IFA 2024: 100 years of innovation history

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Two days before the IFA opens its doors to the public, trade fair operations under the Berlin Radio Tower are already warming up. While work is still being carried out in the halls, the new management is giving an outlook on the anniversary trade fair. IFA is celebrating its centenary at – and the 2024 edition of the trade fair will be all about artificial intelligence (AI).

"The biggest innovation topic is of course AI," said trade fair boss Leif Lindner to journalists at the Berlin exhibition grounds on Wednesday afternoon. AI is finding its way into all areas of technology at the trade fair, from consumer electronics to household technology. "Digital health is also an important topic this year", says Lindner. "And hi-fi is about to make a big comeback."

Inflation depresses consumer sentiment

However, even the colorful world of electronics at IFA cannot decouple itself from global trends. "The overall economic situation is recovering, but more slowly than expected," said Gfu boss Sara Warneke. Inflation and the rising cost of living are putting pressure on consumer sentiment –, especially in Asia and Western Europe. Those who have to spend more money on food and accommodation have less for a new television.

Nevertheless, the Gfu is confident that the trend will turn around. "We are expecting a positive development in the second half of the year," said Warneke. Hopes are also pinned on more modern and efficient devices that will replace old models, as consumers expect to save on operating costs.

IFA has been under new management since last year. The industry association Gfu has joined forces with the British organizer Clarion Events to restructure the trade fair. The Berlin trade fair company is no longer involved as organizer.

The new team faces the challenge of making IFA fit for the future and preserving its traditions. "Change is good, disruption is necessary, but we are also keeping the good parts," said Lindner. This also includes the commitment to Berlin – IFA has committed itself to the trade fair location in the capital until 2033.

100 years of IFA

The first "Great German Radio Exhibition" took place in 1924 in the House of the Radio Industry in Berlin's Westend district – where the exhibition grounds stand today. In the 1950s and 60s, the radio exhibition was also held in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Since 1971, the "Internationale Funkausstellung", now known simply as IFA, has been firmly anchored in Berlin.

In addition to the traditional trade fair business, the IFA should once again be a "cultural event", said Lindner. This brings back memories of the old days, when the IFA not only attracted young and old alike under the radio tower, but also in front of the television: ARD and ZDF broadcast live from the trade fair all day long, with information, shows and music.

The plans for IFA go even further. "The IFA will continue to evolve – this year and in the years to come," said Lindner. The classic trade fair is to develop into a year-round platform for technologies and innovations. The coming years will show what this could look like in concrete terms.

"Innovation for everyone"

"Innovation" is the central concept that the trade fair wants to associate itself with. IFA is now called "Innovation for all" instead of "Internationale Funkausstellung". "This sums up well what we stand for", said Clarion CEO Lisa Hannant on Wednesday in Berlin. Conveniently, the new claim also works in English.

"We can look back on one hundred years of innovation," says Lindner. "But IFA has always been more than just new technologies. It creates connections." Hannant also believes that trade fairs like IFA enable personal encounters and therefore remain relevant for the industry.

(vbr)