Artificial Intelligence, voice and 5G connectivity are the three big trends shaping consumer electronics and home appliances at IFA 2019. IFA is once again the platform for the world’s leading brands to showcase the innovation, products and services that will dominate real-world stores and virtual shelves on Black Friday, Singles Day, Cyber Monday, Christmas and into the New Year. With all exhibition space fully booked, IFA Berlin will host 1.939 manufacturers and brands across 163.900 square meters net at two exhibition areas – the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and IFA Global markets, Europe’s largest sourcing show for trade visitors at STATION-Berlin.
Hans-Joachim Kamp, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH, the organizer of IFA, says: “IFA’s success story is underpinned by the constant innovation in our industries, and their agility to react to consumers’ needs. IFA continues to be the world’s most important platform for consumer electronics and home appliances and is a key driver for our industries’ growth and innovation. During the six days ahead, our exhibitors, trade visitors, the media and the general public will see more innovation and new products than ever before.”
Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, Chairman of the ZVEI Association of the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, says: “Consumer confidence has not really been helped by the broader economic context and political developments. As a result, some markets are trading sideways or have become weaker or more volatile. Despite these business challenges, the household appliance industry is doing quite well, which makes us optimistic for the future. IFA as the most important meeting and marketplace for the home appliances industry will help to give us an extra boost.”
Dr. Christian Göke, CEO Messe Berlin, says: “Our IFA team has two objectives: to showcase the best innovation and inspire co-innovation. What you see here in Berlin is the cutting edge of technology, and ready for consumers ahead of the most important shopping season – from Black Friday and Singles Day to Cyber Monday and Christmas. The high standard of innovation on show here at IFA Berlin just underlines how important it is to keep trade barriers low, because without it innovation would be much less dynamic – and that would be harmful for both consumers and society.”
IFA NEXT
As the first IFA Global Innovation Partner of IFA NEXT, Japan will present an exclusive Pavilion at Hall 26, joining startups and cutting-edge IT companies from around the world. The Japan Pavilion’s maxim is “Interface with Consideration and Sensibility” – with examples of new human-machine interfaces developed in line with inherent Japanese traits, developed for a society where cyberspace and physical space are already highly integrated. Through the Japan Pavilion, Japan will showcase a new user interface that enables all levels of society to benefit from digital technologies in a rapidly developing digital economy.
Artificial intelligence, Voice, Robotics, Smart Homes and 5G, the new mobile telecommunications standard, are just some of the key trends at IFA NEXT, the global start-up stage and innovation platform in Hall 26. Two centrally located stages in the hall – the Innovation Engines – will host presentations on new products, technologies and services. Speakers at IFA NEXT will be drawn from a fascinating mixture of startups, technology companies and research institutions.
IFA KEYNOTES
Every year, the IFA Keynote on the first two days of the show are a stage for the best in innovation, and this year is no different – especially given the political and economic background for Friday’s keynote speakers.
- Richard Yu, CEO of the Huawei Consumer Business Group (IFA Opening Keynote, 6 September, 10:30 a.m.) explains why 5G could be the technology that will significantly change IoT, autonomous driving and smart devices.
- Cristian Amon, President of Qualcomm, will explain why 5G will be a fundamental driver of technological progress and usher in the next era of great inventions” (IFA Keynote, 6 September, 14:00).
- Anthony Wood, the founder, chairman and CEO of Roku is arguably the most successful challenger to Netflix and cable networks alike. Wood talks about the visions and innovations that will transform television (IFA Keynote, September 7, 10:30).
- With twelve global brands, Arcelik is a market leader in most of its markets, including two of Europe’s largest household appliance brands, Beko and Grundig. During the IFA Keynote, Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO Arçelik, will explain his strategic insights and his company’s global position (IFA Keynote, 7 September, 14:00).
IFA+ SUMMIT
The power of data is this year’s top topic at the IFA+ Summit – IFA’s Future Convention. On 8 and 9 September, numerous international speakers look ahead to how disruptive technologies will change and shape our digital future.
With its growing order volume, IFA will continue to drive growth in international and national markets.
