Walking through the various halls at Interzum Cologne 2017 May 16-19 in Cologne, Germany, was a treat for the senses.
Everywhere you looked, there was something to admire.
Beth English
Managing Editor
As a first-time attendee, I enjoyed so much about this international show. All around us, conversations ebbed and flowed in various languages—some lilting, some guttural—all beautiful.
And, of course, the companies and components the BedTimes editors came to see were fascinating. If you want a taste of the latest and greatest that were on display, see the story on page 40.
But there’s something to be said for presentation—those little things that make a company memorable. So many went above and beyond and created booths that reflected the heart of their companies.
For example, Lodz, Poland-based Bowi-Styl’s booth showcased a 20-color wall hanging to show off the textile supplier’s stunning hues and used a machine to rotate bright, geometric fabric swatches that looked like art canvases.
Above the Devan Chemical booth, two striking chandeliers gave a natural but modern feel. When I commented on how much I liked them, staff members explained that they were a visual way to show what the Ronse, Belgium-based company does—a light bulb was shining through rows of test tubes with bamboo in them.
The LoveHomeFabrics booth achieved what Gregory Tack, brand manager for the Wielsbeke, Belgium-based group of companies, said they were hoping for: “We wanted it to be a relaxed place to come home to.” With greenery, trees, wood finishes and comfortable seating, the space, which contained a second level, was inviting and seemed to draw a steady stream of visitors.
Those who walked by Istanbul-based Aydin Tekstil’s booth were struck by a wall full of the names of their products with a cutout of a woman who cast a shadow behind, giving it a 3-D effect. It’s hard to describe, but, trust me, it was eye-catching and fun.
The colorful slats of Goodside from OKE Group GmbH, headquartered in Ummerstadt, Germany, ranged from hot pink and orange to bright blue. The theme carried throughout the space, with the vibrant hues underneath the steps leading to a second level.
Emil Stutznäcker GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Cologne, used a wall alongside its booth to display its quilting-like art. In the first framed piece, quilted wild horses galloped across a white backdrop. So fun!
Other companies incorporated technology to share their stories. Vita Talalay, headquartered in Maastricht, Netherlands, offered a virtual-reality look at a forest of rubber trees where its Talalay originates. With VR glasses on, you could turn your head and see a lush, green forest on all sides.
At innerspring supplier Agro, a pictorial history of the Bad Essen, Germany-based company was on display. But with the addition of an app-enabled tablet pointed at the pictures, it sprang to life, giving more information with video.
Clearly, that’s not all, and I’m sure my colleagues could create their own lists of little touches that intrigued them. To get a taste of some of what there was to see at Interzum, visit BedTimesMagazine.com and click the “Videos” button. You also can see some fun photos of a few of these notables and others on Twitter by searching @bedtimesmag #interzum.
I look forward to the next opportunity to see these suppliers in action at ISPA EXPO 2018 March 14-16 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s always a treat.
