orgatec 2024 'the future of work' with next-gen technology cologne

‘orgatec 2024: the future of work’ becomes a hub of inspiration

From October 22 to 25, 2024, ORGATEC, the leading international trade fair on the theme ‘The Future of Work,’ is set to transform the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds in Cologne into a hub of innovation and inspiration. In its 2024 edition, the event features a completely restructured hall layout, designed to provide an optimized trade fair experience. To be exact, each hall has a dedicated ‘Focus Area,’ showcasing the latest trends and developments related to the future of work. This marketplace concept promises to enhance visitor engagement and offer ample space for plenty of inspiration and exchange.

from 22 to 25 October 2024, ORGATEC 2024 presents ‘The Future of Work’ in Cologne | all images courtesy of Koelnmesse

diving into hybrid meeting rooms & MR collaboration spaces

Held biennially in Cologne, Germany, ORGATEC (see here) brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends, products, and solutions that shape contemporary workplaces. Behind all this, is Koelnmesse, the world’s top trade fair organizer for the areas of Living, Contract, and Public Spaces, that continues to expand its portfolio in key growth markets worldwide. With successful shows such as ORGATEC TOKYO in Japan, interzum bogota in Colombia, and interzum guangzhou in China, the global leader remains at the forefront of international trade fair innovation. Staying true to its scope but with a new, engaging layout, ORGATEC 2024 promises to be a comprehensive trade fair experience, showcasing the latest products, trends, and innovative solutions that inspire participants to actively co-design the workplaces of tomorrow.

One of the standout Focus Areas at ORGATEC 2024 is the #InspiredAugmentedOffice, where the workplace of the future is brought to life. This area, presented in collaboration with zgoll GmbH Trends, demonstrates how mixed reality can enrich the office environment and facilitate new ways of working. Trade visitors are having the opportunity to explore hybrid meetings, ‘Spatial Computing,’ and other cutting-edge technologies through live scenarios and guided tours. With MR headsets and mobile devices, participants can experience and photograph these innovations, gaining insights into the current status and future prospects of hybrid meeting rooms and ‘Mixed Reality Collaboration Rooms.’

with a new hall layout, the leading international trade fair offers an optimised trade fair experience

discovering the benefits of banana fibers & seagrass foams

Needless to say, ORGATEC 2024 underscores the importance of sustainability in the workplace with initiatives such as the #CircularBiomaterials Focus Area. Partnering with Haute Innovation, this space in Hall 4.2 displays biocircular materials that are environmentally friendly and can be returned to the biological cycle at the end of their lifecycle. Visitors can explore materials like biocircular textiles from banana fibers, seagrass-based furniture foams, and bulrush fiber upholstery fillings. These materials not only offer commercial and technical benefits but also contribute to achieving climate-neutral production processes.

Meanwhile, the #OfficeXperience in Hall 8 offers a live showcase of next-generation workplaces, created by industry experts. This area encourages cross-industry collaboration, presenting pioneering themes and demonstrating how they can be implemented profitably today. Trade fair participants can explore the benefits of next-gen workplaces through get-togethers, guided tours, workshops, and more. This immersive experience combines special exhibitions with actual co-working environments, allowing visitors to engage with innovative space, product, and service concepts.

in 2024, each exhibition hall has its own thematic focus, manifesting as a ‘Focus Area’

In partnership with CADEMI, ORGATEC 2024 also features #TheCircularHouse in Hall 4.2, a visionary platform dedicated to the circular economy. This 500 m² experiential space offers comprehensive insights into the significance, impact, and integration of circular business models in the office furnishings industry. Here, visitors can attend impulse lectures, deep dives, and discussions, and embark on a tour showcasing circular solutions from the office furnishing industry and related sectors. The aim of this zone is to highlight the importance of sustainable practices and the benefits of circular product, service, and business models.

All of this, while the #ImpulseContract Focus Area is presenting cutting-edge product and design concepts for contract and building equipment. A unique highlight of this area is the Design Blind Date, held for the first time in collaboration with Danish Design Makers, where exhibitors and product designers are brought together in a creative challenge, with the results being unveiled exclusively at ORGATEC 2024.

exhibitors, who are presenting products and solutions relating to the respective focal theme, are positioning themselves around these highlight areas

From inside to the Central and North Boulevard of the Cologne fairgrounds, the #Indoor&OutdoorHospitality Focus Area showcases high-quality contract furniture designed to elevate the quality of stay and hospitality. Thanks to ORGATEC, manufacturers here can demonstrate how their concepts can transform indoor and outdoor lounges into inviting, functional spaces.

Beyond the Focus Areas, ORGATEC 2024 is offering a rich programme of future-oriented congresses, exhibitions, award ceremonies, and numerous opportunities for personal exchange. A highlight of the event is the ‘Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival’ by the German Interior Business Association (IBA), which transforms Halls 6 and 9 into dynamic event floors with lectures, discussions, workshops, and experiential spaces. Important to note, this festival serves as a central meeting point for professionals from around the world, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

in addition to live scenarios, in the course of guided tours the trade visitors can experience the end-to-end mixed reality dimension

ORGATEC 2024 is also joining forces with Haute Innovation to present the #CircularBiomaterials Focus Area in Hall 4.2

the trade fair participants have the opportunity to explore the direct added values of a next-gen workplace

future-oriented congresses, inspiring exhibitions, award ceremonies as well as numerous opportunities for personal exchange make up part of ORGATEC 2024