Successful Business Forum Imaging Cologne

“Business Forum Imaging Cologne provides the European imaging trade and industry with an important new platform to present and discuss the latest innovations and sector trends.” commented Oliver P. Kuhrt, Executive Vice President of Koelnmesse. ”The forum’s success confirms the necessity of such an event. Over the medium-term, we will therefore turn it into an important spring event for the imaging industry and further strengthen its market position.”

The motto of the photokina event this year was “Memories are more… CONNECTED.” International experts, including top managers from the global photo and imaging industry, as well as successful imaging service providers and independent analysts from the fields of IT, science, and market research, described a fascinating vision of the future of imaging. They told the international visitors what consequences the increasing connectivity of cameras, smartphones, and TVs would have, explained the growing importance of social networks and cloud computing for image communication, and addressed the use of apps for the development of new imaging services. The key topic of all presentations was the question of determining which of the new business models will be the most promising for trade and industry in an increasingly networked world.

A special program on March 2 was specifically tailored to the needs of the German specialist trade. The event focused on practical applications and was held in parallel with presentations in English. Under the title “Innovations for the photographic trade”, the focus was on how photographic dealers can reap the benefits of the new network technologies.

The conference’s Gold and Silver Sponsors were also satisfied with the event, where they presented their lineup of imaging products and services in a special network zone. Gold Sponsors included Cewe Color, HP, Kodak, and Samsung, while Silver Sponsors included Felix Schoeller, Fujifilm, Imaging Solutions, Kis/Photo-Me, Kolbus, locr maps, Noritsu, OrwoNet, Photobook Technology, Pixolution, Saal Group, Taopix, Tetenal, and Xerox.

The Business Forum Imaging Cologne was hosted by photokina; the organizers were INTERNATIONAL CONTACT, and the American information service Photo Imaging News. Other partners supporting the event included the joint host of photokina Photoindustrie-Verband (German Photographic Industry Association), its subsidiary Prophoto GmbH, and the market research company GfK Retail and Technology.

The next Business Forum Imaging Cologne will be held at Koelnmesse in spring 2012.