BIFE-SIM 2024: A renaissance or just a glimmer in the Romanian furniture industry?

This year's edition of BIFE-SIM, held at ROMEXPO, marked a step forward compared to previous years, demonstrating that the Romanian furniture industry has the potential to bring the event back to its former level, but the road remains long and demanding.

Encouraging figures, but still far from industry peak

According to the information received from the organizers, BIFE-SIM 2024 has seen a significant increase compared to the previous edition:

162 exhibiting companies, an increase of 48%
15.795 sqm exhibition area, also an increase of 48%
Almost 16,000 visitors, 10% more than last year

These figures are encouraging and reflect the efforts made by the organizers - ROMEXPO and the Association of Romanian Furniture Manufacturers (APMR) - to revitalize this extremely important event for the industry. However, let's not forget that in its heyday, BIFE-SIM attracted significantly more exhibitors and visitors, reflecting a much more robust and dynamic industry.

Improved quality of exhibitors and stands

A remarkable aspect of this year's edition was the increased quality of exhibitors' stands and presentations. Participating companies have made visible efforts to present their products in a professional and attractive manner, bringing to the fore both technological innovation and contemporary design.

The presence of 73 furniture and decoration manufacturers, along with suppliers of materials, accessories and equipment, created a complete industry ecosystem, facilitating networking and the exchange of ideas.

Improved coherence and organization

ROMEXPO and APMR deserve praise for their efforts in organizing a more coherent and better structured event. The introduction of the ROMEXPO app to facilitate interactions between exhibitors and visitors was a step forward in modernizing the event.

The stage, the varied program of related activities added value to the participants' experience, transforming BIFE-SIM into a space of innovation and knowledge exchange for the furniture industry.

Community contribution and future perspectives

As part of the wood industry community, we also contributed to the success of this edition. Wood Hub, the project initiated by Revista din Lemn on this occasion, has played an important role - we say - in creating a dynamic space for interaction and learning, complementing the efforts of the organizers.

The President of APMR, Dumitru Blaga, emphasized the importance of the furniture industry in the national economy, occupying the 6th place among the sectors with positive foreign exchange contribution to Romania's trade balance. This shows the enormous potential of the industry and the importance of continuing development and promotion efforts.

Conclusions and outlook

BIFE-SIM 2024 is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for the Romanian furniture industry. The increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors, along with the improvement in the overall quality of the event, are encouraging signs. It seems that the trend we were on last year has reversed.

However, we have to remain realistic and recognize that there is still a long way to go before BIFE-SIM reaches the level of impact it had two decades ago. The Romanian mobile industry has the potential to once again become a major international player, but this requires sustained efforts, continuous innovation and close collaboration between all those involved. As a suggestion, perhaps a clearer focus on the objective of bringing a larger segment of specialized visitors from outside the country to the event would be helpful.

I welcome the announcement now of the next BIFE-SIM, scheduled for September 18-21, 2025. This provides time for reflection and planning. It is an opportunity for the whole industry to prepare its next steps.

BIFE-SIM 2024 was a significant step forward, but the road to performance remains long and challenging. With sustained efforts and a clear vision, the Romanian furniture industry can aspire to regain its well-deserved place on the international stage.