Hardware fair 2018
Strong increase in visitors, especially from abroad
The 2018 International Hardware Fair in Cologne closed its doors after four successful days. With a total of 2,770 suppliers from 58 countries and over 47,000 trade visitors (up 9 percent) from 143 countries, the event recorded significant growth on the visitor side.
Decision-makers from all over the world used the trade fair to discover the latest innovations and trends in the industry. The trade fair was able to increase its internationality once again. "87 percent of our exhibitors and over 70 percent of trade visitors came from abroad. Among the trade visitors, 143 countries were represented - an increase of 19 countries," says Katharina Hamma, Managing Director of Koelnmesse GmbH. "As a result of this and the significant growth in visitor numbers, we were able to underpin the position of the hardware fair as the international number 1 in the hardware sector." The product show was flanked by the event programme, which focused on the digitalization of the industry.
More visitors from abroad
This year's increase in visitors is mainly due to a rise in trade visitors from abroad. Significant increases came from Asia, above all Japan, North and South America, Africa and the Russian Federation. There was a 12 percent increase in trade visitors from the USA alone. The number of visitors from Germany remained constant.
John W. Herbert, General Secretary European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and Global Home Improvement Network (GHIN), explains the growth from abroad as follows: "The International Hardware Fair 2018 was a complete success for us. The renewed adjustment of the trade fair duration was particularly welcomed by our international guests. The number of international buyers we were able to welcome here in Cologne was correspondingly high: Our major member companies each came with up to 15 top buyers. The number is increasing from year to year. This is a very good development and impressively underlines the international significance of the trade fair. The DIY Boulevard and the exemplary customer service round off the first-class overall impression of this year's hardware fair perfectly." am
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