News

International trade visitors are the IFA's VIPs (3/7/2006)

Trade visitor presence will once again dominate the IFA 2006. The IFA showcases the consumer electronics industry and features all the innovations from around the world in this sector. Be it HDTV, IPTV or the latest visual media trends, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD and the highlights which mobile devices and applications have to offer Ð visitors to the IFA will be able to experience the digital revolution.

The IFA is also regarded as the most important place to do business early in the CE season among all the international andÊ European venues. At the IFA 2005 there was a 70 per cent rise in foreign trade visitors alone. IFA Director Jens Heithecker: "With the special services it offers the IFA provides trade visitors with an optimum environment, making it easier to meet exhibitors. We, the gfu and Messe Berlin, are focusing on tried and tested, packaged trade visitor services which we are offering in over ten languages."

IFA International Keynotes

Following its successful introduction in 2003 the IFA International Keynote series will continue in 2006. Featuring top-ranking speakers from the industry, every morning the IFA will get off to a spectacular start exclusively for trade visitors, exhibitors and representatives of the media. Starting at 9.45 a.m. industry insiders speaking in the International Keynote Area will present the latest consumer trends and offer an insight into prospective innovations of the future. Due to high demand, on days 1 and 2 of the show (1 and 2 September) there will be further keynote speeches in the afternoon, starting at 3 p.m.

International trade visitor reception area in Hall 1.1

The International trade visitor reception area in Hall 1.1 immediately next to the IFA 2006 main entrance is the main meeting place for trade visitors and CE industry experts.

Doors open at 8 a.m. for trade visitors to the IFA. Two hours before the fair starts trade visitors will receive a free

- trade visitor package which includes a catalogue and inside information on exhibitors and show highlights
- current issue of the Digital Experts trade magazine
- breakfast for trade visitors (from 8 a.m.)

The trade visitor reception area also has an internet lounge with PC workplaces and free internet access, as well as a work lounge with comfortable seats and a bar. For trade visitors several rooms in quiet surroundings are also available for holding spontaneous meetings. The latest trade and business publications will be on hand at the International Trade Press Stand.

Tours for trade visitors

Every day numerous tours with different themes will enable trade visitors and industry experts to find out about IFA trends. Most prominent will be the latest screen technologies, such as plasma and LCD, as well as HDTV, IPTV and digital visual media D-DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as technological innovations for mobile equipment such as cellphone TV and HD applications. The tours will start in the trade visitor reception area in Hall 1.1.

Attractive travel packages

Specifically for trade visitors, attractive travel packages have been organised in collaboration with smart fairs GmbH:

Bookings are already being taken for special flights starting from 199 euros, flying from DŸsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart or Munich, which include an overnight stay in a double room with breakfast, and free use of Berlin public transport for two days. The offer also includes a one-day ticket to visit the IFA, a trade fair catalogue, and a map of Berlin, all free of charge.

From mid-July onwards Deutsche Bahn will supplement this special flight with its own offer. Starting on 1 August, for trade visitors paying a spontaneous visit to the IFA there will be a ten-percent discount on dba special flights from anywhere within Germany and Europe.

Additional services

Additional services for trade visitors include shuttle bus transport to the fair, on the IFA grounds, and Fast Lane entry to the show. Ê

Starting now, trade visitors can order IFA tickets at advance sale prices (1-day ticket 28 euros, 2-day ticket 40 euros) from the online ticket shop at www.ifa-berlin.de. Holders of an IFA ticket will be able to benefit from special deals with our partners in art, culture and entertainment. Our new internet website featuring a special trade visitor page also provides answers to FAQs.

www.ifa-berlin.de