idd cologne is the latest and newest addition to the international trade fair calendar. This biennial trade fair focuses on the high segment of interior design, bringing together leading brands, innovative designs, and inspiring trends for the residential, hospitality, and catering sectors. The event opens its doors not only to professionals but also to private visitors. In addition to the trade fair floor, the city program idd cologne downtown provides a broader platform within the city itself.
© idd cologne
We spoke with Maik Fischer, Director of idd cologne, and Dick Spierenburg, Creative Director, about the main goals, preparations, expectations, and more.
How are the preparations progressing for the upcoming premiere edition of idd cologne?
'Maik Fischer: We are in the midst of a very dynamic and inspiring planning period and we are seeing encouraging interest from the market. Several well-established premium brands, such as COR, Kettnaker, Draenert, Bretz, and Bielefelder Werkstätten + IP, have already confirmed their participation. This kind of commitment from leading market brands is a strong sign that the new concept resonates. Our focus now is on creating a high-quality start-up-event that brings together the right mix of brands and professionals.'
What are your main goals or focus points for the first fair edition?
'Maik Fischer: idd cologne is designed as a dedicated platform for the premium segment in interiors of residential, hospitality and contract business. Our aim for this first edition is to provide a framework that supports meaningful dialogue, fosters business, and offers inspiration in and for the major European furniture markets. Given the challenging economic landscape, our focus is on delivering relevance, new possibilities and value to exhibitors and visitors alike.'
Have you noticed any significant trends in exhibitor registration?
'Maik Fischer: Definitely. We are seeing a clear demand for more selective, target-driven formats. Especially in the current climate in the furniture industry, companies are selective about where they invest their time and resources. Brands are not just looking for space, but for context, for a stage that supports their identity and message. This aligns perfectly with our concept and the focus on specific high-end segments like hospitality, retail and contract. The brands joining us want to be part of something distinct and forward-thinking.'
What can exhibitors expect in terms of visibility, networking, and innovation platforms?
'Dick Spierenburg: We are creating an environment that emphasises quality and relevance in and for Europe. The spatial design and communication are tailored to maximise visibility within a clearly defined premium audience. Exhibitors can expect networking opportunities, including informal meeting zones like a café in each exhibition hall. In terms of content, the idd cologne stage will serve as a platform for insightful talks and panel discussions. And with the "idd cologne downtown" program extending into the city of Cologne, we are offering additional touchpoints to connect with professionals and design enthusiasts beyond the fairgrounds.'
Are there any formats, curated areas, or themes being introduced for exhibitors this year?|
'Dick Spierenburg: With our overarching theme "Shaping Homes & Hospitality" we want to encourage holistic thinking, addressing how interior design concepts can respond to evolving expectations in both private and public spaces. Our talks program, the idd cologne stage, and the "idd cologne downtown" city showcase are designed to bring brands, ideas, and people together, both on the fairground and throughout Cologne. It is about creating a holistic design experience.'
Can you share any insight into expected visitor numbers or international attendance?
'Maik Fischer: As this is our first edition and still several months out, we are cautious about setting expectations in numbers. Our focus is on attracting the right European audience — industry professionals and decision-makers who are looking for inspiration and meaningful connections in the premium segment. The international interest we have seen so far is encouraging and reinforces the fair's positioning.'
How is idd cologne responding to current design and market trends, such as sustainability, circular design, or digitalisation?
'Dick Spierenburg: idd cologne is intended as a future-facing format. The themes you mention are deeply integrated in our concept. Whether it is resource-conscious materials, the growing importance of emotional durability, or the blending of digital and physical spaces, our goal is to reflect how premium design is evolving. The fair is a response to a market that demands substance and clarity.'
Do you see any changes coming in the trade fair format or concept in the years ahead?
'Maik Fischer: Absolutely. The industry is in motion, and so are we. The future of trade fairs is audience-focused, flexible and experience-driven. With idd cologne, we are proactively shaping this shift, and we are taking a step toward a more selective and value-oriented trade fair concept. We anticipate further development over time, in close dialogue with our partners and the industry. What will remain constant is our commitment to quality, relevance and a holistic fair experience.'
What are your expectations for the role of in-person events in a still-evolving post-pandemic world?
'Maik Fischer: While digital tools have become indispensable, physical events continue to offer something unique: trust-building through direct interaction, inspiration through real-world staging, and momentum through live exchange. That is why marketplaces, and a trade fair is such one, have already existed for hundreds of years. We believe in the power of presence, and hope that visitors to idd cologne will experience exactly that in October.'
Next edition idd cologne: October 26–29, 2025, in Cologne. 
© idd cologneMore information:
idd cologne
services@exhibitor.koelnmesse.de
www.idd-cologne.com