Tech brands and retailers return in force to the first large-scale IFA since 2019 – Keynotes from Qualcomm, Arçelik, Honor, Huawei and Schneider Electric – New generation of technology for the post-pandemic future – Focus on connectivity, sustainability and smart living.
It’s “Ready, Steady, Show” as the world’s top consumer electronics and home appliances brands and retailers return to Berlin for the first large-scale IFA since 2019. Following nearly three years of high-speed digital transformation that changed how we work, live and play, the world’s leading tech brands have come to Berlin to showcase the latest technologies designed and developed for a world that is now more connected and digital than ever.
Despite pandemic restrictions still in place in some parts of the world, this year’s IFA Berlin will host more than 1,100 manufacturers and brands from 46 countries – making it one of the largest tech events of the year on 151,000 sqm. Big technology trends this year are connectivity, sustainability and smart living. The trade show takes place at a crucial moment in time: Brands and retailers have finally a chance to reconnect after two years of record growth rates and just as the lockdown-driven boom is showing signs of gradually disappearing.
Kai Mangelberger, David Ruetz, Dr. Sara Warneke, Martin Ecknig
Dr Sara Warneke, Managing Director of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH which organizes IFA, said: “2022 is a year full of challenges, many of which are interlinked. Despite the declines in turnover and the negative influences, there are opportunities for positive developments in our industries. We are convinced that IFA will once again live up to its role as the world’s most important platform for consumer electronics and home appliances and, thanks to its convincing mix, will act as a sustainable growth and innovation driver.” IFA takes places during the important run-up to big retail drivers like Singles Day, Black Friday, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Martin Ecknig, the Chief Executive of Messe Berlin, said: “IFA Berlin is back again, and what you see at IFA 2022 will shape our everyday world for the time after the pandemic. Global brands, retailers, innovators, trade visitors and journalists are coming to IFA, because they finally have the opportunity to meet in person again and to see the full range of the connected life, end-to-end.”
This year’s IFA is taking place from 2-6 September, which coincides with the 200th anniversary of Messe Berlin itself.