Internationale Handwerksmesse - IHM 2022: New date in July 2022

Conditions for planning and holding a successful and worry-free Internationale Handwerksmesse (IHM) and ZUKUNFT HANDWERK from 9 to 13 March 2022 have significantly deteriorated due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic as well as the yet unpredictable development of the Omicron variant.

In addition to uncertainty around the current development of the pandemic, the urgent wishes of the exhibitors played an equal role in the decision to postpone the event. From the current perspective, despite the comprehensive hygiene strategy, it is practically impossible for service providers and employees of exhibiting companies to plan their participation for March. 

Dieter Dohr, CEO and President of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, said: It is currently impossible to predict whether the situation will ease again by March. Our primary goal was and remains to host IHM and ZUKUNFT HANDWERK in a manner that promises success for all participants. We can no longer guarantee the planned date for the event because of what continues to be a tense situation. It is therefore the right decision to postpone IHM and the first ZUKUNFT HANDWERK.

Political events on all aspects of IHM
In order to continue providing the skilled crafts sector with the right stage in 2022 too, political events will take place during the new dates for IHM from 6 to 10 July 2022, including the opening event, the general meeting of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Small Businesses (ZDH) and German Confederation of Chambers of Skilled Crafts (DHKT) as well as other top political talks.

With regard to this, ZDH President Hans Peter Wollseifer said: It is most regrettable that once again IHM cannot be held on its usual dates in March. But it is the right decision. I welcome the postponement of the event until the summer this year. After all, our skilled crafts companies need trade fairs to present their products, innovations and services and to network. As a sector of industry and society, IHM and in future Zukunft Handwerk are of core importance to us. This is where we present our achievements, in connection with political discussion forums, such as the “Münchener Spitzengespräch der Deutschen Wirtschaft” (top-level talks of German industry in Munich). We are now directing all our efforts into planning this summer event, which will once again finally provide important stimulus from the skilled crafts sector.

Franz Xaver Peteranderl, President of the Bavarian Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Small Businesses (BHT), said the following about the decision: We welcome the postponement of IHM until July as an important and correct measure and thank GHM as the organiser of the trade fair for their prudent action. The skilled crafts sector is looking forward to meeting up after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. After all, the trade fair is so important, even and especially during these difficult times, in showing particularly young people how diverse and forward-looking skilled crafts really are. This is an important symbol in times of great upheaval!

ZUKUNFT HANDWERK postponed to 2023
The new conference and event ZUKUNFT HANDWERK, which was to be held for the first time as a live event in 2022, will be postponed until 2023 and will therefore take place from 8th to 10th of March 2023 at the ICM in Munich.
Dieter Dohr said the following about the decision: The aim of ZUKUNFT HANDWERK is to shine a spotlight on the skilled crafts sector’s current themes, new trends, and personalities from politics, industry, and neighbouring sectors. As an annual summit for the skilled crafts sector, the event is designed to facilitate networking and exchange in a unique way. Unfortunately, we do not have the conditions required to host this event in 2022: It is not possible to agree on a new date in the short term that suits all participants and the required space for an event of this scope is not available for the summer 2022. It is with a heavy heart, therefore, that we must postpone the launch of the live event by a year. Now, however, we are focussing on IHM 2022, which will finally provide some positive stimulus for the whole skilled crafts sector.


About the Internationale Handwerksmesse
The Internationale Handwerksmesse is the leading trade fair for craft trades in Germany. It was established in 1949 and takes place every spring at the Fairground in Munich. Around 1,000 exhibitors from about 60 trades offer a comprehensive overview of the performance, quality, and innovative strength of the craft trade for private households, companies, and the public sector. The trade fair program includes several showcases and special exhibitions during which craftspeople from numerous countries present current topics, new products, and outstanding work.


Note to the editors:
Download photos at https://www.ihm-handwerk-design.com/en/presse/press-photos/

Press contact:
Nina Gassauer
Press and Public Relations
T +49 89 189 149 160
gassauer@ghm.de
www.ihm.de