Interview Dieter Dohr, GHM

Heim+Handwerk: Successful market platform for living, building & furnishing

Heim+Handwerk in Munich is one of the leading trade fairs for living, building and furnishing in Germany. With over 1,160 exhibitors this year, the event has established itself as an important platform for innovative living concepts and craftsmanship excellence. In an interview with Messe.TV, Dieter Dohr, Chairman of the Management Board of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen, provides exciting insights into the development and organization of the trade fair as well as the current trends and highlights.

Growth and increasing interest

Heim und Handwerk is recording a continuous increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers. The organizers are particularly pleased with the positive feedback from exhibitors, who are pursuing economic goals here. “We have grown slightly again this year,” reports Dohr. The great interest in the themes of living, building & furnishing reflects the growing demand for high-quality and individual solutions. Surprise sales in particular show that people are willing to invest in their homes. A key secret of Heim+Handwerk's success lies in the careful selection of exhibitors. “We don't want to showcase what's available in furniture stores or online stores, we want to show what's special,” explains Dohr. Companies must submit their products with photos and descriptions in order to be part of the trade fair. In addition, innovative products are researched worldwide in order to present real novelties to visitors.

Focus on start-ups and sustainable living trends

For the first time this year, there will be a special focus on start-ups that inspire with creative and innovative ideas. “I am fascinated by the solutions that young entrepreneurs come up with,” says Dohr. This area has proven to be a real asset for the trade fair and will continue to be expanded in the future. Another clear trend is upcycling - creating completely new products from old materials. "Many manufacturers are focusing on sustainable solutions. This is an impetus for us to further strengthen this area in the coming years," explains Dohr. In addition to functional design, topics such as natural materials and room fragrances are also becoming increasingly important. One example is “smelling walls”, which can positively influence the living environment with scents such as grass or coffee.

Long-term planning for the success of the trade fair

A trade fair of this size requires years of planning. “We are constantly working on Heim+Handwerk and think two to four years in advance,” explains Dohr. It's not just about organizing the current trade fair, but also about identifying future trends in order to keep the event attractive. During the trade fair itself, the pressure is great, but Dohr and his team are experienced: "The biggest burden falls away after the first six hours. When the trade fair is up and running, it's up and running," he says. The greatest reward, however, is the positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors, who confirm that the trade fair has proven to be an effective platform for economic success.

Conclusion: A marketplace for inspiration and quality

Heim+Handwerk not only offers a stage for major brands, but also a platform for creative start-ups, sustainable innovations and individual living concepts. With a steadily growing number of exhibitors and visitors, its success is confirmed year after year. If you want to be inspired and value high-quality and unique products, this is the place to be.