Hardware fair 2024 on schedule, 2026 with new day sequence

The 2024 Hardware Fair will be above the level of 2022 in terms of space occupancy, organiser Koelnmesse said in respect of the booking status. Two-thirds of the space has already been allocated, and the early-booking discount ends on 30 June.  "Things are already looking good,” said Matthias Becker, director in charge of the hardware fair, at a press conference in Cologne.

There will be a completely new sequence of days at the event after next, in 2026: the hardware fair will then be held from Tuesday to Friday. This is intended to meet the wishes of the generation of decision-makers. For ten years, the number of visitors on a Sunday has been falling. For 2024, the established sequence of Sunday to Wednesday still applies.

The fact that trade fairs are developing very well again after the slump caused by the pandemic and the enforced contact restrictions was emphasised by Koelnmesse managing director Oliver Frese. "Trade shows are back with a vengeance," he said.

As part of the renaissance of trade fairs, after the International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo in May, there will also be a spectacular new start-up as early as this year: the International Hardware Fair India will be held in Delhi on 2-4 December 2023. The China International Hardware Show, also organised by Koelnmesse as co-organiser, will take place this year in September as planned.