Each year, around 1,300 exhibitors present their new products, innovative solutions and trendsetting ideas at the INTERNORGA show, Germany’s only international trade fair for the entire out-of-home market. For more than 95,000 trade visitors, the fair is the most important industry event of the year. Here, market leaders and newcomers alike can meet the top decision-makers from their trades, especially in the kitchen technology and equipment halls, the largest thematic exhibition area at the fair.
From 17–21 March 2017, INTERNORGA brings together all trends and the newest innovation on kitchen technology under one roof on more than 20,000 sq m, with all major manufacturers attending. Consultants, planners, strategic purchasers, and decision-makers alike will get a valuable and exclusive insight into the market of tomorrow.
Foodservice Consultant asked two consultants, Thomas Mertens FCSI and Björn Grimm FCSI, both board members of FCSI Germany-Austria, about the importance of INTERNORGA:
Why is INTERNORGA such an important annual event for the hospitality and foodservice industry?
Thomas Mertens: New, successful models can only be realised if you have sufficient knowledge about the market and customer requirements. Therefore, the ‘Gastro-Market Intelligence’ segment at INTERNORGA is important to us as professional consultants. These living and vivid markets we find in Hamburg, not only on the exhibition grounds of INTERNORGA but in the city itself, where we can watch current trends, are very important.
Björn Grimm: INTERNORGA is for me, an opportunity to visit friends – numerous, well-known and well-trusted people – great industry events and the city itself.
Why is INTERNORGA an important touchpoint?
Thomas Mertens: The INTERNORGA Customer Journey concept is as simple as it is convincing, for myself and my customers from Germany and abroad. If you follow the path and listen, you will find new ideas and services – right down to the big ‘wow’ effect.
Foodservice can be experienced all over the exhibition grounds, it is not limited to a single place or time. It is kind of a travel, which we do with our clients – from creating ideas to actual implementation in the own hotel or restaurant. As professional FCSI consultants we can support, raise awareness and ask the right questions: what will come in the future? How can we find out which of our products and services can inspire our customers?
Björn Grimm: Grimm consulting is proud to be part of the DEHOGA stand, an official partner of the Hamburg office of the German Hotel and Foodservice Association. Last year, we moved from a side location right into the heart of the show where the action is, next to the Craft Beer Area.
Do you have any specific recommendations?
Thomas Mertens: The ‘information’ phase creates ‘orientation’. I use a joint trade fair visit with customers to give them an overview of very different approaches. Here, visions can lead quickly to a concrete realisation.
Björn, you are based in Hamburg. Is there a home advantage?
Björn Grimm: The sum of the details makes every day during INTERNORGA very valuable to me. Business is not the main focus – that tends to come by itself, if you are well-connected as I am. Just as the Hamburg people like it!
As a marathon runner, a special highlight for me will be the very first trade fair run, organized by FCSI Germany-Austria and powered by INTERNORGA. The run will be held on Sunday 19 March in the morning to raise funds for a young generation project and is limited to 50 participants. Corporate members of FCSI are encouraged to sponsor a runner or send a delegate of the company who is passionate in running. The cost per person/runner is €1,000. To apply, please contact the FCSI Germany office: info@fcsi.de. Registration is available on a first come, first served basis.
INTERNORGA, it is a must for us as professional FCSI consultants. But this trade show is so international, that I strongly recommend our colleagues from neighbouring countries to join. We are looking forward to meeting you in Hamburg. For free tickets, just sent a mail to FCSI@internorga.com.
Save the date for INTERNORGA: 17-21 March 2017 Hamburg, Germany
