FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cologne, Germany/Chicago, USA – May, 2016
HOW TO GET READY FOR photokina 2016
Every two years, the movers and shakers in the camera industry join the seasoned industry professionals at photokina. This event is the world’s largest for the photographic and imaging industries. Many photographic and imaging companies use photokina to introduce and showcase state-of-the-art imaging products. The show dates are September 20-25, 2016 in Cologne, Germany.
Hundreds of North American photo imaging retailers, distributors, imaging professionals and photographers regularly attend this event to source the latest in camera equipment, accessories, kiosk software, scrapbooking, lab options and printing equipment.
More than 1,000 exhibitors from all over the world are expected to showcase their photo/imaging products and services during the 37th edition of photokina. Among the major players attending this year’s photokina will be:
DJI, Atomos, Arri, Leica, Hasselblad, Phase One, San Disk, Nikon, Olympus, Epson, Ricoh, Carl Zeiss, Manfrotto, DNP, Noritsu, Mitsubishi, Hahnemuehle, Canon, Profoto, Fujifilm, Cewe, HP, Sigma, Tamron, Rollei, Sony, Blackmagic, Polaroid, Haehnel, Bresser, Doerr, Ringfoto, Europafoto, Panasonic, Kodak and GoPro.
Besides the regular exhibit spaces, photokina offers a comprehensive program for professional photographers, the photo trade and amateurs seeking to advance their skills and upgrade their equipment. Stage events featuring the latest equipment will showcase action cameras as well as drones, multicopters, mobile solutions and the latest apps. Hall 6 will feature copters and an indoor obstacle challenge course. Hall 9.1 will present the latest solutions in “Social Media”, “Connectivity”, “Mobile Apps” and “Action Cams” – in addition the photokina action hall will showcase action cameras performing under “live” conditions.
Travel:
Book your flight early enough to take advantage of lower rates. Economy class tickets from the East Coast start at $ 1,000. All major North American Airlines offer service to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). The airport has its own train station. High speed Inter-City Express (ICE) trains run three times per hour and will take you to downtown Cologne in a little more than 50 minutes – one way tickets cost about $ 60.
Entrance ticket /Show Hours:
Discounted entrance tickets ordered online offer a 35% discount. 2-day passes can be purchased for 53 EURO or $ 60. The pass for all days costs EURO 84 or $ 96. Pre-registration will start on May 9th at http://www.photokina.com/photokina/For-everyone/Ticket/index.php
Entrance tickets provide you with free transportation on buses and subways during all show days. photokina is open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. including the last day. The six day show will commence on Tuesday, September 20th and end on Sunday, September 25.
Staying in Cologne:
Pre-booked hotel rooms in Cologne are available via our New York based travel partner, TTI Travel, at 212.674.3476 or customerservice@traveltradeint.com. TTI holds a wide variety of room blocks in Cologne and offers advice to North American attendees to Cologne on the hotels’ proximity to the fairgrounds. The travel agency provides maps, commuting tips to the fairgrounds, and a list of Cologne restaurants.
Pre-show preparation:
Use the exhibitor listing at www.photokina-cologne.com to plan your trip and search out the companies you would like to visit. You can sort the listing by product category or geography. We recommend making pre-show appointments via photokina’s “online matchmaking services”, a service available six weeks prior to the event. Take some time to learn about products and competition prior to visiting photokina – Make a list of companies you plan to visit and organize it by hall saving you time during your show visit.
On-site:
photokina takes place at the fifth largest fairgrounds worldwide. The halls are connected via a central “Boulevard” providing a main artery to all 10 halls. Exhibitors at photokina are easy to find in clearly categorized and marked halls.
Use your cell phone camera for recording images of products and people you meet. It will help you to organize your follow up! Take advantage of the International Buyers’ Lounge at the Congress Center East. The Buyers Lounge provides detailed trade fair and product information, cell phone charger stations, and PCs with Internet access. The Lounge is open daily between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes, the aisles in Cologne are not carpeted!
Things to do in Cologne:
Leave some time to visit the attractions Cologne has to offer, such as the famous Cathedral (Dom), a visit to the Old town “Altstadt” consisting of a large row of unique restaurants and bars. Feel like a hearty dinner and a taste of the locally brewed beer? Try one of the Brauhauses where you will meet people from all over the world during photokina. Recommended ones are Paeffgen, Frueh and Peters Brauhaus.
For more information contact Darrin Stern, 773-326-9925 or d.stern@koelnmessenafta.com
About Koelnmesse, Inc.
Koelnmesse, Inc. is the Chicago- based subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH,. The Koelnmesse group organizes more than 75+ trade shows in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Our office serves as the main contact for North American exhibitors, attendees, media and trade associations interested in taking part in Koelnmesse events. We assist North American companies and attendees in all their planning steps towards participation in our show programs. We work with a broad network of selected suppliers offering services such as: travel, product shipping, customs handling, booth construction & design, pre-show preparation and attendance procedure.
