Expectation of more exhibitors at IPM

The IPM International Horticultural Fair in Essen, Germany, from 28 – 31 January 2014 will better the exhibitor figures recorded this year. “We expect to achieve a slight increase in all segments,” said Egon Galinnis, managing director of Messe Essen. In January 2013 there were 1 537 exhibitors representing 46 nations in Essen. Galinnis once again emphasized the internationality of the exhibitors, along with the diversity of the products on display at the fair. Galinnis described the event’s function as a networking platform as “special added value” for exhibitors and visitors alike. That is why international organisations such as the European DIY Retail Association (Edra) make use of the IPM as a meeting place. He also put the internationalisation strategy of the IPM in this context, with its offshoots in Dubai, Russia, China and now India as well. “We are opening up completely new markets for our exhibitors,” he said in explanation of the strategy. At a first glance and going by its exhibitor figures, IPM 2014 would seem not to have suffered from the difficult situation in the industry this year. Admittedly it is possible that the proportion of German exhibitors will fall slightly this year. The fact that more foreign exhibitors are thronging to the fair is being interpreted as indicating that they are particularly keen to get into the German market.