Established in Bergamo

Koelnmesse is positioning itself as the global market leader for the organization of trade fairs in the tools and hardware sector. Part of the strategy is to transfer the concept of the International Hardware Fair Cologne to regionally significant trade fairs in this product range. The China International Hardware Show in Shanghai is the most established offshoot, and the Asia-Pacific Sourcing has been taking place in Cologne since 2005. More recent fairs in the hardware portfolio are the International Hardware Fair India in New Delhi (2023), El Gran Salón Ferretero in Bogotá, the International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia in June 2025 and in Indonesia in September.

Two years ago, Koelnmesse also took the hardware concept to Italy, organizing the first International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo. The trade fair company rated the premiere as consistently positive, and Bergamo has become established. In line with the trade fair rhythm that has been communicated from the outset – always in the “non-Cologne” years – the second edition is therefore coming up in 2025.

The organizers are expecting a high level of participation from exhibitors and visitors. More than 250 exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance, Thomas Rosolia, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Italia, announced at the end of last year. These include, as he emphasized, “the best-known and most prestigious brands in the home improvement sector, with the support of the largest international trade associations”. The trade fair in the northern Italian city, around 50 km northeast of Milan, will take place on May 8 and 9; the second edition will thus avoid a Saturday (as was the case at the premiere) and will now be held on Thursday and Friday.

“The participation of major Italian and international companies confirms that the event meets a need for useful personal contacts, in a streamlined two-day format with many initiatives and offers for the market,” says Alice Brambilla, project manager of the International Hardware Fair Italy.

The trade fair will be accompanied by a conference program organized by Italian trade journalist Giulia Arrigoni from www.diyandgarden.com. Rainer Strnad, editor-in-chief of the diy trade magazine and DIY International, will also be speaking about the international home improvement market. In addition, the trade fair is organizing a welcome program for buyers expected from all over Europe.

The International Hardware Fair Italy is supported by the industry's most important associations, above all by the European DIY Association Edra/Ghin. Other partners include the German Central Association of Hardware Trade, which represents the hardware trade in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and the Association of German Tool Manufacturers; from Italy, the trade association Assofermet Ferramenta and the manufacturers' association Made4DIY.