The new gold...

“The machine is running.” With these words, Julia Uherek, Head of Consumer Goods Fairs at Messe Frankfurt, described the new digital networking tool at the press conference for the three consumer goods fairs Ambiente, Christmasworld, and Creativeworld. The tool is designed to facilitate business development in the run-up to the events and extend the trade fair experience. “We have a clear goal,” she explains: “Trade fairs should provide tailored, data-based contacts for professional matchmaking.” To ensure this, an intelligent matchmaking algorithm is now being used. It suggests relevant, verified industry contacts across all trade fairs.

The tool is now also more accessible – in the app and on the event website. It runs synchronously on mobile devices and desktops and starts automatically when you log in. Year-round access from anywhere in the world is particularly advantageous when suppliers drop out spontaneously – something that is unfortunately becoming more and more common these days, as Uherek knows. With the digital management tool Lead Success, the success (or failure) of a trade fair can be evaluated retrospectively on the basis of data. “Data and contacts are the new gold,” emphasizes the trade fair manager.

That is why Messe Frankfurt has also launched a new networking format aimed at the furniture industry, which is scheduled to take place from 2027: Grand Creators curates products from premium manufacturers in the contract sector and facilitates contacts with architects and retailers. It takes place parallel to Ambiente and also includes products from the ISH and Light + Building trade fairs. “The new concept is already proving very popular in the industry,” noted Philipp Ferger, also Head of Consumer Goods Fairs at Messe Frankfurt.

In order to meet the demand for targeted networking of new contacts in the international project business, the organizers at Messe Frankfurt have also further developed the range of products on offer at Ambiente, including the Interior Looks brand area. It was introduced in 2025 in collaboration with curator Bernd Schellenberg and presents interior design solutions from manufacturers in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland – from furniture and lighting to home textiles. The area is embedded in Ambiente's interior design offering in Hall 3.1.

Another new feature is the live…