Koelnmesse seeks new formats for furniture and interior design fairs

In the context of significant changes in the furniture and interior design industry, Koelnmesse is announcing a reorganization of its event portfolio for this sector. The decision comes after the cancellation of the imm cologne edition in January 2025 and reflects the organizer's efforts to adapt to new market realities.

The transformation plan proposes two distinct formats: a new event - interior design days cologne (idd cologne), scheduled for October 2025, and a redesigned version of the traditional imm cologne, which would debut in January 2026.

The idd cologne concept will focus on the premium and luxury segment and will take place every two years. The event aims to bring together premium brands from the residential and HoReCa sector, targeting interior design, architecture and retail professionals. The first edition is planned for October 26-29, 2025.

For imm cologne, organizers are exploring a condensed four-day format geared toward the consumer products segment. The fair would remain an annual event held in January, with the first edition in the new format scheduled for January 20-23, 2026.

"In order to remain relevant in the global trade fair industry for such a long period of time, you have to constantly evolve and respond to the changing demands of your customers," explains Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse, emphasizing the need for this transformation.

This initiative is the result of an in-depth market analysis, carried out in collaboration with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and the Federal Association of the German Furniture, Kitchen and Furnishing Trade (BVDM). The aim is to develop formats better tailored to the current requirements of the different segments of the industry.

It remains to be seen how these new formats will be received by the market and whether they will meet the challenges facing the furniture and interior design industry in this period of transformation.