5 minute read
Interview: Ambiente insights
Key diary dates:
Ambiente runs from 11 to 15 February 2022
Ambiente returns…
After a year’s absence, Ambiente is back and making up for lost time. We caught up with Thomas Kastl, director Ambiente dining, to learn more about the 2022 event and how hospitality will play a crucial role…
Ambiente is returning in February 2022, how are plans going for the show?
Every day we talk to our customers who want to be at the upcoming Ambiente to present their products live. That’s why we’re delighted that the world’s largest consumer goods fair is also a set date for the industry in 2022. Especially after the pandemic period, the trade needs new impulses to boost consumption, the trade fair experience on site and direct ordering. Ambiente will return next year with its proven structure of Dining, Living and Giving, and Global Sourcing will again be an integral part of the fair. In order to implement safety and hygiene measures, the layout in the halls has been adapted accordingly. However, the basic structure of the Dining halls will all be occupied as usual and we will also have a HoReCa hall again in 6.0. Are exhibitor numbers where you expected given the uncertainty around trade shows globally over the past two years?
The effects of the Corona pandemic will certainly still be felt at the first Ambiente since the outbreak of the pandemic - also in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers from severely affected countries. Open borders and the smoothest possible international travel are essential for our trade fairs. From a global perspective, there are still restrictions here at the moment. However, in view of the worldwide progress in vaccination and testing possibilities, we are optimistic about the future. Reason for this is also given by the many well-known companies that have already registered for Ambiente 2022 and have clearly expressed their interest in participating. These include dining brands such as Alfi, Alessi, Brabantia, Fiskars, Nude, Stelton, Tramontina and many more.
Fact! Brands such as Alfi, Alessi, Brabantia, Fiskars, Nude, Stelton and Tramontina have all signed up for Ambiente 2022 “We will certainly see a lot of products and innovations related to hygiene and safe food at Ambiente 2022”
What is planned for the HoReCa Hall? What can visitors expect?
The HoReCa hall, which was launched in 2020, was a great success and the perfect contact point for decisionmakers in the hospitality segment - including hotel chains, restaurant
Thomas says…
Did you know?
Hall 6.0 will once again be Ambiente’s designated HoReCa hall
owners, catering companies, cruiselines and airlines. At the upcoming Ambiente, exhibitors will once again be presenting their latest collections there and inviting visitors to the latest insights from the front-of-house sector. In addition, we will again have a HoReCa Academy, where top speakers will provide an in-depth outlook on relevant industry trends. As we all know, the HoReCa industry was hit very hard by the Corona pandemic and related lockdowns. We are therefore all the more pleased that almost all exhibitors from 2020 have signed up again for Hall 6.0 in 2022. This is a great signal: the HoReCa industry is alive and well and ready for the re-start after Corona. What trends are you predicting will be prominent in HoReCa in 2022?
Due to the pandemic, hygienecompliant solutions for buffets and also for serving food have gained in importance in the HoReCa sector. I’m thinking, for example, of the use of cloches, which we were previously used to in the star sector in particular. We will certainly see a lot of products and innovations related to hygiene and safe food at Ambiente 2022.
The HoReCa Academy is back in 2022, can you tell us more about it?
The HoReCa Academy celebrated its premiere at Ambiente 2020 with an international lineup of top hospitality experts and entrepreneurs. The diverse program ranged from successful fitout concepts by renowned hospitality designers, new approaches by entrepreneurs to panel discussions. In 2022, we would again like to offer industry experts a platform with the HoReCa Academy to share their know-how and exchange ideas with participants on current trends. I am already excited to see what new topics the next HoReCa Academy will cover and what is currently moving the industry.
What safety measures have been put in place for the event?
Messe Frankfurt’s safety and hygiene concept takes into account all the requirements of the relevant authorities and the public health department. Specifically, this currently involves measures such as the requirement to provide negative proof of Corona, contact tracking, 100 per cent fresh air supply, generous design of halls and entrances to maintain safety distances, intensive cleaning measures, a hygieneadapted catering concept, and the proven wearing of mouth and nose protection. If new legal regulations come into force, our protection and hygiene concept is adapted accordingly. All measures are summarized clearly and updated daily on the Messe Frankfurt website. As you can see, we have already taken all precautions to ensure that all trade show participants can feel safe at Ambiente 2022.
The situation with Covid is constantly changing, how are you staying on top of things?
It is a daily challenge to deal with the planning and execution of trade fairs in Corona times, but this is now simply part of our business. We do our best and have already been able to hold successful and safe events again at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. If new legal regulations come into force, our safety and hygiene concept is updated accordingly. And we have set up a special Corona Health & Safety Line for all questions relating to trade fair participation in Corona times.
