The countdown has started to the biggest and best interzum ever yet

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More exhibitors, more events, more innovations, more visitors - interzum 2017 is poised to set a series of records before it even opens. The leading international trade fair for furniture production and interior construction will offer a unique programme of events once again this year. The world will gather in Cologne for five days to be inspired by exhibitors' innovations, make new contacts and take away fresh ideas to drive their own businesses. All the global market leaders will be represented at interzum, making the trade fair a must-attend event, and this has led to a further increase in visitor numbers this year.

The opening ceremony on 15 May will mark the start of a trade fair event of the highest calibre. "We are already really looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world in Cologne, " says Arne Petersen, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse. "With interzum, we have developed a leading international trade fair that truly deserves this title. Nowhere else in the world offers such a wide range of products, services and concepts. Nowhere else in the world can you find such a comprehensive overview of the trends in the supplier industry." Almost 500 first-time exhibitors from Germany and around the world will be welcomed in Cologne this year. In total, more than 1, 700 exhibitors will be appearing at interzum 2017. They will cover 185, 000 square metres of exhibition space, a new record. Developments are also positive on the visitor side: "Preregistrations are excellent, " says Petersen. "We are currently ahead of interzum 2015." This growth further underscores that the event's international reach is continuing to increase and that Cologne has established itself as a global hotspot for the industry: visitors from around 150 different countries are already looking forward to gathering inspiration at the fair on the banks of the Rhine. They include visitors from the Asian growth markets Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, but large numbers of visitors from the US, Canada, Russia, China, and neighbouring European countries will also be represented at the fair.

Many good reasons to visit interzum
There are a number of strong reasons behind interzum's success: the trends in the supplier industry provide the impetus for the design of tomorrow's living spaces and inspire new products. Architects and designers also visit interzum to find material and technical inspiration. And it's no wonder: the best and the latest innovations from around the globe will be on show in Cologne, clearly and logically grouped into three segments. To help visitors orientate themselves more easily, further improvements have been made to the Follow the Red Line system: once again this year, a red line connects Entrance South (50 metres away from the Köln Messe/Deutz Intercity Express railway station) with all the major exhibits at the fair. The concept takes its name from the interzum logo and leads visitors systematically through all the fair's key areas, helping them to get a clear overview of everything on show at the event.

The interzum hall floor plan has been slightly modified to provide space for additional exhibitors this year, but the tried-and-tested division into three segments has been retained: as in previous years, Materials & Nature presents materials whose versatility just keeps on increasing. They are indispensable elements in contemporary, individual furniture design. Individuality and sustainability are also two of the key themes in Function & Components. This is where visitors can find companies that develop lighting solutions and semi-finished products for furniture, fittings, locks and built-in parts. The key players in the last segment, Textile & Machinery, are upholstery materials, fabrics and leather as well as the associated processing machinery.

Attractive events accompany the exhibition
In addition to the exhibitors' innovations, the large number of events during the trade fair are a good reason to spend several days in Cologne. From stimulating congresses and creative workshops to award ceremonies and informative special events on future issues such as upcycling and mobile spaces, there is something for everyone's taste. interzum is set to be an exceptional trade fair experience. One of the highlights is the opening ceremony on 15 May 2017, where the prestigious interzum awards will be presented.

In order to experience interzum in all its diversity, visitors should allow plenty of time: "We recommend a minimum of two days, " says Katharina C. Hamma, Chief Operating Officer at Koelnmesse. "But every extra day that can be set aside is worth it. Even visitors who spend all the days of the fair at interzum will not be able to see everything." Planning is therefore crucial. The trade fair team recommends that visitors research what they want to see before the event - and they should arrange suitable accommodation in good time.

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