For its 50th anniversary, Inhorgenta Munich presented itself as more modern, diverse and international than ever from February 16 to 19, 2024. The increased number of exhibitors and visitors indicated the success of the new approach. With 870 exhibitors from 37 countries, Inhorgenta has recorded a significant exhibitor growth of nine per cent and a five per cent increase in visitors compared to the previous year.
Inhorgenta 2025 will focus on further internationalization, with India as the partner country. At the press conference, Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, and Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director, spoke with Stephan Lindner, President of the German Jewelers’ Trade Association, about current developments in the industry.
Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, expressed confidence and optimism about the future of the leading platform for jewelry, watches, and gemstones: “with new spirit and a high-quality look and feel, Europe’s leading industry platform for jewelry, watches and gemstones has set the course for a successful future”.
“The German watch and jewelry trade continues to surpass previous records, with sales reaching 5.32 billion euros and a slight increase of 0.3 percent” declared Stephan Lindner, President of the German watch and jewelry trade (BVJ). Advisory board member Anja Heiden, CEO of the Jewellery Division at Wempe and member of the Inhorgenta Award jury, also took part in the press conference, expressing enthusiasm.
Press Conference
From the left: Laura Astrologo Porché and Stefanie Mändlein
From the left: Stefan Rummel, Albert Ruppenthal, Stefanie Mändlein, Anja Heiden, Stephan Lindner
Inhorgenta Munich received positive feedback from visitors, primarily trade professionals with decision-making authority. The majority rated the event as good to excellent and most believe its importance will either increase or remain the same. The exhibition’s restructuring was also praised. Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, explained: “INHORGENTA is held at one of the best exhibition venues in the world with an excellent infrastructure. During my three days here, I saw how much visitors appreciate all that’s on offer. I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the watch brands. The range of gemstones is also of high quality. I am delighted to be here again and congratulate the trade fair management on this great success and am convinced there is still a lot of potential.” The strong economic situation in the sector contributed to the success of Inhorgenta. Looking ahead to Inhorgenta 2025, India will be the guest country, presenting great opportunities for international collaboration.
Stefan Rummel and Nirav Bhansali (GJEPC) at the Press Conference
The event also featured special activities focusing on Indian jewelry history and craftsmanship. The 50th-anniversary celebration included glamorous events, an Award Ceremony and presentations by over 50 speakers from various continents. The Inhorgenta Award recognized outstanding creations in different categories.
“The INHORGENTA AWARD is our way of providing a great stage for exceptional creations from the jewelry, timepiece and gemstone industry—a piece of jewelry by a newcomer, a special piece of jewelry by an established brand or, for the first time this year, the ‘Luxury Watch of the Year’ category,” as Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, explained.
The winners of the Inhorgenta Award 2024
Hans D. Krieger – “Fine Jewelry of the Year”
Hans D. Krieger, ergonomic earrings
Autore – “High Jewelry of the Year”
Autore Pearls, Enchantress Necklace, Ophidia collection
Seinerzeit Flora & Fauna – “Fashion Jewelry of the Year”
Yana Nesper – “Designer of the Year”
Thea Thiessen (Juwelier Laufer) – “Design Newcomer of the Year”
Porsche Design – “Watch Design of the Year”
Josef Michel – “Gemstone Design of the Year”
Lang & Heyne – “Luxury Watch of the Year”
The next edition of INHORGENTA is scheduled for February 21 to 24, 2025, in Munich.
The Jury
Renowned personalities testify to the quality of the INHORGENTA AWARD: watch expert Gisbert L. Brunner, jewelry designer Leo Eberlin (Leo Mathild), Sarah Fabergé (Director of Special Projects Fabergé), Anja Heiden (Member of the WEMPE Executive Board), Martin Julier (Head of Gemlab Bucherer), designer Patrik Muff, founder and editor-in-chief Katerina Perez, Christoph Stelzer (Dfrost, retail specialist) and, new this year, British jewelry designer and company owner Stephen Webster and Zurab Zazashvili (founder & CEO of swisswatches.media).
Inhorgenta Jury
Inhorgenta 2024 was a brilliant edition, attracting a diverse range of exhibitors and attendees from around the globe. The atmosphere was charged with innovation, creativity and a palpable enthusiasm. Looking ahead, Inhorgenta will offer even more opportunities for the industry and all aficionados.
Discover more @ inhorgenta.com
Article edited by Laura Astrologo Porché
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