B2B events organised by trendfairs remain indispensable, business-effective multipliers for the entire kitchen and furnishing industry.

With Christopher Boss taking over as managing director of trendfairs GmbH (Fürth) – the organiser of renowned industry events such as area30, swiss interior expo (siex), World of Fireplaces and küchenwohntrends – the turn of the year has brought both change and continuity. On the one hand, Boss wants to and will set new standards and drive forward innovative developments in the formats, while on the other hand, the experienced trade fair manager will retain the characteristic 'DNA' and success story.

The new year is off to a challenging and energetic start for the trendfairs team and the kitchen, living and furnishing industries it serves and works with. Preparations are already in full swing for the upcoming, well-established B2B event area30, which will take place from 19 to 24 September 2026 in Löhne, Germany.

The trade fair, which takes place during the autumn kitchen season, plays an extremely important role for the European kitchen industry, and especially for the German market. Although this segment of the industry has coped best with the current very tense economic situation compared to the furnishing sector as a whole, kitchen purchases and all replacement purchases are directly linked to the construction industry. In the context of the expected upturn in 2026, the upcoming area30 will provide important and decisive business impetus for companies.

The trade fair offers the best conditions for successful business, intensive matchmaking and networking. Numerous new developments are constantly being premiered here, and the density of innovations is as unrivalled as the number of market leaders, exhibitors and brands in one place. The trade fair date and the excellently integrated location make area30 the most visited and very popular event centre in the annually organised kitchen autumn in East Westphalia. For the approximately 12,000 trade visitors, visiting this industry highlight and the round about 200 exhibitors and brands is an almost personal and familiar experience with first-class services – which further enhances the appeal of area30.

For Johannes Artmayr, Managing Director of Strasser Steine, his renewed participation is therefore surely set: "For Strasser Steine, it has been confirmed that area30 is the trade fair where decisions for the coming year are made. Not least because all the major market players are represented at this fair. It is impressive that the already considerable influx of visitors has been surpassed once again. We are clearly noticing that we are (...) making ever better progress in the German market."

In addition to many others, the well-known regular exhibitors – including Naber, Quooker and Systemceram – have confirmed their commitment to the B2B event. Managing Director Lasse Naber, an enthusiastic fan of area30 since the very beginning, explains: "The industry's leading trade fair offers us the ideal platform to present our high-quality kitchen accessories (...). We have been part of the area30 family for many years and, in addition to the commercial success, we particularly appreciate the unique atmosphere and excellent service."

Global player Häfele is also clearly convinced of the success in Löhne and has now announced its renewed participation for 2026. Organiser trendfairs was particularly pleased with the commitment of kitchen manufacturer Rempp Küchen, which on the one hand sharpens the profile of area30 as a specialist trade fair for the industry and on the other hand complements the exhibitor portfolio in a way that attracts visitors.

The trendfairs team is also already busy planning for swiss interior expo, the trade fair for furnishing and kitchens, which will take place in Bern from 9 to 11 November 2026. The biennial event is the only one of its kind in Switzerland – and is also clearly focused on the affluent Swiss market. With demand on the rise and bookings looking good, the trade fair is set to grow significantly this year and further strengthen its unique position.

The well-known brands Bora and Woodcoat (Fust AG) will celebrate their trade fair debut in the Swiss capital in 2026, while the equally interesting companies Liebherr, Quooker and V-Zug will be presenting themselves to visitors for the second time. In addition, various kitchen furniture manufacturers from Switzerland, Germany and Italy have confirmed their participation. Last but not least, innovative software providers are becoming increasingly important at siex, including Carat, Palette CAD and SHD.

"As a tailor-made event for trade visitors with a focus on kitchens and furnishings, swiss interior expo is a wonderful stage for Liebherr. Here we can present our products and talk to dealers," says Fabio Franchella, Sales Manager Switzerland at Liebherr-Export AG, with conviction. Quooker has also already confirmed its participation, and Sven Breitenmoser, Managing Director of Quooker Switzerland AG, is optimistic about siex: "After our successful participation in 2024, we know how valuable a trade fair in this exclusive environment is for the industry. (...) swiss interior expo offers an ideal platform to present our innovations."

But siex is becoming particularly important for the commercial property sector and specialist furniture retailers. Unlike in neighbouring Germany, kitchen fittings, with their complex planning and installation work, are only just beginning to become a lucrative business area for retailers in Switzerland. Architects and planners are also showing considerable interest in and demand for such a trade fair platform – siex has therefore hit the mark with its concept and demonstrated perfect timing.

The opposite seems to be true for commercial projects, where kitchens have long been an important part of overall home planning. Swiss commercial contractors are therefore among the most important visitor groups at siex.

For Christopher Boss and his experienced team, the upcoming trade fairs offer a bright conceptual outlook and promising prospects for the 2026 trade fair year. "I am delighted not only to be taking over a well-established team, but would also like to take this opportunity to once again express my sincere thanks to Michael Rambach. The events are perfectly positioned in the market and their concepts meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors alike. Our focus is now on making the events future-proof, anticipating in the market developments and reflecting them in appropriate formats."

Facts & figures

Trade visitors
Around 12,000 trade visitors from 61 countries
Ranking: Germany (78%), Netherlands (9%), Belgium (2%), Austria (2%), Switzerland (1%), Italy (1%)

Exhibitors / Brands
180 exhibitors and brands

Product range
Accessories, Acoustics, Bathroom furniture, Benches, Chairs, Cooperation partners, Dining room furniture, Electrical household appliances, Extractor hoods, Fittings, Institutions / associations, Interior fittings, Kitchen furniture, Light, Media and publishers, Furniture, Niche rear walls, Outdoor furniture, Outdoor kitchens, Services, Sinks, Smart home, Software / IT, Suppliers, Tables, Trade press, Utility room, Waste systems, Worktops

Next Show
19 to 24 September 2026

Press images area30

Download current press release