imm cologne is being reimagined, more international, more focused, more relevant. And now it has a new central theme, too: "World of Interiors". In the very first interview for the new imm online magazine, Bernd Sanden, Director of imm cologne, explains the thinking behind these developments and how they will ensure that Cologne remains the premier destination for interior design.
1. Bernd, how does it feel to reinvent an established brand like imm cologne?
It's a special responsibility, and a great opportunity, too. imm cologne has an impressive history, but it also has a duty to move with the times. By taking the format in a new direction, we're bringing both aspects together: past experience and future vision. We set out with the aim to position the trade fair more clearly, as an international business platform for the consumer-oriented interior design market. And I think we've done just that by adopting "World of Interiors" as the new central theme.
© imm cologne
Bernd Sanden, Director of imm cologne, explains how imm cologne is repositioning itself.
2. What will be new at imm cologne, and what have you deliberately retained?
Perhaps the biggest change is our decision to focus on the entire world of home living: the full spectrum from budget-friendly products to consumer-oriented lifestyle furniture, from high-volume suppliers to established brands with a broad market presence. imm cologne is clearly positioning itself as the primary sourcing platform for the German market and Central Europe, with an especially strong focus on visitors from core European markets. Another new feature is our transparent pricing model, which makes it easier for small and medium-sized companies in particular to participate in the trade fair.
And what have we retained? Our international appeal, the tried-and-tested date in January and what we affectionately call "kölsches Jeföhl": the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Cologne is known for and makes our trade fair so special.
3. The industry is facing challenges. How can the trade fair provide practical support?
By listening carefully and coming up with practical answers. Today's world demands greater flexibility, clarity in targeting specific groups and formats with direct relevance. imm cologne 2026 is responding to these needs with focused topic clusters, streamlined trade fair concepts and a clear mission: to provide orientation, support dialogue and boost visibility, in the place where business is done.
With "World of Interiors" as the new central theme, we'll be offering a comprehensive overview of market-ready products and industry-relevant trends and bringing the right people together at the right time. Whether brick-and-mortar retail or e-commerce, brands or OEMs, this is where business is done and the future takes shape.
© imm cologne
4. What are you personally looking forward to most at the next edition?
The moment when the hall gates open and the industry comes together again in Cologne. There will be a lot going on in Halls 4, 5 and 10 in 2026. I'm particularly looking forward to our curated content on the imm interior stage, reconnecting with long-standing partners and meeting the sector's new faces.
And, of course, I'm looking forward to my first cup of coffee at the trade fair in the morning. For me, imm cologne is still the best way to get the interior design year off to a magical start – bursting with energy, the desire to discuss ideas and the anticipation of discovering something new.
5. One last question: if the new imm cologne were a piece of furniture, what would it be?
It would be a large, sturdy dining table, the heart of every home. A place where people meet, exchange ideas, make plans, sometimes negotiate and often laugh; just as they do at imm cologne. People from all over the world gather here to shape the future of home living, it's a bit like a school reunion, only with a business focus. The table represents community, orientation and reliability, qualities that have defined us as a trade fair for decades.
Source: imm cologne