It worked

The first edition of the International Hardware Fair Italy has fulfilled the expectations of visitors and exhibitors alike. This is the positive assessment of the German organiser Koelnmesse. At the premiere on 5 and 6 May 2023, the two exhibition halls in Bergamo were sold out with 302 exhibitors from 20 countries. There was strong involvement from Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Great Britain, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. Australia, India, Taiwan, China and the USA were also represented.

The more than 5 300 visitors came from 30 countries. "We even had visitors from Bangladesh at the stand," reported some positively surprised exhibitors. In general, it was registered that the fair had also triggered interest in Turkey and Israel, for example, which had not been expected.

The International Hardware Fair Italy relies on synergies with the hardware fair in Cologne and is to take place in future in the odd-numbered years and thus in alternation with Cologne. The next date in Bergamo will be May 2025.

"For some time now, we have been getting clear signals from the Italian and international market to organise an event for the hardware, building and DIY world that is not only present in Italy. And the market has proved us right," comments Markus Oster, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, on the premiere in Bergamo.

Thomas Rosolia, managing director of Koelnmesse Italy, draws this conclusion: "The success of the first edition is due to all our experience as trade fair organisers, which has enabled us to structure a trade fair to meet the real needs of the sector."

Rosolia specifically mentions the support of European and Italian associations. John Herbert, managing director of the international building market association Edra/Ghin, for example, attests to the fair's very good prospects for the future.

In Italy, the hardware trade association Assofermet Ferramenta and the DIY and garden manufacturers' association Made4DIY, among others, have supported the fair.