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From September 21 to 26, 2010, all the leading names in the international photography and imaging sector will be represented at the 31st Photokina. In the halls of the Cologne exhibition grounds, the “who's who” of the international photo and imaging sector will once again present the entire spectrum of products and services in the areas of modern image technology and image applications for consumers and professionals.

If you plan to attend, representatives and organizers of the event offer the following tips to make the most of your travel and Photokina experience.

Flights: Book your flight early enough. Best rates are available when you book before Early August. Economy class tickets from the East Coast should start with $ 800. Fly into Frankfurt – Germany’s largest and most centrally located airport. Most major cities in the US service direct flights to Frankfurt. The airport has its own train station. Take a high speed “ICE train” which will reach Cologne in 58 minutes – trains race safely along the “Autobahn” and leave even the fastest cars behind. Alternatively you might also consider flying into Duesseldorf and take the RE trains to Cologne. Use discount offers available to North American attendees of Photokina. From September 14 - October 3, 2010, discounted air fares are available to Photokina attendees at lufthansa.com in the Meetings and Events portal by using event code "DEAPQ". The German Railway (DB) offers discounted train rides to Cologne. Tickets can be purchased at photokina-cologne.com or by calling +49 1805-311153 and mentioning Photokina.

Staying in Cologne: For pre-booked hotels in Cologne you should get in touch with Photokina’s US travel partner, TTI Travel, at 212.674.3476 or cbrodsky@ttitravel.net. This outfit specializes in trade shows and provides advice on getting from the hotel to the fairground and other interesting sites in Cologne. The agency provides maps, the easiest way to fairground, and a Cologne restaurant list.

Time Management: Leave an extra day to make sure you visit of the attractions in Cologne, such as the Cologne Cathedral (Dom), which dates back to 1248 and took until 1880 to finish. At night make sure you visit the Oldtown (Altstadt), a large row of unique restaurants and bars. Try one of the Brauhauses where you will meet people from all over the world during Photokina.

Prepare: Use the exhibitor information at photokina-cologne.com to plan out your trip and seek out the companies you would like to visit. You can sort the 1,500 exhibitors by product category or geography and request exhibitor meetings.

Pace Yourself: Wear comfortable shoes; the aisles in Cologne are not carpeted and there are 11 halls to walk.

Plan Time for Exhibitors: Exhibitors at the show like to entertain and engage in longer talks. Take some time to learn something about the products but also about the people who you might want to do business with.

Use Onsite Services: Take advantage of the International Buyers' Lounge at the Congress Center East. The Buyers Lounge provides detailed trade fair and product information, cell phone charger stations, and PCs with Internet access. The Lounge is open daily between 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Website: http://news.photokina.de/en/