) of the surveyed exhibitors evaluated the trade fair overall with excellent to good, and the percentages were 94% (92%) on the visitor side. The trade visitors gave best grades to the completeness and range of exhibits of the offers (94%), the atmosphere at the fair (92%) and the service provided by the trade fair company in advance of the fair (89%). The top three items of the exhibitors were the atmosphere of the trade fair (85%), the clearness of the industry categories and the quality of the exhibitor service (each 81%).
Manfred Stoffers, Managing Director of Festina Uhren GmbH “Inhorgenta Europe demonstrated impressively how much the mood among retailers has changed to a positive one. We have never had a trade fair with so many appointments made in advance. Business was outstanding. It is also clear now that the value-added tax increase has not hindered the willingness to buy.”
Many of the exhibitors emphasized that the focus of discussions was again more on the preparation and making of orders in addition to the obtaining of information. A total of 91% of the surveyed exhibitors cited the initiation of new business relations, 85% the preparation of follow-up business, and 84% the concluding of deals directly at the trade fair as the focus of their trade fair participation according to TNS Infratest.
In addition to the visitor figures, the number of foreign exhibitors and visitors also increased. While 36% of the exhibitors came from other countries in 2006, the figure was 38% in 2007. 28% of the visitors came from other countries in 2006, and the figure was 31% in 2007. The visitor contingents from France, Spain, Great Britain, the USA, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece increased in particular; increases of up to 50% could be recorded. But Eastern European countries such as Poland, Slovakia and Romania as well as Scandinavia had two-figure visitor increases and even doubled their visitor contingents.”
The comprehensive and complete supporting program of Inhorgenta Europe again provided information to many interested trade visitors about industry-related topics and current trends. Topics such as “Jewelry and Fashion Trends”, “Current Developments in Shop Design” and “Events as Success Factor” were discussed in seminars and workshops. Forums and platforms such as TimeSigns, the exhibition of young precious stone and jewelry designers, the Antique Jewelry Pavilion, BrandNew – NewBrand, the Platinum Forum and the Silversmith Forum again attracted numerous trade fair participants. The Design Podium Contest registered a new participation record among the exhibitors of the Design Jewelry Hall A2 with 181 submissions from young jewelry designers.
The topic of men’s jewelry was especially a focal point at Inhorgenta Europe 2007. The exhibitors presented an increasingly large range of necklaces, armlets, ear studs and pins. Another trend is silver combined with natural materials as well as precious pearl necklaces. In addition, historical, ethnological and romantic styles as well as motifs were observed at the trade fair. Increasing application of old handicraft techniques by designers was also seen.
Inhorgenta Europe 2008 will take place on the grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from February 15 to 18, 2008.

Photo: AlexSchelbert.de

Source: Europa Star April-May 2007 Magazine Issue