With four months to go, excitement is building in anticipation of interzum. The international woodworking industry is on the upswing, and the future is optimistic for the industry. Taking advantage of the weak dollar, pent-up demand and a strong German economy, U.S. and Canadian companies are gearing up to pursue export opportunities in Europe again. More than 40 North American companies will showcase their products during interzum, the world’s leading international trade show for suppliers to the furniture production and interiors industries.

The biennial interzum will take place May 25 through 28, 2011, in Cologne and will be followed by Ligna, the world's largest event for the woodworking and wood processing industry held May 30 through June 3, 2011, in Hannover, Germany. Both trade fairs are the world's No. 1 events in their respective industries.

Says Mette Petersen, president of Koelnmesse Inc., "The energy and enthusiasm generated via the two events by networking, product demonstrations, and new relationships cannot be replaced by any other b2b medium. The collaboration between the two leading wood industry events in the world in Cologne and Hannover this spring provides a rare opportunity for North American suppliers who are keen to make up for lost ground via export sales. Where else can you find close to 50,000 highly motivated buyers from 130 countries in one exhibit hall? Like in past years, we are offering a North American group exhibit for lumber and veneer suppliers in Hall 5.1. as well as a second group for bedding material suppliers in Hall 10.2., where we regularly team up with the International Sleep Products Association. These pavilions provide a single-source contact in the U.S. so that our exhibitors do not have to dialog with overseas display and service companies in different time zones."

This year, interzum will be held in 10 halls of the Koelnmesse fairground and is THE source for the latest innovations and trends for all the materials, components, surfaces, fittings, fabrics and equipment for the production of furniture and the interior living spaces of tomorrow. Here is the overview of industry segments offered at interzum.

The show's attendees are furniture manufacturers, architects, interior designers, product developers, consultants and trade enthusiasts. The last event attracted 47,000 visitors from 130 countries who met with 1,300 suppliers.

View the current list of exhibitors.

Companies looking into export opportunities via interzum can still be accommodated as selected spaces at some of the interzum halls are still available. For information on exhibiting, hotel or product shipping, please contact the Chicago office of the show organizer:

Ken Dickerson
Sales & Project Manager - U.S. and Canada
Koelnmesse, Inc.
773-326-9926
k.dickerson@koelnmessenafta.com