The interview with Dirk-Uwe Klaas.
Read here in full length the interview with Dirk-Uwe Klaas, CEO of the Association of the German Furniture Industries and Managing Director of the advisory board of imm cologne.
"The chances are good that our sector will keep growing."
Mr. Klaas, what can visitors expect from imm cologne 2012?
You can't afford to miss imm cologne. And since word has got around, visitors can expect an extremely international range of trade show exhibitors. That will be emphasized through global innovations never before shown to the public or the international trade, and through innovative furniture and new design ideas. We'll see highly resourced-efficent materials and a great deal of lighting technology. Visitors and especially buyers will be offered product incentives that practically demand they place an order.
Why is imm cologne a magnet for visitors from around the world?
It's totally unique. Cologne is at the heart of Europe, the most important furniture market in the world. And the proximity to the improving economies of eastern Europe ist also an advantage. The demand for furniture is growing very strongly, and the eastern European buyers don't have to travel far. For Europeans and Asians, and for North Americans, attandance at imm cologne is given. The trade show is an established part of the year: it's the starting event of the year for the international furniture industry an a good gauge of its mood.
How important is business in Cologne?
Cologne stands for business. The order activities at imm cologne make the trade show what it is. imm cologne is our market reality. It also happens to be the only trade show for furniture and interior design that demnstrates the viability of this combination of show event and genuine business platform on a large scale.
What sort of economic conditions should we expect in Germany and other countries in the coming year?
The chances are good that our sector will keep growing. The international demand for furniture will continue to grow substantially in the coming decades. The international character and the volume of international commodity flows are increasing all the time. We may be buffeted by crises, but ultimately the companies themselves will determine how strong they are competitively and in the market.
Thank you, Mr. Klaas.
