In September, IFA Berlin plans the first, full-scale, “real-life” consumer electronics and home appliance show. Recognizing that the world is still entrenched in the social-distanced lifestyle, the show will highlight brands that emphasize the importance of the home environment. The smart home is an integral part of this “new normal.”
The last time IFA held a similar event in 2019, more than 70 international companies presented their connected home solutions at IFA Smart Home in an 13,000-square-foot exhibition area dedicated exclusively to this rising category. Sectors represented included digital home control using speech, gestures and expressions; intelligent security systems; and smart grids.
Additionally, expect to see a stronger presence of health and wellness brands at IFA Berlin 2021. “Consumers are health-conscious, active like never before and looking for solutions that help them maintain their physical and mental health and well-being.”
“The past 12 months have completely redefined the relationship between people and their homes. They have changed how we eat and live, what we expect from our kitchens and all the other home comforts that we need and want,” says Jens Heithecker, IFA Executive Director and Executive Vice President of Messe Berlin. “We have seen a significant increase in consumer demand across many home appliances segments – large and small. However, our world is now emerging from the pandemic, and already there are first signs of a subtle but marked evolution of what people expect from their homes. As always, innovation is anticipating, supporting and driving these trends. That’s why this year’s IFA is so important: It will be a showcase for the technologies that will allow us to live our best work and home lives in the years ahead.”
IFA 2021 takes place September 3-7.
