INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 - Event highlights at a glance

An outstanding range of products, promising innovations and the latest trends in the hardware business - this is what visitors can expect at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR from 1st to 4th March 2020 in Cologne. 2,800 exhibitors, providing a wide range of impulses, the extensive event programme and numerous special shows make the trade show the most important platform for the hardware industry worldwide.

New in Hall 11: DIY Boulevard

With the support of the Herstellerverband Haus & Garten e.V. (Manufacturers Association Home & Garden), 62 exhibitors will present trade visitors their new products and solutions for sales-promoting product presentations in an authentic POS environment on the DIY Boulevard which has now been extended to 300 metres.

EISENforum – A look into the future

The EISENforum, now also in Hall 11.1., will offer visitors an exciting programme. Inspiring lectures, panels, start-ups from innovative segments and the award ceremony for the EISEN Award 2020 offer new insights into current trends and the future industry topics.

Sunday, 01 March 2020

Sunday is the on which Koelnmesse partners are honoured.The ceremony for PVH partners starts at 9:15 am. This will be followed by the highlight of the event programme: the presentation of the EISEN 2020 Innovation Awards powered by ZHH (Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel e.V.) for innovative products and further developments which will be presented for the first time at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020. All nominated products and concepts are available at the Special show EISEN on the central boulevard.

Sunday, 01 March 2020 and Monday, 02 March 2020

The Digital Summit, taking place on the first two days of the fair, highlights all facets of the digitalisation of the industry, such as the opportunities and risks of e-commerce as well as payment, multichannel and intralogistics. The program was developed in cooperation with digital expert Michael Atug. The aim of the Digital Summit is to promote exchange between suppliers, retailers and service providers.

On Monday evening, the trade association Handelsverband Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e.V. (Trade Association for DYI, Building and Garden) will – together with RM Handelsmedien – present the BHB Industry Award, formerly known as the Customer Service Award, at the Rheinterrassen.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Interested buyers, mainly from the industry, meet at the EISENforum on BME buyers' day. The Federal Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics e.V. (BME) invites you to an event that addresses the optimisation of procurement processes, for example by transforming purchasing, the use of robotics and artificial intelligence in operational procurement and the implementation of Industry 4.0.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Wednesday is start-up day. Young, innovative companies have the chance to present their ideas and future-oriented solutions. In addition, they have the opportunity to exchange ideas with experienced founders. The last day of the trade fair traditionally is "Trainee Day". This event takes place under the auspices of the Zentralverbrands Hartwarenhandel e. V.