More stand space, more exhibitor companies and an attractive programme of events: on the occasion of its 50-year jubilee, interzum promises to reveal many new products and innovative materials, setting the direction for the next generation of furniture manufacture and interior building completion. On account of exhibitor demand, present indications are that interzum 2009 will require at least one additional exhibition hall; for nobody wishes to miss the fair in its jubilee year. So far, the interzum team has taken far more reservations for space than at the comparable pre-fair point for interzum 2007. The Cologne Fair has responded to this enthusiasm with a highly attractive package for exhibitors. Product manager Frank Haubold said: "The furniture supplies industry is full of clever ideas. This, coupled with the loyalty of our exhibitors and the pulling power of interzum around the world, will make our major jubilee event a reality. In addition we continue in a genuine pioneering spirit to track down and present innovative products to our many trade visitors. It is for this reason that we place the highest possible importance on cooperation with exhibitors and our other partners."

HOW LIFE GOES: INNOVATION OF INTERIOR

One brand new feature of interzum 2009 will be a special section devoted to 'innovation of interiors'. This section will only be on show in Cologne, providing visitors a deep insight into the products and services devoted to the complex issue of building interior completion. Hall 4.2 will be home to an exclusive special show that, among other things, will put the spotlight on social change and their knock-on effects in the home of today. Life has changed, with many with more one-person households; employers now often require mobility and spatial flexibility from their employees. And because the 'new generation' of plus-sixties would rather be in their own four walls than in a retirement home later on, the demographic shift has resulted in creative, new living arrangements. This problem is now under study by architects, planners and exhibitors; the interzum special show will focus on the subject in great detail, and present a number of surprising spatial concepts, products and materials designed to meet such changes in the home.

LUXURY AND LIGHTWEIGHT: LIFE ON THE MOVE

Those exploring a little further will find another highlight in the same hall: products selected as winners of the interzum awards.

STUDENTS PRESENT: TEXTILES & LEATHER The Piazzas in the other halls will also be strongly laced with exciting presentations: students from the Lippe and Höxter College of Higher Education will demonstrate the versatility of leather and the sensory stimulation that can be achieved with fabric. They are designing the Piazza in Hall 10.2, where visitors and exhibitors are sure to discover a host of exciting fresh ideas and will further delight in the extended range of items on show in this section. The available exhibition space in Hall 10.2 has been extended still further in the light of demand from many exhibitors.

COOPERATIVE AND ATTRACTIVE: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Likewise, planners should ensure that interzum 2009 is inked in the diary as a 'must go' event: a number of interzum exhibitors have got together with the team at the Cologne Fair to prepare innovative solutions aimed at the requirements or architects, interior architects and designers, and which will definitely enrich their professional options. For example, one of these very well known partners will run a congress devoted primarily to materials; there is also a cooperative arrangement between interzum 2009 and the North Rhine Westphalia Institute of Architects, whose conference will take place at interzum. Visitors who must limit their time to the main items of interest can join one of the guided tours bringing them to the most interesting products and solutions. To ensure that the newly acquired information also gets home, visitors can acquire a copy of the Guide to architecture & design brochure summarising the main fair highlights.

YELLOW, ORANGE OR BLUE: COLOUR CODED HALLS

Next year's interzum will have three entrances for visitors and for the first time the southern entrance ('Eingang Süd') will in use, of particular value to those arriving by mainline train since it provides immediate access. This is of special value for visitors intent on seeing Hall 4.2 since the southern entrance is in the immediate vicinity of the special 'Interior Innovation' show. The north entrance ('Eingang Nord') is ideal for those arriving by car, because there is a big car park nearby. The eastern entrance ('Eingang Ost') offers easy access for anyone arriving by light railway. But whichever entrance, all visitors will easily find their way about the enlarged interzum, thanks to colour-coded signs giving directions to the halls and identifying the main product sectors.

INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION: VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

The interzum team is absolutely certain that the number of visitors in 2009 will be greater than previous, thanks in particular to the wider range of international products on show. In addition, the interzum team has been visiting other carefully selected trade events to promote next year's show in Cologne. The team has been to all trade fairs with significant coverage of furniture manufacture and building interior completion. In addition the team has worked with many exhibitors to promote and attract visitors to interzum from around the world. All these factors will ensure that the real decision takers will be at interzum 2009; market research has clearly demonstrated the importance and attractiveness of interzum to a top-level visitor audience. The bottom line for exhibitors was, that they met highly satisfied buyers from all relevant markets. The extended range of goods, products and services at interzum 2009 will enhance this satisfaction still further. Such internationality and quality at all levels can only be found at interzum – welcome to the jubilee fair marking 50 years of interzum in Cologne.