Five Tips for Tackling IMM Cologne Furniture Fair

From Design Week in Cologne to a platform for young designers, IMM is action-packed with new product.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 1/7/2009

The [d3] platform for young designers in 2008. Photo courtesy of IMM Cologne

In the design circle, the next must-attend trade show is annual international furnishings event IMM Cologne, running January 19-25. Held at the Koelnmesse exhibition center in Cologne, Germany, IMM features 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries.

Left: The Stingray Veneer rocking chair, designed by Thomas Pedersen, and available through Fredericia Furniture was a 2008 Interior Innovation Award winner. Photo courtesy of Dezeen.com

Although not as big as the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan,  this is one big fair: In 2008, over 100,000 attendees (36 percent from abroad, 130 countries) soaked up new products ranging from wooden and upholstered furniture to home accessories, textiles, carpets, and lighting. We're here to help: Here are five tips for getting the most out of IMM.

1. Pick up a Copy of IMM Cologne's Hit Guide
If you are looking for a way to narrow down the list of booths you need to visit, fair organizers have released a handy pocket-sized selection of products making their debut. Although geared for members of the press, it can be downloaded online. With color illustrations, you can even make your picks before you get to the fair.

2. Find out the Winners of the Interior Innovation Awards
What will make waves in 2009? Each year, an international panel of design experts make their picks for the Interior Innovation Awards. The winning products are announced the first day of the fair and posted online.

3. Check out the [d3] Platform for Young and Independent Designers
Often the most cutting-edge innovation comes from young designers just bursting on the scene. IMM's [d3] Platform in Hall 3.1 is the place this happens.

4. Relax in Stephen Burks’ Composite Lounge
Located in hall 11, designer Stephen Burks' Composite Lounge is an artistic exploration of the conflict between mass production and ecological design. Street lamps and dumpsters compliment the designer seating in the installation-like setting, making for an interesting place to catch up with a colleague.

5. Go to Design Week in Cologne: Passagen 2009
In the heart of Cologne, special events will highlight the work of over 150 international designers and manufacturers, including the likes of Jasper Morrison, Gaetano Pesce, Tom Dixon, Ron Arad, Patricia Urquiola, Giulio Cappellini, and Roberto Gavazzi. Held in conjunction with IMM, Passagen 2009 will include a designers fair, a designers lounge, and tons of launches and special events. Visit Buro Sabine Voggenreiter for complete details. Events are listed on the left, and include a description in English when you scroll to the bottom.