SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 - Meta Description: Discover how the 38th IAW Trade Fair and Asia-Pacific Sourcing 2025 in Cologne are setting new benchmarks in international trade, retail promotions, and global sourcing with innovative exhibitors, dynamic networking, and expert digital insights.
In a landmark moment for the global trade community, Cologne is set to host two premier events that promise to redefine retail promotions and international sourcing. The 38th International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports (IAW) and Asia-Pacific Sourcing 2025 will run concurrently from March 11 to 13, 2025 at the renowned Koelnmesse. Together, they bring decades of industry expertise and cutting-edge innovation to a single stage, making Cologne a hub for dynamic business networking and trade excellence.
A Legacy of Innovation: The 38th IAW Trade Fair
Celebrating twenty years of excellence, the IAW Trade Fair has consistently attracted high-caliber exhibitors and an impressive number of trade visitors. Now in its 38th edition, the event has grown to welcome approximately 6,500 trade visitors and around 300 exhibitors from over 80 countries. This robust international presence underscores the fair’s commitment to fostering global trade relationships and showcasing a diverse product portfolio that ranges from garden products and toys to toiletries, food items, electronic goods, and innovative e-commerce solutions.
One of the event’s standout features is its top-class supporting programme in the E-Commerce Arena, now marking its 20th anniversary. Over three days, the stage will host 20 industry experts who will share practical insights on digital retail trends and the evolving e-commerce landscape. As organiser Stefan Grimm explains,
“We want to provide visitors with relevant specialist information. Our visitors are normally fully preoccupied with their business operations, but here they have the opportunity to get valuable information in a nutshell,” says organiser Stefan Grimm.
This year, the IAW also features the zentrada Forum, themed “Everything remains different - status and development seen from different perspectives - test your performance.” The forum is set to provide compelling insights and practical examples that highlight the latest trends in retail, ensuring that every attendee gains actionable knowledge to drive their business forward.
Asia-Pacific Sourcing 2025: Your Gateway to Asian Innovation
Running parallel to IAW, Asia-Pacific Sourcing 2025 is poised to be Europe’s number one platform for sourcing Asian tools and products tailored for the home, garden, and leisure sectors. With more than 750 exhibitors already registered, this event serves as an indispensable order and communication platform, connecting manufacturers and sales companies from the Far East with buyers from Europe and North America. The event’s focus on innovative hardware, home improvement, and DIY materials promises to deliver cutting-edge trends that meet the evolving demands of today’s global market.
Taking place in Halls 7 and 8 of Koelnmesse, Asia-Pacific Sourcing boasts a unique “Best of China” special zone in Hall 7, where 54 exhibitors from various sectors will showcase their latest products. This special zone highlights the innovation, environmentally-friendly solutions, and intelligent production technologies emerging from Chinese companies, providing buyers with exclusive access to high-quality tools and accessories.
"We are very satisfied with the number of registrations received for APS two months before it commences," said Sebastian Hein, Director of Asia-Pacific Sourcing. This positive sentiment reflects the strong industry confidence in Asia-Pacific Sourcing’s role as a major international hub for import and export transactions.
Synergy and Networking Opportunities
The simultaneous staging of the IAW Trade Fair and Asia-Pacific Sourcing 2025 not only maximizes the potential for networking but also creates unique synergies between the two events. Both platforms offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore a wide array of products and innovations while engaging with industry leaders and decision-makers. Whether you are looking to enhance your retail offerings or expand your sourcing network, the dual-event format is designed to cater to diverse business needs under one roof.
Attendees can benefit from the seamless access between the exhibition halls, which encourages cross-industry interactions. Separate ticketing arrangements are in place, with online registration available free of charge via the respective ticket shops. This streamlined process ensures that visitors can easily plan their visits and focus on exploring the vast opportunities presented by both events.
A Call to Embrace the Future of Trade
Cologne’s Koelnmesse is set to transform into the epicenter of international trade innovation from March 11 to 13, 2025. The convergence of the IAW Trade Fair and Asia-Pacific Sourcing 2025 marks a significant step forward in uniting global industry players under one roof, driving forward the trends in retail promotions, imports, and sourcing. This dynamic combination of legacy expertise and modern innovation invites trade professionals to discover new business opportunities, gain critical industry insights, and build lasting partnerships.
As these two influential events prepare to welcome an international audience, industry insiders and business enthusiasts alike are encouraged to register and participate. What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of international trade fairs? How do you see these innovations impacting your business in the coming years? Share your views and join the conversation as Cologne gears up for a historic event that promises to set new standards in global trade excellence.
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