Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2025 10 CONTENT OFFENSIVE: MORE PRESS, MORE KEYNOTES, MORE REACH The trade show significantly expanded its reach in the international media. The number of press conferences rose by 16%. At the same time, the conference program grew: with significantly more keynotes and high-profile speakers, the Innovation Stage and Dream Stage, among others, was fully booked throughout. The new Friday afternoon keynotes in particular caused a stir and attracted 50% more visitors than in 2024 – both nationally and internationally. IFA also set new standards for the creator community: The Creator Hub initiative attracted over 1,200 influencers and content creators to the content and topics at IFA – an increase of more than 50%. This also made IFA a platform for content creators, live streaming formats, and digital multipliers. NEW AND ESTABLISHED TRADE FAIR FORMATS CONTINUE TO GROW The new IFA Retail Leaders Summit celebrated a successful launch and attracted renowned international top retailers and tech companies – including, for example, Microsoft with a keynote speech. Microsoft will be more closely involved in future, along- side AMD. In addition, established and new formats such as Beauty Hub, Creator Hub, Communication & Connectivity Areas, and the Mobility Track impressed with clear curation, greater experiential value, and interactive activities. The spacious Outdoor Gardening & Cooking zones and the RoboCup also attracted thousands of visitors. IFA Moments, the trade fair's year-round highlight format, continued to evolve and became a must-see at this year's event – both at the exhibition grounds and throughout Berlin. IFA SOMMERGARTEN DELIGHTED YOUNG TARGET GROUPS The IFA Sommergarten once again proved a crowd puller, especially for Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and families. This was evidenced by sold-out events such as the Ikkimel & Friends Open Air Concert, with around 10,000 visitors, and the podcast duo from Fest & Flauschig, Jan Böhmermann and Olli Schulz. INTERNATIONAL APPEAL AND PROMINENT GUESTS With a noticeable increase in international media, retailers, distributors and start-ups, IFA strengthened its international presence. Once again, this year's guest list was impressive. In addition to leading politicians such as Dorothee Bär (Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space), Kai Wegner (Governing Mayor of Berlin), Franziska Giffey (Senator for Economics), and Robert Habeck (former vice-chancellor and federal minister for economic affairs and climate protection from 2021 to 2025), personalities from the worlds of sport and tech such as former national football player Bastian Schweinsteiger and tech blogger Sascha Pallenberg also visited the trade show. COMMENTS ON IFA 2025 Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Management GmbH, concluded, "IFA 2025 has once again demonstrated how closely technology, trade and culture are linked today. We are proud that IFA has once again become the meeting place for the international tech world this year and that we are setting new standards for international cooperation. IFA builds bridges and stands for innovation, connectivity, networking, and cosmopolitanism. This is precisely what makes it so attractive to exhibitors, visitors, and politicians alike. The fact that numerous exhibitors have already confirmed their participation for 2026 confirms that the new IFA concept is working. IFA 2025 impressively demonstrates the power of innovation – from technologies that make our everyday lives easier, to ideas that shape our future." Dr. Sara Warneke, managing director of GFU consumer & home electronics GmbH, added, "Thanks to our strong partnership with Clarion and the enormous commitment of the IFA Management team, IFA has initiated a transformation process in recent years that is clearly visible and noticeable throughout the exhibition grounds. For the global consumer and home tech industry, IFA is and remains the most important meeting place of the year." Industry representatives, partners, and exhibitors were also enthusiastic about the mix of B2B and B2C offerings, the high level of internationality, and the opportunity to initiate business deals directly on-site. (www.ifa-berlin.com/exhibitor-statements) OUTLOOK FOR 2026 IFA Berlin can already confirm new bookings for 2026, underlining its position as the world's leading trade show for home and consumer tech. In addition to industry giants such as LG Electronics, TCL and Vestel, numerous confirmations have already been received for renewed participation next September. This strong demand once again demonstrates the industry's confidence in the successful trade show concept, and shows that IFA continues to consolidate its position as a global meeting place for leading brands, innovators, trendsetters, and outstanding entrepreneurs. IFA 2026 will take place from September 4-8, 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. RO IFA 2025 — SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION

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