Trade fair and match-making

For the 2025 edition of the fair, you changed the day’s sequence from Friday and Saturday to Thursday and Friday. What about other changes to be expected for 2025?

As a result of market researches with industry key players and leading manufacturers in the sector, we decided to change the day’s sequence to two working days (Thursday and Friday).

We are now focusing on implementing new initiatives and promotional activities to make attending and visiting the event even more exciting. These include a significant increase in the incoming programme of foreign buyers and Italian hardware companies. The quality of the fair is guaranteed by the Koelnmesse brand, organiser of Eisenwarenmesse, the most important trade fair of the sector in the world.

In Bergamo, a recent agreement signed with Confartigianato will help to attract a growing number of craftsmen. At the same time, partnerships with the leading Italian and European associations in the sector have been expanded, creating a constant and constructive dialogue.

A highlight is the organisation of the Product of the Year Award, which celebrates innovation and excellence in the hardware industry. In addition, an even more interesting conference programme delves into relevant topics, offering participants opportunities for further education and networking. Finally, in partnership with EDRA/GHIN, a store tour of local hardware shops will be organised prior to the event to highlight their entrepreneurial and promotional skills and assure and ensure the presence of high quality distributors during the trade fair.

What are the main countries or regions in terms of exhibitor and visitor coverage? Are there differences to 2023?

More than 300 national and international companies and leading brands have already confirmed their participation as exhibitors with the aim of presenting the latest innovations, meeting potential partners and customers, and establishing profitable business relationships. Thanks to the wide variety of companies, visitors will have the opportunity to get a preview of market trends, new technologies and cutting-edge solutions for their business. We expect to reach a total of 400 exhibitors in the days leading up to the opening of the event.

We can count on the attendance of exhibitors from 21 Countries: Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Republic of San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UK and USA, and together they represent the most avant-garde and dynamic share of the entire global market.

We are currently implementing activities to attract visitors from Europe, including partnerships with important sector associations, an incoming program for buyers, and a Matchmaking Service that allows exhibitors to meet distributors during one-on-one meetings in a dedicated area of the trade fair.

What about the economic situation in these regions, predominantly when it comes to the construction and home improvement sector? 

Construction is a vitally important sector in the Italian and European economy both in terms of the number of companies and the workforce. It is a sector that needs to showcase innovations, expertise and above all address highly topical issues, ranging from sustainability to raw material supply, and therefore needs a platform where these issues can be highlighted.

This is the reason why we created a new Italian event with an European outlook, two years ago, that could facilitate the encounters between companies and organisations within the sector. The response from companies was not long in coming; we can say that we grasped a real need and proposed an initiative that was absolutely in line.

The home improvement market in Italy and Europe and is growing. The main players in the sector are based in France, Germany and the UK and they operate throughout Europe. Market data predict a big step forward in technological advancement to keep up with new solutions and technologies. The positive signal is also given by the recovery in consumer confidence, which is also affecting Italy specifically. The result of the global survey carried out by GfK on the propensity to spend more than the average for the next twelve months showed that for 21% of respondents home improvement is important, after holidays and clothing.

One of your target groups are buyers and other representatives from the home improvement industry. What are the reasons and motives for this group of visitors to come to Bergamo?

Distributors in Home Improvement and DIY market are our target group. The main reason why they actively participate in our event is the quality of exhibitors and the Matchmaking programme, which provides direct meetings with exhibiting companies. We have organised more than 300 one-to-one meetings that will facilitate the creation of important business relationships through new opportunities.

International Hardware Fair Italy has as its focus precisely the profitable meeting between different realities, according to their business.

And when it comes to the exhibitors: Why should they book a booth in Bergamo?

International Hardware Fair Italy is the only trade fair in Italy dedicated to the hardware & DIY sector, offering a unique opportunity to connect not only with the large Italian market, one of the biggest in Europe, but also with international buyers, particulary from Europe and North Africa.

The most important distributors and wholesalers are expected to be present, thanks to the Matchmaking service that guarantees one-to-one meetings between exhibitors and selected visitors.

Furthermore, in the Test & Demo Area outside the two halls the exhibitors will have the chance to organise presentations, product tests and demonstrations.

The support of EISENWARENMESSE, the world’s leading trade fair in the sector, also plays a crucial role. Additionally, collaboration with major European trade associations attracts a diverse range of visitors, enriching the overall profile of the fair.

Lastly, the fair's ideal location – Fiera di Bergamo – is easily accessible from all over Italy and Europe, just a few minutes from both the train station and Orio al Serio International Airport, ensuring quick and convenient connections at affordable prices.

Which product groups will be of particular interest this year?

Our trade fair will attract a wide range of sectors within the Hardware and DIY industry. Key product groups of particular interest include Hardware, DIY, Safety, Building, Colour, Garden & Outdoor, Electrical and Automotive. A comprehensive overview of highly specialised sectors.

If I were to ask you personally: What are you most looking forward to at this year's fair?

First and foremost, it is crucial for exhibitors to have the opportunity to meet key players in the industry. These interactions can foster valuable partnerships, facilitate business growth, and provide insight into current market trends. At the same time, the satisfaction of both exhibitors and visitors is essential. When exhibitors feel they are engaging with the right audience and generating meaningful leads, it enhances their overall experience at the trade show.

Our aim is to affirm the trade fair's central role as a meeting and exchange point for the global hardware and DIY industry in Italy and Europe, we expect the growth in exhibitors and brands, along with the increase in domestic and European visitors.