For 20 years, the European Lifestyle Association (EVL) has championed greater entrepreneurial freedom and diversity in the consumer goods industry. With over 150 members, the Türkheim-based association has become a key voice for owner-managed, medium-sized lifestyle businesses across Europe, particularly in the fields of gifting, home living, and cooking.
© Europäische Verband Lifestyle (EVL)
Direct dialogue instead of endless concepts
'Our association is all about networking and direct dialogue. Independent SMEs, owner-managed companies, family businesses – they take a long-term, generational view rather than focusing solely on data and spreadsheets. Action takes precedence over elaborate concepts,' says Lars Adler, Chairman of the EVL Board and Managing Director of Hoff Interieur GmbH & Co. KG.
Together with Managing Director Heike Tscherwinka, the Board of Directors and the members succeed in repeatedly putting future-oriented topics on the agenda based on a sense of tradition and classic business virtues. The most recent example: In cooperation with Pangoron AI Service, an AI-supported platform was developed to help members efficiently fulfil the requirements of the new EU Product Safety Regulation. The solution automates the creation of product safety information and risk analyses – saving time and money.
Strong alliance since 2004
The constituent meeting from which the Europäischer Verband Lifestyle e.V. emerged took place in November 2004. At that time, two predecessor organisations, the Bundesverband Geschenkkultur und Wohndesign e.V. (BKG) and the Verband des Glas-, Porzellan-, Keramik-Groß- und Außenhandels e.V. (GPK), merged. The EVL officially began its work with the registration of the statutes in 2005.
A community that unites
Over the course of two decades, many connections and friendships have developed between the members. All EVL members are convinced of the shared vision that it is not just about the economic success of the individual company – but about what defines a strong community: mutual support and shared visions.
A clear stance towards politics
With this conviction, the association has consistently taken a clear and outspoken stance in political discussions – loudly, directly and with attitude. This is because the consumer goods industry has to overcome special challenges with the increasing flood of regulations from Berlin and Brussels.
A strong voice for trade fairs
The EVL also advocates for trade fairs as essential industry and ordering platforms and maintains close, trusting relationships with event organisers. Numerous members regularly exhibit in Frankfurt, Leipzig, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf, Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, and many other cities.
'SME entrepreneurship can only be strong and sustainable if interests are pooled and joint solutions are found for the diverse challenges,' says Heike Tscherwinka, Managing Director of the EVL. 'For two decades now, EVL has shown that this is exactly what is possible.'
Anniversary in Bingen: Navigating sales in times of transformation
At the end of May, members, partners and friends meet at the EVL Lifestyle Days in Bingen am Rhein. An exciting programme will be offered under the motto "Future Sales AI meets Lifestyle". AI expert Prof Peter Gentsch has already announced his attendance. Andreas Krause will give a keynote speech on supporting the sales force. Thorsten Ising will present AI strategies for social media and Ralf Schuster will analyse the geopolitical situation facing the consumer goods industry. A conference set against the backdrop of change. It aims to chart the course for the next 20 years of connection, collaboration, and inspiration.
More information:
Europäischer Verband Lifestyle
info@forum-lifestyle.de
www.forum-lifestyle.com