Interzum 2005, to be held in Cologne from April 29 to May 3, will have a layout based on an “urban European setting” designed to encourage “crossover communication” between markets and product areas represented at the show.
In contrast to the traditional layout of stands, the design of the furniture production fair will include boulevards that will lead visitors to the piazza which will house the Interzum forum.
Another new feature will be the Interzum Campus which will enable smaller companies to feature their products.
Koelnmesse executive-president Wolfgang Kranz said there would be a large display from the wood and veneer sector which will demonstrate “how this material can be used in diverse applications”.
Among the timber industry exhibitors are the American Hardwood Export Council, American Softwoods, Pfleiderer, Willy Carpentier, Rossi American Hardwoods and the Malaysian Timber Council.
Mr Kranz said exhibitor and visitor numbers were expected to be up on the last show in 2003 when the Iraq war and SARS affected travel plans.