The world’s most important consumer electronics and home appliances trade show IFA will stay in Berlin.
German industry association gfu Consumer & Home Electronics and event organiser Clarion Events have reached an agreement with trade fair company Messe Berlin to remain at the Berlin exhibition grounds for another ten years. The event will be the responsibility of IFA Management GmbH, a new joint venture founded by gfu together with Clarion Events.
“I am delighted that IFA is staying in Berlin. Messe Berlin’s expertise in staging a show of this size and the potential offered by the new IFA Management GmbH will be crucial in maintaining IFA’s success in the years to come,” said Dr Sara Warneke, Managing Director of gfu.
Under the new partnership, IFA plans to build on its success by expanding its digital offering and the IFA Next brand to add more start-ups and innovative products to the event. The new partnership will invest in features, new experiences, and entertainment to generate more value and excitement for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors.
Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events, added: “We are extremely excited to be entering into this partnership and are fully committed to ensuring its ongoing success. Clarion’s partnership with IFA, the gfu, and Messe Berlin comes at the perfect moment in IFA’s story. This new joint venture brings with it investment to deliver new features, more inspiration, and new engagement that will bring more business to the city of Berlin and more business to our customers.”
Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin, said: “IFA has its origins in Berlin, where it was first held as the Funkausstellung in 1924. Therefore, we are very pleased, that IFA stays here for another ten years. As one of Berlin’s leading trade fairs, IFA provides an important economic impetus for Berlin in its role as a trade fair venue, both at national and international level. On the basis of the newly established partnership IFA Berlin can look forward to continued success in the future.”
