photokina 2018: Imaging of a new generation
World’s leading trade fair for imaging presents innovations and potential
Changed market environments and customer needs are currently moving the imaging industry, and thus also photokina. The world’s leading trade fair for imaging opens its gates from 26-29 September on the Deutz fair grounds, and the world is looking with anticipation to Cologne. This is because the traditional event is facing a generation change: the core areas have been supplemented with new themes and product focuses. Mobile image communication, the digital processing of images and the moving image are occupying more space. At the forefront of the extensive event programme and at the exhibitor stands, the focus is more than ever on the product experience.
A far-reaching reorientation of photokina in 2017 resulted from changes in the market. photokina had already had a “makeover” in 2016: new colours, a new look, a fresher presence, aimed at also making photokina more attractive for the customers of the future. This in fact did result in a significant increase in the number of younger visitors. With new themes, a new cycle and new dates as of 2019, photokina will in future offer an even more market-compatible trade fair home for the still uninterrupted enthusiasm for photography and video in all age and target groups. It will thus remain relevant as an innovation, communication and business platform for an industry that currently offers fantastic potential.
New and old acquaintances
812 exhibitors from 66 countries will be represented at photokina 2018, including major industry players like Canon, Cewe, DJI, Epson, Fujifilm, GoPro, Hasselblad, Hewlett Packard, Kodak, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Ricoh, Rollei, Sigma, Sony, Tamron and Vitec/Manfrotto. Important players from the new target segments have also been recruited, like the smartphone company group Huawei and the audio equipment provider Sennheiser. The gross exhibition surface of the five halls spans 105,500 square metres. They are divided up into theme sections, in order to ease orientation for visitors and to structure the trade fair visit as efficiently as possible.
A complete list of exhibitors and the press information of our exhibitors can be found in our exhibitor search.
Imaging of the future
The generation jump is already being addressed by the photokina Imaging Lab in hall 5.1. The innovation platform shows what may be possible with imaging technologies in future. Established companies, start-ups and research institutions present and discuss challenges and approaches to solutions. Minister of the Economy of North Rhine-Westphalia Prof. Andreas Pinkwart has assumed patronage responsibilities.
Among the guests on the stage of the Imaging Lab are Brigitte Zypries (former Federal Minister for the Economy), but also high-ranking business representatives of the Canon, Cewe, di support, Huawei, Kodak and Skylum companies. Things get interactive at the “Start-up Scouting” with Tim Vogelsang (Octorank Innovation), the “Business Model Canvas for Start-Ups” workshop with Daniel Bartel (MAK3it) or the coding school for kids. The iPad magician Simon Pierro presents the magic of a new generation on the last day of the trade fair.
Inspiration and experience
In the context of a comprehensive event programme, an important role is still attributed to the product experience, the exchange of knowledge and inspiration. One event highlight here is the Olympus Perspective Playground in hall 1. Photography and art fans will still also be able to photographically discover new worlds in a space of 2,000 square metres after the end of exhibition. On the Communities Stage, the Professionals Stage, the Motion Stage and in the Retailing Unlimited Lounge trader forum, workshops and lectures will be offered for all target groups.
Visitors can also look forward to impressive photo exhibitions: Tim Flach’s “In danger – portraits of endangered animals”, the “Atlas of Humanity“, the United Nations exhibition “People on the Move”, the “German Youth Photo Prize 2018”, the “New Talent Award” from Canon and ProfiFoto, as well as “The New BFF Sponsorship Award” are only a few outstanding examples of artistic ambition and the embodiment of the zeitgeist.
You can find all events and exhibitions in our event database.
Information for media representatives
The photokina press conferences of the photokina exhibitors will take place on the day before the opening of the trade fair on the grounds. The schedule and detailed information can be found here: http://www.photokina.de/teilnahme-und-planung/fuer-medienvertreter/media-preview-day/media-preview-day.php
You can apply for accreditation online until 25 September 2018:
Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Digital Media, Entertainment and Mobility: Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising trade fairs in the Digital Media, Entertainment and Mobility segments. Trade fairs like photokina, DMEXCO, gamescom, INTERMOT and THE TIRE COLOGNE are established as leading international trade fairs and are being expanded by future-oriented formats like DIGILITY. Koelnmesse not only organises trade fairs in these areas in Cologne, but also in other growth markets like, for example, China, Singapore and Thailand, which have different areas of focus and content. These global activities offer customers of Koelnmesse tailor-made events in different markets, which guarantee sustainable and international business.
photokina in the Social Web:
www.facebook.com/photokina
www.instagram.com/photokina
www.twitter.com/photokina
