By Martin Vedris
BERLIN, GERMANY: With a rented area of around 104,000 square metres and record participation by 1,212 exhibitors from 32 countries, the IFA 2007, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics trade shows, opens on 31 August 2007 in Berlin.
The number of exhibitors has increased 15.5 per cent from 1,049 in 2006, there were also 212,494 visitors and that year EUR €2.5 billion in orders were placed at the show.
This year, in addition to strong representation from the trade and industry in the European core markets, the IFA is also attracting companies in Asia and North America.
“Foreign exhibitors account for more than 60 per cent of the total, a consequence of the efforts to give the IFA a more international dimension,” said IFA’s Supervisory Board chairman, Dr. Rainer Hecker.
Dr. Christian Göke, chief operating officer of Messe Berlin, added: “The high overall level of international participation is one of the hallmarks of the IFA. This year the IFA records one of the largest international participations of recent years by exhibitors and in particular by trade visitors.
“Consequently all the indications are that this will be a successful event. We can offer the entire consumer electronics sector ideal surroundings for business, and a highly attractive program of shows and entertainment for visitors.”
“In concrete terms we anticipate sales of Consumer Electronics devices will increase by 5,3 per cent to 62,3 billion euros in the 10 most important European countries. In Germany Consumer Electronics growth should exceed two per cent, with a sales volume of 23 billion euros. In 2008 we expect market expansion to be as positive in Europe and in Germany as it was in 2007.”