Trends in jewelry and watches - Inhorgenta 2016 Munich

Inhorgenta, which took place from February 12-15, 2016, impressed exhibitors and visitors alike with its new hall concept, forums and supporting events. Although 940 exhibitors, including many new exhibitors, and 26,000 trade visitors from 75 countries did not reach the figures of previous years, the new concept gives hope for an increase in 2017.

Inhorgenta complemented by the Munich Seminar Area and Trend Forum

As a B2B trade fair, Inhorgenta 2016 once again proved to be the ideal networking platform for the jewelry and watch industry. Unlike in Basel or at the Geneva Watch Salon, Inhorgenta also offers space for mid-range watches. Brands such as Ingersoll, Casio, Ratius, Junkers and many others were represented in Hall A1. The jewelry section was split up to reflect the new hall concept. Hall C was available for modern jewelry design under the name Contemporary Design & Vision. Fine Jewelry was presented exclusively in the newly designed Hall B1. The exhibition offer was complemented by the Inhorgenta Munich Seminar Area and a Trend Forum, where answers and solutions to the industry's pressing issues were sought. Art installations and a live fashion show further enriched the program.

Exciting interviews at the jewelry and watch fair

The Messe.TV team was able to immerse itself in the fascinating world of jewelry and watches. In an interview with Klaus Dittrich, Managing Director of Messe München, we learned what emotions are released at the opening of a trade fair after years of preparation. He considers personal communication at a face-to-face trade fair to be essential and that this cannot be replaced by the Internet. Jörg Lindemann, head of the German Gemstone and Diamond Industry Association, also sees Inhorgenta as a very important trade fair for the industry, especially as the timing of the fair at the beginning of the year is ideal for the trade. The project manager of Inhorgenta Munich 2016, Ms Stefanie Mändlein, already saw the spirit of Inhorgenta realized on the first day of the trade fair, as the themes of watches, fine jewelry, lifestyle, design and the topic of carats with stones, pearls and diamonds can be discovered here in a single location.

Prominent guests at Inhorgenta 2016

We were able to discover quite a few celebrities in the exhibition halls. Star guest Kathy Hummels chatted to us about her jewelry preferences. Presenter Annemarie Carpendale was enthusiastic about the fashion show, Karen Webb, presenter of many TV shows, was a guest at the opening event and actress Funda Vanroy revealed that she prefers delicate, elegant jewelry. We also met the gentlemen of creation with actor Ralf Bauer.

Pearls, gold, silver, gemstones and watch trends

In the jewelry world portfolio, we found classic pearl necklaces at Schoeffel, coral jewelry and individual jewelry design at jewelry designer Andrea Frahm, designer jewelry in knot form at designer Martina Tornow and exquisite gold and silver jewelry at the family-run company Bernd Wolf. At the stand of the Pforzheim-based company Leo Wittwer, we encountered magnificent jewelry and wonderful handbags. Cilor presented a modular system with which every bridal couple can find the perfect wedding ring. Solitaire and affordable stones sparkled at the Diamond Group. At Aristo Vollmer, we found out where the trend in the watch sector is heading. And at Augusta Technic, we were able to experience how watches and jewelry can be repaired or redesigned.

Trailer for Inhorgenta 2016 at the Munich trade fair

Inhorgenta 2016 in Munich - focus on trends and design

Inhorgenta 2016 was a meeting place for the international jewelry and watch industry. With a revised hall concept, new platforms for exchange and diverse event formats, the trade event opened up new perspectives for design, craftsmanship and retail. Numerous trade visitors took the opportunity to find out about the latest collections, material trends and market impulses early in the year.

New structure, clear theme areas

The revised hall structure created a clearer separation between classic and modern theme worlds. At the same time, the exhibition concept was specifically developed to give the different market segments more space. In addition to high-quality jewelry and international watch brands, smaller manufacturers and contemporary design also found a suitable stage.

• Divided into Fine Jewelry, Contemporary Design and Watch Trends
• Specialized theme areas such as “Vision”, ‘Karat’ and “Design”
• Seminar area with specialist lectures and discussion panels

Focus on dialog and industry knowledge

Accompanying the exhibition, the supporting program offered a wide range of information - from the seminar area and a trend forum to a series of lectures on materials science, retail trends and design. Discussion rounds and panels focused on current issues relating to the future of the industry - from changing customer needs to new forms of distribution.

• Impulse lectures on market and design trends
• Panel discussions with industry representatives
• Workshops and training courses for trade visitors

International orientation and networking character

With trade visitors from numerous countries, the event had a strong international focus. The timing at the beginning of the year and the spectrum between manufactory and wholesale made it an important meeting point for buyers, designers and producers.

• Early orientation on new collections and trends
• Broad presence of brands, manufacturers and designers
• Opportunity to initiate trade relations directly