It’s just eight weeks until the doors of IFA in Berlin 2015 open on September 4 and the Australian industry joins visitors from over 100 countries to look at the world’s latest products and innovations.
This year the Conference section will focus on three clear themes: China, Apps and UHD. The first will look at how Chinese consumers’ tastes and thirst for the latest devices are shaping the global CE industry.
The second will examine the impact that apps and streaming are making and their role in redefining devices and finally the progress of UHD television will be discussed.
China under the microscope
Monday, September 7 is the first day of Conference presentations which commence with the IFA keynote address, titled ‘China is More Than Just a Factory’ delivered by IHS vice president, Technology Market Intelligence,Ben Keen. This will be followed by the Global CE Market Roundup: ‘What’s New, What’s Hot and What’s Next?’ by IHS Principal Analyst/Researcher, Paul Gray. His colleague IHS Research Advisor, Yoshio Tamura, will then deliver his presentation ‘China Gaining Control of Panel Manufacture’.
App: new industry driver?
Later that day, IHS Director of Mobile and Telecommunications, Ian Fogg will present, ‘The Evolving App Landscape’ and this will be followed by a panel discussion ‘From Fixed Function to App Platform: What’s Next for Connected CE?’ that will also be moderated by Hogg.
Put UHD on the fast track
The last panel discussion of the day will be moderated by IHS Principal Analyst/Researcher Paul Gray ‘UHD: Why Are We Waiting?’ The panel will evaluate the progress of UHD television: with new standards and features being launched, they ask: when will UHD channels and coverage be available?
The day will finally be wrapped up with thetraditional Oktoberfest Pavilion Reception and Dinner.
According to IFA organisers, MesseBerlin the 20215 event is expected to surpass last year when, according to IFA, “never before in the 90-year history of the event have so many made their world debut at IFA”.
Last year, IFA hosted 1,538 exhibitors on a display area covering around 149,500 sqm and more than 240,000 visitors attended. This year, almost 50,000 trade visitors are expected while visiting media representatives are expected to exceed the 2,600 that covered the event last year.
Messe Berlin CEO Dr. Christian Göke explained, “As the world’s leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, IFA is the world’s most effective information exchange for the industry. Within companies, IFA is a matter for decision-makers at the highest level.”
IFA director Jens Heithecker added , “In 2014 we were able to strengthen IFA’s position on the world market. More than 2,600 international journalists reported on the product innovations in Berlin to audiences all over the world and ensured that the manufacturers took centre stage.“
As reported in Appliance Retailer in June, IFA will run concurrently with presentations by analysts groups GfK and HIS, as well as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and TEDx Berlin.
For more information or to book tickets to IFA 2015, please contact Rudi Barth or Nick Barth at The Trade Fair Company. Phone: 02 9555 5515 or email: info@fairsltd.com