One of the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show will remain at the fairgrounds of Messe Berlin GmbH for a further ten years.
IFA will now be staged by IFA Management GmbH, a new joint venture founded by gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH, and Clarion Events
“I am delighted that IFA is staying in Berlin,” said Dr. Sara Warneke, Managing Director of gfu.
“Messe Berlin’s expertise in staging a show of this size and the potential offered by the new IFA Management GmbH will be crucial in maintaining IFA’s success in the years to come.”
IFA Management GmbH intends to expand the event’s digital offering under the IFA Next brand, and will invest in “features, new experiences, and entertainment” to generate more value.
“We are extremely excited to be entering into this partnership and are fully committed to ensuring its ongoing success,” said Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events.
“Clarion’s partnership with IFA, the gfu, and Messe Berlin comes at the perfect moment in IFA’s story. This new joint venture brings with it investment to deliver new features, more inspiration, and new engagement that will bring more business to the city of Berlin and more business to our customers.”
Industry leader Oliver Merlin will lead the IFA team and establish a new office in Berlin, to be joined by Simon Kimble, ex-chairman and Clarion non-executive director, Chris Gallon managing director of Clarion EMEA.
“IFA has its origins in Berlin, where it was first held as the Funkausstellung in 1924,” said Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH,
“Therefore, we are very pleased that IFA stays here for another ten years. As one of Berlin’s leading trade fairs, IFA provides an important economic impetus for Berlin in its role as a trade fair venue, both at national and international level. On the basis of the newly established partnership, IFA Berlin can look forward to continued success in the future.”
IFA returned this September, after a two-year, pandemic-driven break. Over 161,000 attendees visited the event over the five days.
