04/13

ISH remains more successful than ever – the world's largest industrial exhibition for innovative bathroom design, energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning technology, as well as renewable energies, ended with increases in all key benchmark figures. From 12 to 16 March 2013, 2,434 exhibitors (2011: 2,382) showcased their new products – many of them for the first time in the world – over an area of 258,000 square metres (2011: 255,900). During the five days of the fair, a total of around 190,000 visitors took stock of the innovations of the world's leading manufacturers, a good third of the visitors came from outside Germany.  

"The figures are impressive proof of the internationally dominant position of ISH as the leading world trade fair for the combination of water and energy," says Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt. "In terms of all the important criteria such as quality of products, exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the level of internationality, ISH is the unchallenged number one in its field." 

 

A delighted Jens Wischmann, Managing Director of the Association of the German Sanitary Industry (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft e.V. / VDS), takes stock of the event: "Particularly noticeable were the numbers of international participants attending and the excellent preparation of the visitors for the show. Interest was directed not only at the many and varied new products, but increasingly at the philosophy behind the manufacturers' products, brands and bathroom concepts. Once again, and quite specifically this year, ISH showed itself to be the leading world trade fair and an indispensible source of inspiration for the bathroom sector, both national and international.  

 

As the organisers, we were particularly pleased about the very positive response to the premiere of our Pop up my Bathroom Atelier forum. It shows that the ISH is the place where the bathroom is – and must – be talked about – by and in dialogue with bathroom builders, product designers, architects and marketing experts. Not just at the exhibition centre, but in social networks, design blogs and general interest media as well. The ISH 2013 thus proved that, when it comes to the topic of bathrooms, it is very definitely capable of boosting public awareness – a path which, in future, will only serve to increase its significance as the sector's trendsetter and idea engine." 

 

This year's "Pop up my Bathroom" trend forum was another source of inspiration – and a much-photographed attraction. Dedicated to the theme of "My Personal Needs", it developed three different types of bathroom intended to cater to users' future requirements. In the run-up to the ISH 2013, the three bathroom types "Bathroom Bubble", "Busy Bathroom" and "Bathroom (R)Evolution" were staged in vivid scenographies and photographed on behalf of the VDS. During the trade fair itself, the VDS portrayed the trend topics reflected in the different types of bathroom – retreat, communication and ergonomics – in three lavish installations. The scenarios that arose during the photo shoot were illustrated in a scenography reminiscent of pop-up books.  

 

The next ISH will take place in Frankfurt am Main from 10th to 14th March 2015.