On 18th September 2012, the world’s largest and most important event for the international photography and imaging sector will once again open its doors in Cologne, Germany.  photokina 2012 will present the complete range of the global imaging market;  approximately 1,200 suppliers from more than 40 countries are expected to attend the fair in 2012. More than 180,000 visitors from over 160 countries attended the World of Imaging in 2010.

Visitors to photokina will encounter many new features in 2012. For example, it will take into greater account the fact that more and more photographers are using their cameras to not only take photos but also make videos. In order to draw the public’s attention more strongly to this segment, the organizers are planning to set up an event area that will serve as a central meeting place where the latest products from the video market will be presented. The video recording capabilities of today’s cameras will be showcased with the help of large-format video presentations. The overall activities will be supported by an interactive infotainment forum.

Mobile Imaging
Another trend that photokina has been actively showcasing for several years is mobile imaging, which involves the taking of photographs with cell phones and smartphones. Thanks to the success of iPhones and similar products, the mobile imaging sector has greatly expanded to become an important segment of photography. photokina 2012 will focus on this topic in a special area where visitors will be able to experience mobile imaging in a fun and exciting way and try out as many applications as possible.

Top-class Photography Exhibits
Exhibitions of impressive photography by established and emerging professional photographers will find a new home at photokina 2012 — on the Boulevard of Competitions. This boulevard will encompass many separate exhibitions by the winners of leading international professional photography competitions. The Boulevard of Competitions will be located in the northern section of the Boulevard. It will ensure that the exhibitions, some of which were formerly displayed in the Visual Gallery, will attract even more attention from visitors.

Offers for Imaging Professionals
In 2012, photokina will once again feature a comprehensive range of offers for imaging professionals, including areas of computer-generated imaging, fine art printing and telescopic lenses (The Wider View — Look and See) will be continued and further expanded. That also applies to the “Meet the Professionals” area and to the Communities section that was very successfully launched in 2010.

Up-and-coming professionals will also get their due at photokina, since next year’s trade fair will once again feature a special offer for college students: “photokina Meets Academy”. Colleges and academies with photography and design departments still have time until 31st December 2011 to apply for one of the coveted stand areas in this segment. Here they will be able to present themselves and their students’ talents to international trade visitors at photokina 2012 – World of Imaging. It’s already becoming clear that this event will attract many participants from Germany and abroad.

Cologne brings photography to life
Needless to say, Cologne and the surrounding region will once again enthusiastically join in the imaging activities in September 2012. One of these will be “photokina: cologne takes photographs!”, which will be held next year for the third time. The unique platform it creates will extend the topic of photography far beyond the exhibition centre and into the city of Cologne. Numerous activities, including photo workshops, photo shoots, exhibitions and events focusing on special motifs will invite photo enthusiasts, amateur photographers, beginners and professionals to take out their cameras and examine the possibilities that photography has to offer.

Visit: www.photokina.com for more information on exhibitions, exhibits, travel information and more.