IFA Berlin 2023 will welcome new features designed to reflect current industry trends, described as an “evolution not revolution” to expanding the scope of the event, by IFA management GmbH managing director, Oliver Merlin.
Taking place at Messe Berlin from 1 to 5 September, 2023, IFA Berlin will build on the success of previous editions and its reputation as the leading trade show in the world for consumer electronics and home appliances, as it enters its 99th year.
IFA 2023 has already exceeded the 2022 show in both number of exhibitors and space allocated. It is also on track to exceed the final numbers of IFA 2019. Exhibitor registration has shown more than three-quarters (78%) of retained business with the remaining percentage coming from new business.
“Slowly and over a period of time we are gradually introducing new segments, new features, new content and new experiences so that you can see IFA evolving as a product,” Merlin said.
The 2023 show will incorporate a new ‘The Retailer is King’ program to more effectively target retailers and buying groups as “a key conduit of our messaging and understanding of what is going on in the market,” Merlin added.
The program includes preferred badge pick-up, guided tours on the show floor, access to the trade visitor lounge, shuttle service between halls at Messe Berlin, coordinated meetings, breakfasts, private lunches and networking activities in the evenings, and curated talks at city hotels.
A highlight of this year’s event will be the IFA Leaders Summit, bringing together technologists, innovators, inventors, retail executives, thought leaders, and influencers, to cover the industry’s most critical and meaningful topics, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart homes, IoT trends, robotics, cloud gaming, chip manufacturing and more.
For the first time, IFA 2023 will welcome a dedicated Sustainability Village with its own on-site ‘mend and repair shop’ tackling e-waste, a comprehensive conference program and forum on sustainability best practices, a dedicated exhibitor area and networking focused on connecting sustainability leaders with the wider IFA community.
Key themes will include European Commission legislation with the ‘Right to Repair’ proposal, progress with the European Green Deal and Germany’s new Supply Chain Act; global supply chains with the opportunity to review the manufacturing process, transportation and returns; and circular economy and e-waste to prolong the life of devices via recycling facilities.
In addition, this year’s show will feature an interactive gaming and esports arena, a House of Robots where visitors can interact with robots, and an enhanced version of the show’s Next zone dedicated to start-ups.