By David Ruetz, Head of IFA
A warm welcome to IFA 2022. Over 1,100 exhibitors. Over 45 countries. Over 150,000 sqm of floor space occupied across our showgrounds. These are just some of the encouraging statistics we were able to communicate at our IFA 2022 Opening Press Conference. We are very proud of the entire #IFA2022 team and everyone who has worked so hard to help make this all happen. Given the circumstances of the past two years, I think that it is safe to say we are back stronger than ever, with a diverse and dynamic programme of events.
This year we have lined up a series of thought-provoking keynote speeches, delivered by prominent international decision-makers from the fields of consumer electronics, home appliances and related industries. Starting at 10am in Hall 23, Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm, will be giving this year’s opening keynote speech on how new experiences are coming to virtually every connected device, from PCs to extended reality devices and cars.
For those of you like me who are keen to know what the future holds, the IFA NEXT area in Hall 20 is the place. Here, research institutes, start-ups, associations and other experts from industry and science will be taking to the stage over the coming days to try and answer this question and present some of the latest disrupting technologies.
Also high on this morning’s agenda is SHIFT Mobility who will be welcoming visitors at 9:30am, to learn about the most promising visions, future trends and breakthroughs in the field of mobility. This novel global platform brings together critical minds, cutting-edge scientists, game-changers, inventors, C-level company representatives and start-ups from across the industry.
Whether you are looking for inspiration or simply want to take a break, why not visit the Berlin Photo Week which has pulled together a complete programme, combining contemporary and traditional photography, from young talents to seasoned MAGNUM photographers.
In the afternoon, don’t miss our panel on Gender Equality starting at 3pm in Messe Berlin’s Marshall House, after which the audience will be invited to join the debate, pose questions and present their own ideas in order to promote gender equality and diversity.
After three years of high-speed digital transformation that has changed how we work, live and play, the world’s leading tech brands have returned to Berlin to showcase their latest technologies and take on the challenges of tomorrow. I believe this year’s show is taking place at a crucial moment in time, because it is more important than ever for the industry to come together face-to-face and reconnect. So it is with great pleasure that I say “Ready, Steady, Show”.
