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"First the basics, then the trends" - Interview with Michael Atug

ERP, electronic payment, multichannel: The digitization of retail and trade has been one of the hottest topics of discussion for some time now, and the hardware industry is no exception. That's why the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2021 will have its own eCommerce area with innovative solutions and a high-profile event program. We talked to the organizer and digital rock star Michael Atug about this new area and the development of eCommerce in general.

The future of the trade fair is hybrid

#INTERNATIONALEEISENWARENMESSE goes hybrid: As a prelude to the 2021 fair, the European Press Conference, too, was held as Koelnmesse's first hybrid press conference. Packed with informative keynotes, an exciting preview of next spring's trade fair and a lively panel discussion between industry experts, it was very well received by all participants.

10 tips for start-up founders

Anyone who founds a start-up company goes on a journey full of adventures. More often than not, there are a few challenges to overcome before this endeavor turns profitable. We have compiled a list with 10 tips to ensure that everything is on the road to success right from the start.

Be part of the party: Innovation Award

No future without innovation! This is why the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR (1 to 4 March) will continue to present its prestigious awards in 2020. Together with the Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel e.V. (ZHH) it will once again be giving the "EISEN Innovation Award powered by ZHH" to the best products in the fields of tools, fastening & connecting technology/fittings and industrial supplies.

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.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020

The first early booking phase for the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR from March 1 through 4, 2020 is over - and it already looks like the trade show is headed towards a new record: the largest exhibition in the hardware industry is growing significantly.

New impulses for the hardware industry: Start-ups at the HARDWARE FAIR 2020

Young companies provide valuable impulses for the industry. The HARDWARE FAIR 2020 offers them a perfect platform to present their ideas and future-oriented solutions. For this reason, the EISENforum in Hall 11.1 will, for the first time ever, present the Start-Up Day which will take place on the 4th of March 2020.

Tool innovations 2020

The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR had to be postponed to next year due to the Corona pandemic. But still, we would not want to keep the latest innovations in the hardware industry from you. Discover five exciting new tools.

5 innovative highlights at #EISENWARENMESSE

Every two years, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR shows the latest and most important services and products, from tools to fastening and connection technology to building and DIY supplies. Some of these new products were presented to the public for the first time at the #EISENWARENMESSE as part of the EISEN Innovation Award, thus gaining international interest.

Smart Home: Strong opportunities in a demanding market

The refrigerator automatically generates shopping lists. For a cosy get-together, the suitable lighting for the right mood adjusts itself and the living temperature is set to pleasant in any weather. Despite its many practical everyday applications, the smart home is still a niche market. But that is likely to change. Above all, retailers with a high level of consulting expertise can benefit in this demanding market.

Introducing the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and the Global Home Improvement Network (ghin)

The formerly independent organisations European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and the Global Home Improvement Network (ghin) have joined forces as a consolidated association. Ever since, they have acted as the unified voice of the DIY trade around the globe.

Work hard - rock harder!

For tens of thousands of years man has been using tools - they are one of the motors of progress and the heart of industrial manufacturing.

#EISEN Innovation Award 2020: These are the winners of the hardware industry ‘Oscar’

The winners of the #EISEN Innovation-Award 2020 have been announced. Due to the Corona Pandemic, they were not presented at the trade fair this year as it had to be postponed, but at a digital event show. Many fans joined and celebrated during the live stream on August 6, 2020. Congratulations to the all winners!

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020: Trendsetter for innovative developments

At the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR from 1 to 4 March 2020, hardware manufacturers will once again ignite a firework of innovation. In the run-up to the fair, we have already asked exhibitors about trends and new products and give you a first taste of exciting novelties and future-oriented solutions from the fields of tools, industrial supplies, fastening and joining technology and home improvement.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020: Fully booked halls, outstanding exhibitors – secure your ticket now!

Great news: The entire exhibition area of the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 is fully booked. Visitors to the largest exhibition in the hardware sector can look forward to numerous innovations, stimulating lectures and top national and international players.

Strike when the iron is hot: e-commerce rock star Michael Atug

From tool trader in an rural German region to pioneer of online trading in the hardware sector - Michael Atug has turned into one of the most renowned experts in e-commerce. In the 1990s, he started with a stationary tool shop, today he inspires as a speaker and consultant.

Printing out the future

Tools, components and spare parts of all kinds: all this and more is increasingly generated layer by layer by help of a 3D printer. Additive manufacturing offers almost infinite possibilities to design objects from different materials and shows its strengths especially in rapid prototyping.

Intralogistics: the intelligent way to greater efficiency

The systematic recording of real requirements in internal logistics is still a relatively recent phenomenon – but this so-called intralogistics holds impressive potential for process optimization. Industry 4.0 and machine learning play a key role here.

Ready for the Future

Koelnmesse is building for the future: spacious buildings with 10,000 m2 additional exhibition space, fascinating digital technology and many new possibilities for inspiring trade fair experiences.

E-commerce at THE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR

Nowadays, the topic of e-commerce has become a permanent fixture in the hardware industry's list of necessary infrastructural measures. It’s a priority for a reason: the majority of customers will go online to read up on products, services and features or to compare prices – and might even already make a purchase decision.

The #EISENWARENMESSE and Cologne

...dating back to the post-war period. This was when the "Housewares and Hardware Fair" started, from which the "INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR" emerged in 1971 - as a separate event for the hardware industry. Take a look at the historical photos now!

These 3 trends inspire additive manufacturing

Much has happened in 3D printing in recent years: printers have not only become faster but also more precise, and as a result, even highly complex geometries can be produced with ease. New processes and materials open up unprecedented possibilities. Trends such as sustainability, innovative industrial applications and digitization are driving this future technology to further heights and pave the way for new business models.

Almost fully booked:

The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2018 was an enormous success all along the line. 2,770 exhibitors from 58 countries attended the trade fair in Cologne. Take your chance to present your products next year together with the biggest brands in the hardware industry.