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Industry Perspective

The View From Germany

by Ron Leach

If the recently concluded Photokina is any indication, the photographic industry is alive and well—with booming attendance on the part of exhibitors and visitors and an impressive array of new product introductions. The 31st World of Imaging—our industry’s largest technology exposition—attracted over 180,000 visitors to Cologne, an increase of over 7% compared to the 2008 event.

Christopher Thomas, Chairman of Germany’s Photographic Industry Association, noted that Photokina 2010 was especially vibrant, in part because of the many young visitors it attracted. The event featured 1,251 exhibitors from 45 countries presenting a huge range of new imaging gear, technical innovations, and future trends. With 35% of the visitors coming from outside of Germany, representing more than 160 nations, the international importance of Photokina was clear.

The artistic highlight at the World of Imaging was once again the impressive photography exhibitions held in the Visual Gallery, where visitors could view an amazing collection of works from photojournalists, artists, documentary photographers and commercial shooters.

Thanks to the fine hospitality of the picturesque city of Cologne, an exciting display of new technology, and the attendance of retailers, consumers, and photographers from throughout the world, the 31st Photokina World of Imaging was a rousing success.