IFA Berlin (The International Funkausstellung) is probably the most important annual event for the consumer electronics industry, introducing new products in time for the most important season of the year for sales. If the CES in Las Vegas, N.V., is the place were future trends and innovation are highlighted and get the most attention, the IFA Berlin show is where many of those products and brands make it or break it. Audio at IFA is mainly focused on personal/mobile devices and the more accessible and lifestyle-oriented products. A wide range of products, solutions, and presentations make a visit to IFA worthwhile. IFA 2017 featured 1,805 exhibitors and attracted 253,000 visitors, with more than half of all trade visitors coming from abroad. The 159,000 square meters of fully booked show floor in 2017 was already the largest in the show’s history. Expect the 2018 edition to be even larger!
2017 also saw a huge success for IFA Global Markets, which brings together OEMs and ODMs at one location, the STATION Berlin, in the heart of the city, in what is now Europe’s largest sourcing and supply chain event for the consumer electronics and home appliances industry - with 150 exhibitors.
Another big success in 2017 was also delivered by a new concept - IFA NEXT, the innovation platform of IFA, which exceeded all expectations. From the very first day, IFA's new innovation hub was hugely popular with all visitors, bringing together a full range of 130 start-ups, 70 companies, as well as industry alliances, organizations and research facilities. IFA NEXT benefited from the fact that it was based right next to the venue for all IFA Keynotes, the IFA + Summit congress as well as IFA guest conferences.
For IFA 2018, IFA NEXT is set for growth with a larger display area, wider range of topics, and high international attendance. IFA NEXT 2018 will feature an extra display section in Hall 26. A second IFA NEXT Innovation Engine stage will set the scene for a more diverse program – and for new presentation formats such as technical workshops and hands-on sessions. Startups from all over the world will be part of an exhibitor community boasting a high creative potential. France will be heavily involved in startup activities at IFA NEXT with the combined displays of the Hardware Club and the startup hub La French Tech. South Korea and Hong Kong will also be represented with startups on combined stands.
Key Technology Trends
Smart Devices, Artificial Intelligence and 8K Television are set to be among the Big Trends for IFA 2018. Smart and connected devices for the home, powerful AI applications that are deeply integrated in consumer electronics and wellness products, and TVs with ever better screen quality are among the big trendsetters that will dominate IFA 2018.
A new topic at IFA 2018 will be Shift AUTOMOTIVE, the new biannual convention on the future of mobility, which explores how new automotive technologies are changing the way we think, live, and drive. Shift AUTOMOTIVE is a joint venture of the Geneva International Motor Show, Palexpo, IFA, and Messe Berlin. The first Shift AUTOMOTIVE will take place on 4 and 5 September 2018, alongside IFA in Berlin, followed by the Shift AUTOMOTIVE in Geneva in March 2019.
Hans-Joachim Kamp, Chairman of the supervisory board of the IFA organizer, gfu Consumer & Home Electronics, says: “Products and product categories are ever more connected. In our everyday lives, we can see the immediate impact in Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances, and that’s why IFA is the best place and platform to explore and showcase these big technology trends."
Click here for more updates on IFA 2018.
August 31, September 5
IFA Berlin (The International Funkausstellung)
www.ifa-berlin.com
