The World’s Largest Tech Fair Is Packed with Innovation

IFA Berlin, the world’s leading trade fair for consumer electronics and home appliances has started. The first events were held as the two media days setting the stage ahead of Friday, September 6, when the event will open its doors to trade visitors and consumers from all around the world.

This is a special year for IFA, as the trade fair celebrates its 100th anniversary. Once again, the world’s top tech companies have come to Berlin to show their latest and greatest innovations and technologies; the five-day fair is fully booked, with more than 1,800 exhibitors packing the halls at the Messe Berlin fairgrounds. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will speak at the Opening Gala on Thursday evening and experience some of the innovations on show when he walks the halls of IFA on Friday morning. IFA for its part is celebrating “100Moments” of cultural and technological highlights.

The famous Sommergarten is also making a return to glory, with rock legend Bryan Adams kicking off concerts and events that include the comeback of chart-topping dance music band Faithless. AI and Sustainability are the big themes of IFA 2024 Starting 100 years ago as an exhibition for radio equipment, IFA now stands for Innovation For All – and that’s also the focus of the more than 150 thought leaders, innovators, and technology pioneers who will give keynotes and speak on panel events from September 6 – 10.

Innovation is shaping our world like never before, and this year’s big themes at IFA are AI, sustainability, connectivity, fitness & digital health, and content creation. On Sunday, Alef Aeronautics will also demonstrate the world’s first real flying car.  Visitors will be able to discover what the world’s big tech brands and manufacturers will bring to market between now and the crucial shopping period ahead of Black Friday, Singles Day, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.

At IFA Next, meanwhile, they can watch the Pitch Battles between innovative start-ups, and explore their ideas and cutting-edge products; this year, there will be a special focus on South Korea, which is the IFA NEXT Innovation Partner Country for 2024. IFA Global Markets - Europe’s largest b2b sourcing show for OEMs and ODMs – also makes its return to STATION Berlin this year. Market uncertainties – and opportunities IFA 2024 is taking place at a time when the global economy is still in recovery mode, but continues to face a broad range of challenges.

“2024 will once again be a year full of challenges, ranging from inflation and higher interest rates to slow growth and, unfortunately, wars and political uncertainty. Despite all these negative influences, we see opportunities for positive developments in our sectors, especially during the second half of this year. As the world's most important trade show for consumer and home electronics, IFA will play its role in creating positive momentum in both national and international markets. We are convinced that IFA will continue to be the world's most important platform for consumer electronics and home appliances. Thanks to its powerful mix of sectors and exhibitors, IFA will continue to prove itself as a sustainable driver of growth and innovation in its anniversary year,” said Sara Warneke, Managing Director of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics, owner of the trademark IFA.

Leif Lindner, the CEO of IFA Berlin, highlighted the continuing huge popularity of IFA Berlin, pointing to the strong demand from exhibitors and sharply higher registrations from international media. “IFA has always been and will always be at the forefront of change and disruption, showcasing real-life innovation, with real consumers responding to new technology in real-time. However, to remain relevant and pioneering, IFA must evolve beyond a traditional trade show. In the coming months and years, we will mesh the IFA experience with Berlin’s vibrant urban landscape and turn it into a cultural event and city-wide festival of technology and innovation.”