The delegation of the EIC Pavilion is all set to showcase breakthrough technologies at IFA Berlin 2023, the world’s leading consumer electronics & home appliances exhibition. Prior to the inauguration of the trade fair, we sat with Oliver Merlin, Managing Director at IFA Management, for a quick fireside chat. Oliver talks about European innovations and shares highlights on what to expect in the flagship tradeshow.
For many years, IFA has been considered the best tradeshow for consumer electronics and home appliances globally because of the vast array of products and solutions. How important are events like IFA 2023 for the industry going forward?
Oliver: IFA Berlin is the world’s most important platform for the consumer electronics and household appliances industry. It brings together brands, retailers, innovators, start-ups, media and consumers like no other event. IFA is the place to experience today’s connected and ever more digitalized world in full, end-to-end. Here you can directly compare the cutting edge of innovation. Most importantly, in Berlin you can see how innovation really works, how it makes sense in people’s lives, how technology gives consumers new, exciting and useful experiences.
The timing is also important, because IFA takes place in the crucial run-up to the most important shopping period of the year, ahead of Singles Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
What should attendees expect at IFA 2023? Which areas/conference sessions would you recommend?
Oliver: This year’s IFA Berlin will give you a breadth of insights and experiences like never before. We will explore the technology trends across the business and consumer space, with speakers on key subjects like Artificial intelligence, Robotics, Sustainability, Gaming, and Women in Technology.
Check out our broad range of speakers, from famous tech YouTubers all the way to top industry experts from around the world.
Make sure to visit the House of Robots, with advanced robots like Desi and Mirokaï. And you should definitely make a stop in our Sustainability Village, with its on-site “mend-and-repair” shop.
What added value does the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pavilion bring to the tradeshow?
Oliver: Innovation is at the heart of IFA Berlin; it always has been. No wonder that our innovation hub IFA NEXT has always been one of the busiest parts of IFA. This year, IFA NEXT will double in size, bringing together both start-ups and companies at the absolute cutting edge of innovation.
As we all know, innovation needs networks and that’s why the European Innovation Council will be so important. The EIC Pavilion will showcase innovation and help start-ups to make the connections they need to scale their breakthrough technologies. I believe that the EIC Pavilion will be one of the “must-visit” booths at this year’s IFA.
Any piece of advice that you would like to share with the EIC innovators, who will exhibit their impactful solutions in the event?
Oliver: IFA Berlin is unique, because it does three things: it’s your stage in front of the world’s top technology brands, it’s your chance to get a reality check for your innovation – because IFA is open not only to trade visitors, but real-life consumers as well; and finally, this year we are hosting an Investor Lounge that will directly connect start-ups with investors.
So, here’s my advice: make sure to get in front of the brands you want to collaborate with or see how your big competitors position themselves in the marketplace. See how consumers react, observe whether they ‘get’ what you are trying to achieve, or whether you still need to earn their trust? Finally, get networking, and use IFA Berlin as your springboard for the next technology revolution.
IFA 2023 brings together the latest innovative tech, global players and the most radical thinkers in the industry, offering companies opportunities for lead generation, thought leadership, brand awareness and networking to reach a vast international audience of retailers, distributors and media.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the EIC Pavilion at Messe Berlin – Hall 4 and get ready to be impressed with the latest deep tech solutions!
Find out more on the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 website and check the official delegation of exceptional EIC companies to attend IFA 2023 here.
