Over 50 renowned exhibitors on 6,000 m² of exhibition space, some 1,000 visiting companies and businesses from the skilled trades and roughly 4,000 guests over two days: the Schlau@Berlin 2024 trade fair, organised by our wholesale sales line Schlau, was a resounding success!
On Friday, 1 March 2024, the gates to the two-day Schlau@Berlin trade fair opened promptly at 9 am. The impressive ambience and spectacular trade fair design surprised the arriving guests as soon as they entered the Wilhelm Hallen in Berlin-Reinickendorf.
It quickly became clear that the trendy location was the ideal stage for a future-oriented Schlau trade fair event like this one. In the three exhibition halls Tegel, Wedding and Pankow, over 50 well-known exhibitors presented innovations and new products for paints, wallpapers, floor coverings, tools and accessories. The high-quality, standardised trade fair stand design was very well received by suppliers and guests alike. Schlau@Berlin also offered many of other attractions.
Schlau@Work: The Users Forum
At the Users Forum, Schlau@Work our Schlau partners demonstrated innovative processing techniques as well as tips and tricks for their products – everything for the best craft results for your customers! Festool also demonstrated the handling and advantages of the first exoskeleton “ExoActive” for the trade at the Users Forum, just as it did at its trade fair stand in the Pankow Hall. AkzoNobel provided a further highlight on the subject of innovation with the presentation of the first AI-supported painting robot “PACO”. In the article “Young People Say Thank You!”, Dr Schutz spoke about refurbishing existing buildings for a better and more sustainable environment.
In addition, NMC had many ideas for creative interior design with decorative mouldings in its portfolio. Jotun presented its high-performance wood protection “DEMIDEKK” from Norway and Classen showcased its “Ceramin Tiles”, the perfect tile alternative to ceramic and natural stone. KEIM, Sika with SCHÖNOX, Meffert with PROFITEC and Jaeger with “DECO WALL & FLOOR” also provided clear information about their new products and their processing.
A Trade Fair with a Glamorous Touch
Schlau knew that the Wilhelm Hallen are a popular event location. After all, Heidi Klum was recently here with her team from LA to produce exciting images for “Germany’s Next Top Model”.
But the stars were also on site at Schlau@Berlin: On Friday afternoon, TV presenter Ruth Moschner, fashion designer Guido Maria Kretschmer, star chef Ralf Zacherl and the mayor of Berlin-Reinickendorf Emine Demirbüken-Wegner gathered for an entertaining talk. Afterwards, Ruth Moschner and Guido Maria Kretschmer presented his new wallpaper collection “Fashion for Walls IV” and took over an hour of their time for autograph requests and fan selfies.
The Programme – as Colourful as Berlin
Many delicacies were served at the generous Food Market. Our guests enjoyed hot and cold dishes such as pulled chicken sandwiches, vegan wild herb gnocchi and original Berlin Currywurst at three buffet areas and several food trucks. Incidentally, the recipe for the latter was specially created for Schlau@Berlin by star chef Ralf Zacherl.
In the cosy atmosphere of the Digital Graffiti Studio, guests had the opportunity to try their hand at their own creativity. Virtual masterpieces were created on two interactive screen walls using digital spray cans, which could be printed out directly on site as souvenirs to take along.
Meanwhile, in the Kids Corner, the youngest trade fair guests had plenty of fun. The professional childcare team looked after the children lovingly throughout with games, crafts and colouring activities.
Schlau@Night: Kreuzberg Nights are Long
Schlau welcomed around 1,500 guests to the Schlau@Night evening event. Befitting the urban interior of the Kühlhaus in Berlin-Kreuzberg, a gala dinner with formal dress and seating arrangements was dispensed with. Instead, the catering team, assisted by star chef Ralf Zacherl, prepared the multi-course meal at the live cooking stations right in front of the guests.
While TV presenter Ruth Moschner charmingly hosted the programme as usual, Ralf Zacherl found time to sign his book “Zacherl macht Feierabend” (“Zacherl Calls it a Day”) on stage, which, of course, sold out quickly.
As a musical highlight, the Berlin band Culcha Candela was on board to ensure the dance floor was brought to a boil with their rousing mix of hip-hop and reggae. DJ Rick Menaira then made sure of a great party atmosphere late into the night with his high-energy music mix. Kreuzberg nights are definitely very long!
A Resounding Thank You!
We would like to thank all of the guests, exhibitors, partners and sponsors of our wholesale distribution line Schlau, whose support made this unique event possible!
