INHORGENTA is the heartbeat of Europe’s jewelry, watch, and gemstone industry. With the much-anticipated 2025 edition on the horizon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stefanie Maendlein, the visionary Exhibition Director driving the fair’s success. From bold initiatives to a growing global presence, she reveals how INHORGENTA continues to set new standards for creativity, connections, and innovation. Let’s dive into how the 2025 edition is shaping up to be the most dynamic yet and get an exclusive look at this iconic event!
What sets INHORGENTA apart as Europe’s leading platform for jewelry, watches, and gemstones, especially in the context of the upcoming 2025 edition?
At INHORGENTA, we take pride in offering a platform that’s both comprehensive and inclusive for the jewelry, watch, and gemstone industries. What sets us apart is our ability to blend tradition with innovation. For 2025, we’re placing even greater emphasis on creating a dynamic and interactive space where timeless craftsmanship meets the latest trends and technologies. We’re curating tailored experiences for exhibitors and attendees, emphasizing connections, creativity, and a forward-looking perspective for the industry.
The fair has reported significant international growth, with notable increases in participation from countries like Italy, Belgium, and India. What strategies have driven this expansion, and how does it enhance the fair’s global appeal?
Our international growth is the result of strategic outreach, partnerships, and a reputation for quality. We actively engage with global markets, hosting roadshows, and creating targeted marketing campaigns. We also focus on understanding and meeting the needs of diverse exhibitors, allowing them to present their unique strengths while fostering a cohesive event atmosphere. This global approach enhances the cultural richness and professional opportunities the fair offers, making it a truly international hub.
The “Watch Boutique” and collaborations like the Fondation Haute Horlogerie’s Cultural Space are gaining traction. Can you share more about these specialized areas and their value to attendees?
The collaboration with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) reflects our commitment to celebrating watchmaking as both an art form and a cultural treasure. The FHH Cultural Space will provide attendees with insights into the heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation of fine watchmaking, perfectly aligning with INHORGENTA’s mission to educate and inspire while elevating the standards of the industry. We are constantly working on expanding our range and enriching INHORGENTA with innovative ideas and elements. The FHH Cultural Space will expand our watch portfolio. It perfectly complements our extensive range of international brands as well as new and traditional manufacturers. With this cultural level, we can offer our audience an insight into the fascinating history of watchmaking craftsmanship and artistry. FHH is the ideal partner for this. The Watch Boutique offers a prefabricated space concept for a special selection of high-class and innovative watch brands and models. The Watch Boutique is aimed at trade visitors who are looking for exquisite timepieces and unique designs. At Inhorgenta, visitors have the opportunity to discover both established luxury brands and new, up-and-coming labels that represent the latest trends and technologies in the art of watchmaking.
What role does sustainability and ethical sourcing play in this year’s presentations, given its increasing relevance in the industry?
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are central to the future of the industry and INHORGENTA is committed to helping shape and lead this change. Many of our exhibitors are pioneers in the field of sustainability, and we reinforce these efforts through dedicated areas and discussions. With the TRENDFACTORY, INHORGENTA is putting itself at the forefront of issues affecting the industry. Top-class international experts and speakers will present their know-how and discuss the trends of tomorrow. In conferences, lectures and panel discussions, participants will gain a fascinating insight into the changes in the industry. As an established industry platform, TRENDFACTORY MUNICH not only encourages discussion, but also creates the ideal space for networking. This is where personalities and decision-makers meet.
With the expanded “Classic” area and enhanced “Lifestyle & Elegance” sections, how does INHORGENTA help exhibitors showcase their collections more effectively to buyers?
Our newly expanded and improved areas are tailored to the needs of exhibitors and buyers alike. The “Classic” area has been redesigned to create an elegant environment for timeless designs tailored to this area, while “Lifestyle & Elegance” embodies the latest trends. We offer selected display options, enhanced layouts for buyer interaction and various marketing tools to ensure exhibitors can maximize their visibility and impact.
How does the fair facilitate long-term partnerships for exhibitors beyond the event itself, especially through digital tools or follow-up initiatives?
INHORGENTA does not end when the event is over. By hosting roadshows and exclusive events in key markets like Paris, London, Bucharest, Mumbai or Bahrain we have deepened connections with international brands and buyers, showcasing INHORGENTA as not just a trade fair but a global network. This has also enhanced the visibility of our exhibitors on the global stage and attracted new participants, further solidifying Munich as a must-attend event for the industry.
INHORGENTA’s role as a trendsetter has been emphasized in past editions. What initiatives, like the INHORGENTA AWARD, continue to promote innovation and creativity in the industry?
The INHORGENTA AWARD is an important initiative that recognizes innovation and excellence across the industry. We also host trend forums, creative showcases and panel discussions that put the spotlight on emerging talent and ground-breaking ideas. We always aim to inspire attendees by showcasing the future of jewelry, watches and gemstones on our stage. Another good example of this is the “Cultural Space” mentioned above. It consists of the “Watches and Talents” exhibition, a series of workshops and watchmaking-related productions and events, offering an intense experience for all levels of the public. The “Watch Talks” are a special program with lectures and panel discussions by experts from the watch industry.
How do you see INHORGENTA evolving in the next five years, especially with the rapid digitalization of the jewelry and watch industry?
The next five years will see INHORGENTA blending physical and digital experiences seamlessly. We envision integrating more virtual showrooms, AR/VR technologies for immersive experiences, and advanced data-driven matchmaking systems. While digitalization is accelerating, we will continue to prioritize face-to-face connections, creating a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both worlds.
What are your personal goals as Exhibition Director for this year’s edition, and how do you measure the success of the fair?
The most rewarding aspect is to see the tangible impact INHORGENTA has on businesses – supporting the growth of brands, fostering international connections and encouraging innovation. The biggest challenge is balancing tradition with modernity and ensuring that the event evolves with industry trends while maintaining its heritage and authenticity. We measure our success by offering both exhibitors and trade visitors unique opportunities to gain a comprehensive overview of the market and make valuable contacts. Face-to-face encounters are invaluable as they build trust and enable deeper connections. In recent years, we have all become aware of the importance of personal encounters in strengthening the success of brick-and-mortar retail. This is why we continue to invest in INHORGENTA.
Thank you so much for this interview and see you in Munich.
Inhorgenta
February 21-24, 2025
Messe München , West Entrance
