Exhibitor registration has got off to a promising start for International Consumer Goods Show (ICGS) from Messe Frankfurt. The one-off event incorporates Ambiente 2021 alongside Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld. Some 2000 exhibitors from 63 countries had signed up for the trade show by December 1.
Plans for the ICGS were discussed at an international virtual press conference featuring Nicolette Naumann, vice president of Ambiente and Messe Frankfurt, and group show director Julia Uherek this week. The physical show will take place in Frankfurt am Main from April 17 to 20 2021, alongside Digital Days. It will feature the popular Trends rooms (presented in the Galleria) and a focus on sustainability.
“The pandemic has changed our world, presenting us with new challenges and new thinking,“stated Nicolette. “But we are well prepared. Our focus is on secure working and networking in Covid-19 times. Because the shows are so international, both with global exhibitors and visitors, it is not without its challenges, given the current travel restrictions. However, with a vaccine on the horizon, we believe the situation will be more regulated by April 2021.“ “Most importantly for us, we will be able to make business meetings possible again in the first half of the year.“
Nicolette confirmed that Messe Frankfurt has made a huge investment in technology for its digital experience, enabling “powerful, AI matchmaking,“ chat functions, video meetings and live streamed content, with broadcasts from the actual show and from exhibitors. Housewares buyers can also order products directly from their screens via the Nextrade B2B platform. When Ambiente returns to its popular February timing in 2022, there will also be a complementary digital offering.
Nicolette stressed that the “trade show business will bounce back,“ stating: “Feedback from our exhibitors has revealed that there is a real need for shows. We are all missing the real connection with people and products.“
Messe Frankfurt is continuing to build a new Hall 5, which will be “one of the world’s most modern trade show halls,“ Nicolette acknowledged.
A rapid testing centre for Covid-19 will be on site for the IGCS for anyone that does not have a vaccination certificate.
Top: A view of the popular Trends area at Ambiente 2020.
