I EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW I
I EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW I THAT SO MANY INDUSTRY PLAYERS HAVE TURNED UP IS A STRONG SIGNAL THAT IFA 2022 MEANS BUSINESS AND I THINK THIS YEAR, THERE IS A LARGE APPETITE TO MOVE FORWARD. Martin Ecknig Chairman of the Management Board and CEO at Messe Berlin GmbH 14 IFA INTERNATIONAL • MONDAY 29 TH AUGUST 2022 news.ifa-berlin.com
I EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW I IFA 2022 sets gold-standard for business The world's leading consumer electronic and home appliances trade show is back in business with an impressive programme bringing you the latest innovations from all four corners of the industry Martin Ecknig, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO at Messe Berlin GmbH, explains why bringing the industry, trade, media and consumers together is vital for the future of the industry. How does it feel to be hosting a global event like IFA 2022 again onsite in Berlin? It feels great to reunite the tech world under 'one same roof' in Berlin after two years of the pandemic. The team has done a great job over the past few months and we are delighted to see that the halls under the Funkturm are more than 80 percent full. That so many industry players have turned up is a strong signal that IFA 2022 means business and I think this year, there is a large appetite to move forward. How important are events like IFA 2022 for industries given the challenges they have been faced with over the past two years? The last few months and years have made it very clear to us that nothing can replace personal exchanges. Meeting face-to-face remains the gold standard when it comes to doing business, whether its with customers, suppliers, manufacturers or retailers. There is a real innovation backlog and the market needs events like IFA to present game-changing innovations with due buzz. Nowhere else do global brands have the opportunity to showcase their latest products and services to a broad trade audience, conduct order discussions, efficiently increase media reach while receiving direct feedback from end consumers. What are the key lessons from the challenges you have faced over the past two years? While it's true that we have come to appreciate there is no real replacement for face-to-face meetings, because live interactions cannot yet be fully reproduced virtually or digitally, these technologies can achieve greater reach. In addition, we can make content accessible to those who cannot make their way to trade events. This is especially important for those who have been grounded due to persistent Covid travel restrictions. THERE IS A REAL INNOVATION BACKLOG AND THE MARKET NEEDS EVENTS LIKE IFA TO PRESENT GAME- CHANGING INNOVATIONS WITH DUE BUZZ. What are you most looking forward to at this year's event? I'm particularly looking forward to meeting our exhibitors and guests from all over the world in person again. Walking through the halls and experiencing the many tech highlights live and in colour again is going to be a pleasure. Whether it's practical gadgets for everyday life or answers to social challenges such as digital solutions that offset the plastic footprint - the major exhibitors provide answers here just as much as young startups that present themselves in the IFA Next area. The IFA+ Summit is definitely a must-see. For the first time it is open to exhibitors and trade visitors at no extra cost. Numerous leading speakers will provide answers to the question: What kind of world trade is good for our economy and our democracy? I am also looking forward to seeing the high caliber of innovation that our exhibitors will be presenting over the coming days and hear what they have to say about the key topics which are shaping the future. What role do you think live events like IFA 2022 play now and in the future? In recent years, we have learned that the more digital industries become, the greater the desire for physical meetings. From our point of view, personal exchange and direct contact cannot be replaced by any Zoom or Teams meeting. Therefore, we are convinced that trade fairs and physical events in general will continue to be desired and play a critical role for industries going forward. What are the key ingredients to pulling off a global event like IFA 2022? It takes a strong team that is fully committed to serving our customers, planning and implementing marketing and communication measures, filling exhibition halls with impressive stands and installations. Especially a leading trade show like IFA always brings out what impresses me most about Messe Berlin. The whole company works hand in hand with our global network to provide exhibitors and visitors with the ideal trade show experience. Do you have a personal message for everyone who will be attending this year's event? Don't miss our Innovations Hub IFA NEXT, it promises to be incredibly exciting and informative again. In Hall 20, leading global innovators, research and development institutes, universities, startups and trade associations will be presenting their latest solutions, concepts and product ideas for tomorrow's markets. Topics will range from digital technologies for health, fitness and wellness to smart lifestyles and robots which are becoming increasingly suitable for everyday use through artificial intelligence - to name just a few. The exhibition space will be complemented by a dynamic conference and lecture programme. At the Innovation Engine, IFA NEXT exhibitors also be given the opportunity to present and participate in themed panel discussions DON'T MISS THE IFA 2022 OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE The IFA opening press conference will be held with gfu's Managing Director Dr. Sara Warneke and Messe Berlin CEO Martin Ecknig taking the stage. The conference is an opportunity for organisers to welcome press and media to IFA 2022. They will kick-off the trade show by presenting the latest industry trends and market insights, setting the stage for what's to come over the following six days. The event marks the beginning of this year's trade show press events, which will see companies from around the world showcase their latest innovative products and services. For more information about upcoming press events at IFA, please visit the official website or turn to page 3 IFA Opening Press Conference 31 August at 1:00pm Hall 23 IFA INTERNATIONAL • MONDAY 29 TH AUGUST 2022 15
