GERMANY - By taking over ZOW, Koelnmesse, organizer of Interzum,  now offers two efficient platforms for the industry covering international and regional markets equally. 

As a result, ZOW will shift towards a biennial cycle with ZOW 2018 (February 6-8) being the trade fair's next edition. "The furniture supply industry requires fresh trade fair concepts that fit the individual needs of regional, national and global markets. In my opinion there is no other event capable of giving as important economic and innovative impetus to the industry as Interzum and ZOW. With this acquisition Koelnmesse further expands its position as leading exhibition organizer for furniture and interior design", explains Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse.

Dr. Lucas Heumann, Chief Executive of the Trade Associations of the Wood and Furniture Industry, adds: "We absolutely endorse the takeover of ZOW by Koelnmesse, because this will perfectly complement Interzum as the leading international trade fair for the furniture supply industry. Ostwestfalen-Lippe is and will remain the heart of the German furniture industry with the highest concentration of industry stakeholders in the country. From our perspective the furniture industry needs both, a leading international trade fair such as Interzum and a working platform with a clear hands-on focus based in Ostwestfalen-Lippe just like ZOW. Offering Interzum's and ZOW's unique qualities as part of a one-stop solution guarantees perfect coordination and matching of both main events of our industry."