Craft Focus - April/May 2020 (Issue 78)

60 ON TOP OF THE WORLD Michael Reichhold, director of Creativeworld, looks back on the success of this year’s show Was Creativeworld 2020 a success? Yes, it was a thorough success. With 369 manufacturers from 40 countries and 9,201 trade visitors from 102 nations, it was larger and more international than ever before. There’s, worldwide, no comparable event anywhere, with such a range of products from all over the globe. The entire industry meets up here in Frankfurt to discuss all things creative. The workshops and product demonstrations bring the halls to life, whilst at the same time, exhibitors have their diaries full of business meetings with partners and customers, both from Germany and the rest of the world. Exhibitors confirm that the mix of products, knowledge transfer and trends is working well, with 82 per cent satisfied or very satisfied. The results from visitors even outstrip these figures, with 97 per cent of trade visitors also satisfied that they have achieved their show objectives. Were there any standout moments? The presentation ceremony for the Creative Impulse Award is always a special moment. It’s where the best products, tools, kits, books and artists’ requisites are honoured. This year was the first time that we have awarded a prize to the most sustainable product amongst all the entries. Sustainability was also more in evidence than in previous years, overall. Manufacturers are thinking twice about both packaging materials and methods of production. At the time of the Fridays for Future movement, this is a really good sign. Retail has changed enormously in recent years – how has the show adapted to stay relevant? For us as trade fair organisers, it’s important to invite people from all forms of the wholesale and retail trade worldwide, so that we can offer our exhibitors new sales opportunities. As a result, we serve the entire spectrum of retail, wholesale and online companies, including building supplies stores and garden centres, together with megastores in the creative sector and DIY markets. Wholesalers meet all the key German and international players. Moreover, they have the benefit of our special display areas, such as those for the Creativeworld SAVE THE DATE Creativeworld 2021 30 th January – 2 nd February creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com “There’s, worldwide, no comparable event anywhere, with such a range of pr oducts fr om al l over the globe. The entire industry meets up here in Frankfurt to discuss al l things creative.”