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Photokina 2020 Topic
  • Wednesday, May 27 - Saturday, May 30

    Probability of being cancelled - around 90%.

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  • PR

    The twinning arrangement between Cologne and Kyoto has been in place since 1963. It is characterised by an active exchange ranging from sports to art and culture. The economic relations are also close: the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, with Cologne as its largest metropolis, has long been one of the most important locations in Europe for Japan. More than 600 companies have settled here. photokina is also an integral component of the good connection with Japan. A delegation of the City of Cologne, Koelnmesse and the association of the photo industry (PIV) once again strengthened this bond during a visit to Tokyo.

    The Mayor of Cologne, Henriette Reker, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, Gerald Böse, and the Chairman of the PIV, Kai Hillebrandt, were warmly welcomed at a celebratory reception in the German Embassy in Tokyo by Ambassador Ina Lepel and high-ranking company representatives. Also among the guests were many representatives of the Japanese imaging industry, which can look forward to a big year in 2020:  the Olympic Games are taking place in Tokyo and, thanks to outstanding photo and film technology, people around the world can experience these up close. Many millions of snapshots and selfies by spectators and athletes will travel around the world in the social media. This is made possible by the achievements of imaging, the latest developments of which can be seen shortly before the start of the Olympic Games at photokina in Cologne.

    Manufacturers once again promise a fireworks display of new products at photokina

    Top exhibitors of photokina confirmed their commitment to phototkina 2020 in a personal discussion.

    "For many years, photokina has been the ideal platform for us to present our product innovations. The Imaging industry is facing big changes and challenges these days. In 2020, we will also be coming to Cologne with big expectations in the new photokina format and are looking forward to contributing with great innovations.", says Yosuke Yamane, Director Smart Life Network Business Division at Panasonic.

    Go Tokura, Chief Executive Officer Image Communication Business Operations at Canon confirms: "As the imaging industry is at a significant turning point, we expect photokina to be a leading show of the worldwide photo and imaging industry. Canon is eager to introduce new products and concept products at photokina, thereby contributing to the industry's success."

    Yosuke Aoki, Senior General Manager of the Marketing Division at Sony Imaging Products & Solutions shares these positive expectations: "Sony is very glad to be part of Photokina again next year. Photokina 2020 gives us the opportunity to present our latest innovations and to maintain a direct dialog with all Digital Imaging Lovers. Sony is looking forward to seeing you all in Cologne."

    Dynamic market development requires a dynamic trade fair platform

    For Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, the support from the motherland of imaging is indispensable for the success of photokina: "Japanese companies have decisively shaped the development of imaging technologies, just as they have also shaped the leading trade fair of the industry, photokina, for almost 70 years. In this time, we have mastered many challenges together, because the enthusiasm for images continues unabated. We are currently once again facing major changes. Which is why I am all the more pleased to have received many positive signals during this trip, showing how important photokina remains for industry representatives here in Japan."

    Kai Hillebrandt, Chairman of the photo industry association (PIV) emphasises the chances of a leading trade fair in times of transformation: "One thing is in any case clear for us: as dynamically as the market development is presenting itself, so dynamic must a trade fair concept and a trade fair platform also be. We, as an association, are convinced that photokina, as the leading trade fair of the industry, still offers the best prerequisites for this. Because, only at photokina in Cologne can we present all new products of our industry to a world of international specialists within a very short period of time and disseminate these worldwide via the media."

    Koelnmesse -- Global Competence in Digital Media, Entertainment and Mobility: Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising trade fairs in the Digital Media, Entertainment and Mobility segments. Trade fairs like photokina, DMEXCO, gamescom, gamescom asia, INTERMOT and THE TIRE COLOGNE are established as leading international trade fairs. Koelnmesse not only organises trade fairs in these areas in Cologne, but also in other growth markets like, for example, China, Singapore and Thailand, which have different areas of focus and content. These global activities offer customers of Koelnmesse tailor-made events in different markets, which guarantee sustainable and international business.

    The next events:

    photokina - IMAGING UNLIMITED, Cologne 27.05. - 30.05.2020

  • image

    Not too much left.

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  • The three victorious camera manufacturers at the bottom?

  • Fujifilm

    After considering exhibiting from an overall perspective, including the launch timing of several exciting new products next year, our sales promotion plans, and cost effectiveness, we have decided not to take part in photokina 2020. We will continue to engage with our customers through other avenues including hands-on, interactive events, increasing opportunities to demonstrate the outstanding value and capability of our products and services directly to users, and strengthening the digital presence of our products. The number one priority for Fujifilm is and always will be our customers, and we will continue to make decisions based on the best ways to engage with our community.

  • So how much is caused by the declined market versus the Photokina alterations to the schedule of the show.

    Going to an annual schedule was clearly not the thing to do.

  • Going to an annual schedule was clearly not the thing to do.

    Photokina investors saw that other exhibitions feel quite good, hence the idea.

  • The organization also confirmed Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, and Leica will not be present at the event because of financial reasons. But Leica may show up with some “different” presence

    The Photokina organization held an event in Cologne and clearly stated that they expect no cancelation of the event because of the Coronavirus Outbreak.

  • Cancelled again

    The management team of Koelnmesse has decided not to organise any own events on the part of Koelnmesse until the end of June 2020 – including the photokina. This decision is supported by the crisis management team of the City of Cologne, which also recommended in its meeting on 18.03.2020 to cancel the trade fairs during this period of time.

    This also happens against the background of the agreement reached on 16.03.2020 between the German federal government and the governments of the German states – laying down common guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus epidemic and explicitly including the general closure of trade fairs and exhibitions. This impairs the planning security for Koelnmesse and the participants of the trade fairs in Cologne far beyond the scope of the current scenarios.

    This decision also includes the cancellation of photokina, which was planned for 27 to 30 May 2020. The cancellation is also valid for the Imaging Innovation Conference for 26 May 2020. A new date will be coordinated.

    We have also received enquiries from you about health and safety at the trade fair ground. The health of all trade fair participants is our top priority.

    Added to this is the uncertainty of numerous customers and the complicated travel situation. Against this background it is currently not possible for us to offer a global business and community platform for the imaging industry in the usual quality.

    The next photokina will take place in Cologne 18 to 21 May 2022. The 2022 orientation gives us enough time to design the next photokina according to the needs of the market, our exhibitors and visitors.

    All paid tickets will be refunded. Koelnmesse will arrange this centrally in the coming weeks. There is nothing further for you to do.

    Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the photokina team.

  • In 2022 there will perhaps not be a need in the market. :-p

  • @EspenB

    Well, someone still will be required to document all corpses, not much workplaces and not pleasant job, but I am sure that Philip Bloom will be able to master some nice testing video out of this.