Photokina Messeplatz 1 50679 Köln Allemagne
On 18th September 2012, the world's largest and most important ordering event for the international photography and imaging sector will once again open its doors in Cologne. It's already certain that all of the market-relevant companies will present their products and services to an international audience at the World of Imaging. Never before have almost all of the major imaging companies - ranging from Canon, Epson and Leica to Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sigma and Lowepro - registered to take part in photokina so far in advance.
This means that photokina 2012 will once again present the complete spectrum of the global imaging market. photokina's organizers - Koelnmesse and the Photographic Industry Association - expect approximately 1,200 suppliers from more than 40 countries to attend the fair in 2012. More than 180,000 visitors from over 160 countries attended the World of Imaging in 2010.
Visitors to photokina will encounter many new features in 2012. The most striking change is the new look of the leading imaging fair.
The previous key motif characterizing the image of photokina will be replaced by a new image that will literally give the fair a new face. The motif will consist of a closeup of a woman's eye, set against an elegant background. The new look will be supplemented by a specially developed light script depicting the claim of photokina - world of imaging. The rest of photokina's brand image has also been revised and standardized as part of this modernization measure. The fair will also feature changes to its content next year. For example, it will take greater account of the fact that more and more photographers are using their cameras to not only take photos but also make videos. In order to draw the public's attention more strongly to this segment, the organizers are planning to set up an event area that will serve as a central meeting place where the latest products from this segment will be presented. The video recording capabilities of today's cameras will be showcased with the help of large-format video presentations. The overall activities will be supported by an interactive infotainment forum.
Trend topic : Mobile imaging Another trend topic that photokina has been actively showcasing for several years is mobile imaging, which involves the taking of photographs with cell phones and smartphones. Thanks to the success of iPhones and similar products, the mobile imaging sector has greatly expanded to become an important segment of photography. photokina 2012 will focus on this topic in a special area where visitors will be able to experience mobile imaging in a fun and exciting way and try out as many applications as possible. At a related forum, visitors will be given exciting background information that will not only be of interest to end consumers but also show how the market can provide the specialist trade with a variety of opportunities for boosting turnover.
A new home for top-class photography exhibitions Exhibitions of impressive photography by established and emerging professional photographers will find a new home at photokina 2012 - on the Boulevard of Competitions. This boulevard will encompass many separate exhibitions by the winners of leading international professional photography competitions. The Boulevard of Competitions will be located in the northern section of the Boulevard. It will ensure that the exhibitions, some of which were formerly displayed in the Visual Gallery, will attract even more attention from visitors. Offers for imaging professionals and the international specialist trade In 2012, photokina will of course once again feature a comprehensive range of offers for imaging professionals and the international specialist trade. The successful offerings in the areas of computer-generated imaging, fine art printing and telescopic lenses (The Wider View - Look and See) will naturally be continued and further expanded. That also applies to the "Meet the Professionals" area and to the Communities section that was very successfully launched in 2010. In addition, the international specialist trade will be able to use a state-of-the-art Buyers Lounge and attend the GfK Market Briefings to obtain in-depth background information about new sales opportunities.
Up-and-coming imaging professionals will meet at photokina Young up-and-coming professionals will also get their due at photokina, since next year's trade fair will once again feature a special offer for college students: "photokina Meets Academy". Colleges and academies with photography and design departments still have time until 31st December 2011 to apply for one of the coveted stand areas in this segment. Here they will be able to present themselves and their students' talents to international trade visitors at photokina 2012 - World of Imaging. It's already becoming clear that this event will attract many participants from Germany and abroad.
Cologne brings photography to life
Needless to say, Cologne and the surrounding region will once again enthusiastically join in the imaging activities in September 2012. One of these will be "photokina: cologne takes photographs!", which will be held next year for the third time. The unique platform it creates will extend the topic of photography far beyond the exhibition centre and into the city of Cologne. Numerous activities, including photo workshops, photo shoots, exhibitions and events focusing on special motifs will invite photo enthusiasts, amateur photographers, beginners and professionals to take out their cameras and examine the possibilities that photography has to offer.