GERMANY - The coronavirus pandemic and all its social repercussions are catalyzing global change processes and altering some patterns of behavior.

The forthcoming edition of interzum in Cologne is benefiting from these developments in multiple ways: The lack of opportunities for business partners to meet in person in recent months means that these face-to-face exchanges are now immensely important. Focused showcases of innovative product developments strengthen established global marketplaces, and recent trends are resulting in new priorities for industry exhibitions and changing traditional trade fair profiles.

Even at this early stage, eleven months before the leading trade fair for suppliers to the furniture and interior design industry opens its doors, the team led by interzum Director Maik Fischer is already registering excellent demand and large numbers of bookings – ranging from familiar names from previous events to smart newcomers and start-ups right through to major industry players that have once again recognised the tremendous role that key business events play in or after crisis situations. To make registering as easy as possible for exhibitors, the early-bird pricing has been extended until 15 June 2020.

Maik Fischer can already paint a very optimistic picture of the next interzum: “All the companies among our exhibitor clientele can hardly wait for the forthcoming event. The social abstinence over the past few months is undoubtedly a major factor in this. But above all there is a strong drive from companies that want to present their products, developments and services as engines of innovation and trendsetters in a post-corona competitive environment that is still being shaped and that remains partly surrounded by uncertainty.”