The International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports from 23 to 25 September 2014 will again be offering dealers and retailers the whole package: more than 300 exhibitors from across the world will showcase innovative top-sellers and popular lines on a 26,000 m² display area.
The International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports has successively consolidated its position as Europe’s leading event for promotional and incentive products, trend-led merchandise and bulk-selling products. The last IAW fair in March this year delivered a record success in all three main parameters, achieving an increase in the number of exhibitors, the number of visitors and the size of the actual display area. Exhibitor participation topped the 300 mark for the first time, with companies from more than 20 countries. The event drew approx. 8,900 trade visitors from a line-up of 62 countries.
The excellent response to the IAW fair prompted the organizers to make the next event even bigger. The 20th International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports will open on 23 September 2014 in Cologne, where it will occupy a new venue in Halls 10.2. and 11.1. In anticipation of keen demand the organizers have allocated a total display area of 26,000 m², thus making the autumn fair the biggest in the history of the IAW. Trade fair director Ulrich Zimmermann explains: “The outcome of our last event showed that there is continued interest in the IAW. Many of the companies that were unable to obtain stands in March have already booked display space for the autumn fair. We are therefore confident that our trade visitors will benefit from a presentation staged by more than 300 exhibitors.” The additional exhibition area will ensure that the autumn show offers a greater range of products and attracts more participants from outside Germany. Ulrich Zimmermann reports: “We can claim, with some pride, that Cologne is a global meeting-place. I think the IAW is one of the most exciting and fast-growing events of its kind.”
The trade show will address seasonal themes for the autumn and winter trade. Visitors can look forward to seeing a diverse array of seasonal decorations and gift items, winter textiles such as gloves and scarves, toys and Christmas tree decorations, as well as countless beauty and care products – in fact, everything that brings a respite from the cold, rain and snow of winter.
“As organizers of the trade show we obviously attach a great deal of importance to the acquisition of new exhibitors who enhance our program with their product portfolio and inspire new trade promotions,” says Project Director Kerstin Manke. “In order to ensure that the newcomer’s trade fair experience is a success we provide an introductory package which includes a special service offer. For a modest additional sum new exhibitors receive the stand area plus the assembled stand and an inclusive comprehensive PR package. This allows them to get to know the IAW with little financial risk.”
The preparations for the 20th International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports are now well under way. “The level of interest is enormous. A large number of stands have already been allocated,” reveals Kerstin Manke. “Buyers from across the world can expect to find some great offers.” For further information, application forms for exhibitors, complimentary tickets for visitors and the latest trade show videos, visit the website: www.iaw-messe.de.
The 2014 autumn show still lies ahead, yet even now the 2015 spring fair is taking shape and is set to become another highlight for the retail sector. Next March, the IAW show (3 to 5 March 2015) will be held parallel to the Asia-Pacific Sourcing (APS) show in Cologne. The APS gives over 600 exhibitors of Asian products direct access to bulk buyers. With a product portfolio embracing tools, locks and fittings, hardware and other ironmongery products, as well as mounting and fastening systems, gardening tools and garden furniture, the event perfectly complements the product categories showcased at the IAW.
