IFA Berlin, the world’s leading event for consumer electronics and appliances, has announced its plan to return to its standard event format as a full-scale, real-life event on the fairgrounds of Messe Berlin from September 3-7, 2021.
“It’s been a tough year for everybody, but our industry has innovated and worked really hard to help people cope and be resilient – to make it possible to stay connected with friends and families, to work from home, to stay healthy and even entertain ourselves at a time of lockdowns and other restrictions. Now we are ready to showcase our innovation for the future beyond,” says Kai Hillebrandt, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH.
Last year, IFA reconfigured its annual show to adhere to COVID-19 precautions and social distancing guidelines, and as a result, saw significantly lower participation. Despite the overall success of IFA 2020, Jens Heithecker, IFA Executive Director and Executive Vice President of Messe Berlin, noted at the close of the event that “our industry – the world of technology – needs IFA Berlin.” And he was right.
By the last day of IFA Special Edition 2020, 60 percent of exhibit space had already been reserved. Now, that number is well past 80 percent, and the interest is continuing to grow – especially as vaccines are becoming more readily available and travel restrictions are easing.
“IFA Berlin is the world’s most inspiring tech event, and completely unique in its depth and breadth of showcasing the global technology industry – from start-ups to the biggest consumer electronics brands in the world,” says Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin. “The message we hear from our industry is loud and clear: ‘Tech is Back in Berlin’ and ready to meet with retailers, media and consumers – safely, but in real life.”
One thing that has not changed from last year’s event is the priority of everyone’s health and safety. IFA organizers are in close contact with public health authorities and are already developing plans to make IFA 2021 both an enriching and safe experience for all.
“As always, keeping our visitors and exhibitors safe is our top priority. The global vaccination effort is gaining huge momentum, while tough lockdowns are finally beginning to pay off – which gives us confidence that we can invite the world to come to Berlin in September for IFA 2021,” Heithecker remarks. “Of course, with all our precautions to ensure everybody’s good health, we don’t expect IFA Berlin 2021 to set new records. However, the trend is clear: IFA Berlin is set for a full-scale comeback, to lead our industry once more.”
IFA has already announced an incredible lineup of events taking place over the five days including:
• The IFA Berlin exhibition spread across the full space of Messe Berlin, including industry keynotes
• IFA NEXT, the edge of tomorrow – bringing together IT market leaders, innovators, start-ups, researchers, developers and entrepreneurs
• SHIFT Mobility – a convention on the future of urban mobility
• IFA+ Summit – with megatrends of digital future technologies
• Tech Up for Women – a highly innovative conference, designed by women for women, to learn from and with top female executives, researchers and experts and to establish global networks
• Berlin Photo Week – a creative and spectacular reinforcement of IFA’s product portfolio on the subject of imaging on the exhibition grounds in parallel with Berlin Photo Week events throughout the city
Jessica is the Chief Digital Editor for CT Lab Global Media, the North American platform for IFA Berlin.
