TRADE FAIR – INHORGENTA MUNICH: an “anchor in turbulent times”

INHORGENTA MUNICH, scheduled from February 24 to 27, 2023, will once again offer a unique variety to its visitors: jewelry, watches, gemstones, technology, design, a top-notch conference program and many points of contact with up-and-coming talents. Three questions to Stefan Rummel, one of the CEOs of Messe München’s newly formed dual leadership:

Stefan Rummel

Mr. Rummel, after the eventful trade show year of 2022, how will the upcoming INHORGENTA MUNICH develop?

For many of our customers, INHORGENTA is an anchor in turbulent times. We are well on our way to returning to pre-coronavirus levels. Interest is also high from abroad. We are happy about many returning exhibitors, who were reluctant this year because of the pandemic. Especially Hall B1 featuring “Fine Jewelry” is experiencing a high level of demand. In fact, we have a waiting list here, including many brands that have never been to INHORGENTA before. As it stands, Hall C1 “Carat” showcasing gemstones and Hall B2, which is home to “Elegance & Lifestyle” jewelry, are also fully booked. A new addition is a French joint pavilion in Hall A1 reserved for “Timepieces”—and probably for the first time there will be an Italian joint pavilion in Hall B2. The registration process will be completed by the end of November.

What will distinguish the upcoming trade show?

The distinguishing characteristic of INHORGENTA MUNICH is and will remain its broad lineup: this is the only place where the specialist audience can encounter jewelry, watch and gemstone companies, visionary design, a range of technology from shopfitting to tools, and plenty of young talents. In 2022, we had to be flexible in terms of scheduling and hall planning. Now, we are returning to the tried-and-tested hall concept from 2020. We are placing a strong focus on the conference program, will bring high-profile experts on stage to provide practical inspiration. Glamorous highlight will be the presentation of the INHORGENTA AWARD. Starting November 22, companies from all over the world can submit their creations in the areas of jewelry, watches and store concepts, and for the first time there will be a separate gemstone category.

For many years, you have been on the management board of Messe München and, since July 2022, you have been part of the newly formed CEO dual leadership team. What changes do you anticipate for the trade show business?

This year, we are conducting many leading international trade fairs and are impressively witnessing that personal contact is highly sought after and cannot be replaced by digital formats. Business relationships rely on trust—which only develops in direct exchange. At the same time, one of our central tasks in the coming years will be to optimize the analog trade show experience by adding digital services. The same applies to a sustainable trade fair organization: we already have a very “green” infrastructure, but we want to improve a lot, including more recycling of waste at all events. For the upcoming INHORGENTA, for the first time, participants can also minimize their carbon footprint with a GoGreen ticket.