This interview was conducted with Maik Fischer, Director of interzum. We thank her for taking the time to answer our questions and share her insights.
1. Could you briefly introduce your trade fair in a few words?
Maik Fischer: interzum is the world’s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design. Held biennially in the odd years in Cologne/Germany, interzum brings together the entire value chain – from materials and components to innovative technologies – and sets global trends in design, sustainability and functionality. It is where ideas take shape and the future of living environments is defined.
2. What do you pay attention to while preparing for the fair?
Maik Fischer: Our priority is to ensure that interzum remains a forward-thinking platform that reflects the dynamics of the supplier and interior design industry – and helps set new trends. We closely observe market developments and translate them into relevant formats and content. Sustainability plays a central role in this process: not only do we promote sustainable solutions, we also actively challenge the industry to rethink established practices through our concepts and thematic focus areas.
We aim to deliver real added value – through high-quality events, inspiring keynote speakers and special zones that bring future topics to life. Our exhibitor mix spans from global market leaders to agile start-ups, while our matchmaking and digital services such as, for example, the interzum app ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for visitors and partners alike.
3. What are your target markets this year? According to which criteria do you determine your target markets? Could you list the problems you encounter while bringing visitors from these markets to the fair?
Maik Fischer: interzum positions itself as a globally relevant platform – and internationality remains one of our most important success factors. We focus on markets that are strategically important for the global furniture production industry and where we see strong innovation potential and a high density of decision-makers.
In identifying our target regions, we take into account factors such as production volume, industry dynamics, export activity, and the development of local supplier networks. At the same time, we remain flexible and responsive to changing market conditions.
Challenges can arise, for example, due to geopolitical uncertainties or visa restrictions. That’s why we collaborate closely with our global Koelnmesse offices, local partners and industry associations worldwide to maintain strong connections and ensure accessibility across all key regions.
4. Competition in the market is intense, and global developments are making it increasingly difficult to access new markets. As a trade fair company, what kind of additional support do you need to withstand this competition?
Maik Fischer: At interzum, we work closely with industry partners, associations and our international Koelnmesse network to strengthen market access and build lasting relationships across regions. This collaborative approach is key to remaining competitive in a dynamic global environment – and we’re grateful for the strong backing we receive from our stakeholders.
We also continuously adapt to shifting market conditions and align our formats with the specific needs of different target groups – whether through curated content, digital extensions or tailored matchmaking tools.
That said, more additional support measures such as visa facilitation, travel coordination, or public funding for international delegations would be a valuable enhancement – particularly when it comes to bringing new visitor groups and emerging markets to Cologne. Any efforts in this direction help boost global reach and reinforce Germany’s role as a leading international trade fair hub.
5. Is there anything you would like to add?
Maik Fischer: interzum 2025 was a tremendous success, with over 1,600 exhibitors and around 60,000 visitors from 157 countries – a clear sign of the industry’s strong commitment to innovation and international exchange. Building on this momentum, our goal for the next interzum in the year 2027 is to further strengthen interzum’s position as the world’s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design.
We will place an even stronger focus on key transformation drivers such as digitalization and sustainability – not just in terms of exhibited solutions, but also through our content formats and global outreach. Cologne will once again be the place where the industry gathers to shape the future – collaboratively, ambitiously, and with a clear commitment to progress.