Eisenwarenmesse, the International Hardware Fair Cologne, is to combine an online platform with its traditional live event, early next year.
The Hardware Fair joins the likes of BAU in opting for a hybrid event to mitigate what will almost certainly be a reduced show in comparison with previous years, as international travel is harder and less attractive than pre-Covid-19.
The organisers said the dual show concept will "generate even greater reach and offer exhibitors additional business opportunities in addition to a wider range of national and international visitors".
Running 21-24 February, Eisenwarenmesse will cover fasteners and fastening technology, hand tools, tool accessories and machine tools along with trends and the future of the hardware industry, ranging from new products and technologies, 5G, 3D printing, e-commerce and more. 2,762 companies have registered for the show so far, including big names like Metabo with the Cordless Alliance System (CAS), Gesipa, HAZET, Prebena, Scheppach Stanley Black & Decker, Wiha and Kukko.
International Hardware Fair Cologne was originally scheduled for March 2020 and was postponed a week before the event, following a succession of exhibitor drop outs.
Cologne's DIY Boulevard will return over 240 metres in Hall 11.2, while the eCommerce area will cover the digitalisation of commerce megatrend, with a stage and lecture programme.
Hardware Fair Cologne - Safe networking - #ROCK-SAFE4business
With face-to-face networking thin on the ground this year, the show will provide 'maximum safety' facilities to rectify that at the show. Ultra-modern ventilation systems, aisles widened to five metres and the addition of exhibition halls will help personal encounters at a distance.
All of these measures can currently be seen in the #BSAFE4BUSINESS Village, which is where organiser Koelnmesse is showing how the legal protection requirements are translated into the event practice of international trade fairs on an area covering around 5,000 square metres of Hall 9.
"For spring 2021, the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne is once again offering a strong line-up of exhibitors and many added values for exhibitors and visitors. We are therefore well-prepared," said Matthias Becker, Director of the trade fair. "With our hybrid concept, we are creating an indispensable business platform for the networking of stakeholders, reactivating business relationships and establishing new business so that our industry can recover quickly and sustainably."
Find images and numbers from the last show in our video round-up:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfs_4YTy5w4&t=17s[/embed]
