Inhorgenta 2022: Watch and jewelry fair postponed to April

As a renowned trade fair for watches and jewelry, Inhorgenta 2022 is scheduled to take place in a physical format again. Initially planned for February 11-14, the major event was postponed due to the pandemic. Inhorgenta 2022 in Munich will now open its doors on April 8 and run until April 11.

Inhorgenta and Watches & Wonders: Two trade fairs in one week

Due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, the new dates for Inhorgenta 2022 are not set in stone. It cannot be ruled out that another postponement may be necessary.

But the organizers are optimistic: In all likelihood, the incidence rates will decline into the spring, so the chances of Inhorgenta taking place in April are good. Those who were already looking forward to the renowned trade fair can now indulge in their anticipation a little longer and can expect to be able to attend the event in April. However, the date change not only leads to changed plans for the eagerly awaited visitors, but also presents a challenge for the exhibitors.

This is because the Inhorgenta and Watches & Wonders trade fairs now fall on the same week. Specifically, Watches & Wonders will take place from March 28 to April 5 – the last day of the trade fair will be the first day of Inhorgenta. For retailers, this means a jam-packed trade fair week with no "breathing space." Visitors who don't want to miss either event should also plan early to fit in a visit to both events during this week.

However, in terms of target audience and product portfolio, Inhorgenta and Watches & Wonders are not in direct competition: While Watches & Wonders is known to primarily serve the luxury class, the offerings presented at Inhorgenta are in the more affordable mid-range segment.

Trade fair feeling and networking despite the pandemic

Now, one might naturally ask why the organizers decided to hold Inhorgenta 2022 in person rather than digitally. On the one hand, they probably see a need for an "analog" event, including in-person networking opportunities and on-site product inspections, given that the last Inhorgenta trade fair took place two years ago, in early 2020.

On the other hand, past events, such as the IAA Mobility 2021, show that it is certainly possible to hold large events during the coronavirus pandemic, provided the hygiene concept is in place. According to the management of the Munich watch and jewelry fair, Inhorgenta could in principle have been held on the previously scheduled date in February. However, international visitors would have been at a disadvantage due to current travel restrictions. This, they say, is the main reason for postponing the event to April.

Program and exhibition at Inhorgenta 2022

Inhorgenta 2022 features a wide variety of exhibitors across approximately 65,000 square meters of space in a total of six halls. Hall A1 is of particular interest to watch enthusiasts: major brands, such as Sinn Spezialuhren and Mühle Glashütte, as well as newcomers to the industry, present their latest innovations and innovative products there. In the other halls, the theme concept is more focused on jewelry, with the focus on jewels, diamonds, pearls, gemstones, and contemporary pieces. A special feature is the hall dedicated to "Technology & Bijoux," which focuses on technology, shop design, and workshop construction—a prime location for shop owners and jewelers.

The major event will be accompanied by an informative supporting program at the Trendfactory Munich, featuring numerous exciting presentations and seminars from international experts. There's plenty of room for effective networking and constructive discussion with industry insiders from all over the world. Another highlight of Inhorgenta 2022 will take place on April 9: During a gala at Munich's BMW Welt, this year's winners of the Inhorgenta Awards, which have been part of the Inhorgenta trade fair for the past five years, will be announced and honored with an award.

Inhorgenta protection and hygiene concept

To ensure that Inhorgenta 2022 can be held in a legally safe manner, a comprehensive safety and hygiene concept is essential. This concept distinguishes between visitors and exhibitors. Exhibitors, without exception, require proof of a 3G (vaccinated or recovered) test to be permitted to present their products on the exhibition grounds, while visitors are expected to be subject to the 2G-Plus rule.

Anyone wishing to enter the premises is required to wear an FFP2 face mask and must be able to provide proof in advance that they meet the 2G Plus requirements. The exhibition grounds also rely on an optimized ventilation concept with a high proportion of outside air and a low proportion of recirculated air. This should also contribute to the safe conduct of this major event in Munich.

Adjusted conditions for withdrawal and cancellation

Good news for everyone who already owns Inhorgenta tickets: These are of course also valid for the newly scheduled event dates. Anyone who can't attend the trade fair in April can easily submit their tickets and receive a full refund. The cancellation and withdrawal policies for exhibitors have also been refined.

In the event of cancellation without giving reasons, only 25% of the participation fee is payable, and if travel restrictions make participation in the trade fair impossible, withdrawal is possible without any problems. These concessions and special regulations ensure that the suboptimal planning security caused by the pandemic does not lead to visitors and exhibitors staying away "just in case" for fear of spending money on a trade fair that ultimately cannot take place.

Under these conditions, it remains to be hoped that Inhorgenta 2022 in April will be able to build on the success of the events of recent years and become a worthwhile event for both visitors and exhibitors.