Inhorgenta Europe 2004 - a barometer for the sector


 Interest in the fair stays high, giving rise to cautious optimism

 Once again, 1,200 exhibitors from 40 countries are expected to take part


When inhorgenta europe opens its doors on 20 February 2004, expectations will again be high of this, the EU's most important trade fair for clocks, watches, jewellery, precious stones, pearls and technology. Now that the first tentative signs of a recovery have been detected in various countries in Europe, this fair offers manufacturers and the trade an excellent opportunity to consolidate these positive trends and point the way to a better future. Judging by the interest expressed so far, the expectations are justified: In 2004, it looks as if once again around 1,200 exhibitors will be participating, from a total of 40 countries. This would match the level achieved at the last event, and the figures could even eventually exceed it. On the retail side, the outlook is just as positive: again around 30,000 or more trade visitors are expected to attend from Europe and beyond.

Because of the early dates for the fair, and various other factors, inhorgenta europe has become a leading trade fair for the watch, clock and jewellery sector. The 64,000 square metres of exhibition space (in Halls A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) set aside for this event at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre are one of the first and biggest platforms for new trends, new brands and new marketing concepts in 2004.

Once again the fair will feature a whole host of highlights and a number of key conceptual changes. The Platinum Forum in Hall B2, for example, is attracting more and more important buyers from Germany and abroad. This forum is the largest international display of platinum jewellery. Also in Hall C2 is another superlative magnet for buyers: the world's most extensive display of designer jewellery. This hall, with its 300 or so exhibitors, has long since made a name for itself as an important annual showcase for new talent, virtually unlimited creativity and innovative materials. Anyone wanting to find out where the trends in designer jewellery are heading, and to take a look at the future of the jewellery market, won't want to miss Hall C2. The tremendous appeal of these displays is enhanced further by the coveted design award, the inhorgenta europe Innovation Prize, and by the specially organised forums. As the many contacts with exhibitors already indicate, all areas of inhorgenta europe 2004 will be featuring even more new products, and the new jewellery products on display will be particularly numerous.

The display of watches in Hall A1 is another big attraction, and this time, it is to be partly reorganised. Here, next year in February, inhorgenta europe will be demonstrating its outstanding competence in the bulk market for fashion and lifestyle watches. The main highlight in the hall is the central aisle which is now redesigned as 'A1 Brand Avenue'. Producers of trend brands and the world's leading watch manufacturers will be putting on a display here. Along this Brand Avenue, buyers will have the unique opportunity of talking to almost 30 of the most important manufacturers of watch brands. The names to be found here in A1 Brand Avenue include Citizen, Casio, Junghans, Timex, Guess, Festina, Seiko, D&G, GlashÜtte, Alfex, Tutima, Boccia, S.Oliver, Diesel, Fossil, DKNY and Bruno Banani. And, exhibiting for the first time in A1 are Emporio Armani, Zodiac and Burberry.

Another highlight of inhorgenta europe 2004 awaits in Hall B1. Here, in a stylish setting, premium and luxury brands in watches, jewellery and pearls will be displaying their special flair. Classic watch manufacturers like Chronoswiss, Michel Herbelin, Raymond Weil, Delma, Dubey & Schaldenbrand and Schaffo will be exhibiting here, along with the leading jewellery manufacturers Christian Bauer, Gellner, Bunz, Meister, Schoeffel, Victor Mayer, Fochtmann and Leo Wittwer. Plus the haute couture of the watch and jewellery sector, fashion brands like Versace and Kenzo. The top jewellery from Europe's main markets and increasingly from the transition countries of Central and Eastern Europe, are making more and more use of the early dates for this fair, and the extensive ranges on display here.

inhorgenta europe is continuing to broaden its international scope. Already at the event in 2003, which was the first to bear the new name of inhorgenta europe, it was clear that the significance of this sector meeting point had grown for the whole European market. In 2004 this trend is set to continue, with joint stands from Italy, Hong Kong, Thailand, Colombia, India and Turkey presenting their new products in Munich to trade visitors from Germany, Central, West, and Eastern Europe, and from many other countries. Taking part for the first time with its own official country pavilion, is Poland.

Another strength of inhorgenta europe is the extensive presentation of new technology, machinery and tools for manufacture and processing, and the range of display and packaging concepts for watches and jewellery. The products of many exhibitors in this area are potentially of interest to all other exhibitors and to the 30,000 or so trade visitors attracted from all over the world. This section, like the other sections at the fair, makes an important contribution to generating sales.

A visit to inhorgenta europe is a must for many trade professionals from Germany, Europe and other countries around the world. Their appetites are whetted further by the attractiveness of the event's location. Munich is famous for its arts and cultural scene. It also has an excellent transport infrastructure, a very new, highly modern, exhibition centre and the second-largest hotel capacity in Germany, after Berlin. All of this make inhorgenta europe in Munich a very appealing proposition to both exhibitors and visitors.

One thing that far exceeded all expectations was the inhorgenta europe GoldCard that was introduced in autumn 2002. To date over 3,000 of these exclusive cards have been issued to professionals in the watch, clock and jewellery sector in over 40 countries. The holders of this card can make use of free services and many discounts, as well as enjoying the GoldCard Lounge and free and preferential access to the fair in Munich and a range of other key events in Europe, Asia and the United States.

http://www.inhorgenta.com
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(please credit Europa Star)

Source: Inhorgenta Press Release
November 2003