Shining anniversary

The local Sauerland press reported on March 12, 2005 that “the Light Week will have a positive impact on the region beyond its duration”. How correct this statement was then and still is today is more than impressive. “Twenty years ago, it would have been hard to imagine that the biggest suppliers in our industry would be here today when we invite people to the Lichtwoche,” says Michael Kossmann, spokesman for the Lichtwoche Sauerland and Managing Director of luminaire manufacturer BANKAMP. “The same applies to the visitor side,” confirms co-spokesman Philipp Müller, ‘where previously around 800 visitors came to the exhibitions, today there are almost 5,000. And they come not only from Germany, but from all over Europe and beyond,’ says the Managing Director of the TRIO Lighting Group.

At the trade fair for decorative and domestic lamps and luminaires, it's not about numbers and quantities for exhibitors and trade customers. What counts is quality on both sides. This is a factor that makes Lichtwoche Sauerland more relaxed and efficient than other trade fairs. This also results in a much more attractive cost-benefit ratio for the supply side. Today's market environment demands stringent action from companies. It is not only production costs, the consumer climate and international competition that demand lean structures in order to bring supply and demand together.

“The basic concept developed 20 years ago by individual entrepreneurs was and is a complete success,” emphasizes Philipp Müller. “Some companies are family-run and have undergone a generational change. Many things have changed fundamentally - in terms of the market economy and technology. But what remains is the cohesion in the existing competition and the commitment to our light region. And this is anchored in our basic concept,” concludes Michael Kossmann.

“Frankfurt trade fair now in the middle of Sauerland” was the headline in the local press 20 years ago. And it has stayed that way. It now takes place annually, next time from February 16 to 21, 2025.