ZEG Signed Attendance Deal with Ifma

COLOGNE, Germany (Nov 23) – Both on Eurobike and Ifma 2005 there have been several rumours: will Cologne-based buyers group ZEG continue its cooperation with Ifma or not? Rumours also indicated that ZEG’s hesitation might be rooted in a discussion about how much the buyers group exactly has to pay for the exhibition space on the new fairground. A big issue especially for Ifma organizer Kölnmesse. While according to Ifma they are “the leading bicycle business show in Europe” it is also a fact that over the last couple of years they lost several exhibitors to competitor Eurobike. To fight back the Ifma organizer is counting on its new fairground. Ifma 2006 (14.-17.9.) will be the first show edition being held on there. Now ZEG signed a contract for the next five years. The expo attendance deal with Ifma will attract other bicycle companies to follow – especially those that are doing business with Europe’s largest bicycle buyers group (approximately 900 IBD members). Their Ifma attendance is now a kind of must. And the list of ZEG suppliers such as Abus, Cycleurope, Derby Cycle, Gazelle, Giant, Hercules, Kettler, KTM, Pantherwerke and Puky is long… A happy Kölnmesse-GM Oliver P. Kuhrt is quoted with: “When Europe’s largest purchasing association for the bicycle sector declares its loyalty to Ifma for the long term, it is a clear vote of confidence in the trade fair’s content, concept and overall conditions. I am sure this signal will convince not only current exhibitors, but also potential new exhibitors, that Ifma is the event that can best serve their needs.” ZEG chairman Georg Honkomp says: “The new Kölnmesse trade fair halls, the perfect conditions offered by Cologne as a trade fair location, the clear structure, the impressive concept and outstanding atmosphere at Ifma for doing business – based on these factors, ZEG has decided to take part in Ifma in Cologne for the next five years.” (JB)