A stalwart on the commercial interiors trade fair market, Orgatec is eyeing some major changes in advance of their 2024 edition.
With a shorter duration, a revamped hall layout and a spotlight on various topics and digital innovations, Orgatec’s new event concept has been designed to align with the evolving demands of the workplace.
The modern workplace continually introduces new influences that shape the future of work. Consequently, the expectations placed on trade fairs are also in flux. As a result, an extensive series of surveys was conducted in collaboration with the Interior Business Association (IBA) to understand the changing needs of trade fair visitors.
“Based on the findings from the surveys, we have redefined Orgatec’s concept in close cooperation with the IBA. In 2024, the trade fair will focus on the fundamental issues for the industry. It will intensify the debate both at the event and in the lead-up to the trade fair. In addition, Orgatec will place a special emphasis on networking and face-to-face exchanges between participants,” said Matthias Pollmann, vice president of trade fair management at Koelnmesse.
“In addition to the growing importance of in-person conversations at the event, the visitor survey revealed that our stakeholders see the trade fair as an opportunity to experience diverse approaches to new forms of work live and up-close. With such experiences, Orgatec is and will remain a crucial event for our industry,” said Helmut Link, president of the IBA.
The spotlight of the redefined trade fair will be the focus areas in each hall which will all highlight specific topics of interest and provide opportunities for up-close exploration. These focus areas will present topics relevant to target groups and offer attendees a view of the latest trends and developments in the future of the workplace.
This innovative marketplace concept will transform Orgatec 2024 into an interactive hub and positioning it at the forefront of shaping tomorrow’s workplace.
Additionally, visitors can look forward to the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival hosted by IBA in Halls 6 and 9, which promise to be a forum for inspiration and discussions about the future of work culture.
There will also be an expansion around Halls 4.2, 5.1, and 5.2, and the entire South-North Boulevard will be opened up. Visitors and exhibitors can also anticipate changes on the catering front next year.
In terms of digital enhancements, Lead+Meet is an addition that will enable exhibitors to directly communicate with their target customers. Utilizing criteria such as interests, industry, and country of origin, exhibitors can select visitors and send personalized messages via the trade fair app. Integrated indoor navigation will then guide potential customers directly to the exhibitor’s booth.
The innovative Post-Fair Leads technology will also facilitate communication after the event. The dynamic logistics management system eSlot will deliver further digital benefits by optimizing routing technology, streamlining stand construction and dismantling, and ensuring smooth operations for exhibitors.
Bookable e-slots will also eliminate queues of heavy goods vehicles at the gates. In cases of delays, the app will automatically reschedule the e-slot for admission to the trade fair grounds.