A joint venture with Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg (The Netherlands) takes place for the second time, this time six students have set themselves the task of filtering out the year’s mega-trends from this unique range of consumer goods.

They are setting out as ‘Trendwatchers’ at Ambiente, looking for exciting products that reflect the latest trends. “Our consumer-goods fairs have a long tradition of sponsoring young talent. With initiatives like the ‘Trendwatchers’ scheme, we offer help and support to young designers and create exciting interfaces between the trade fair, its exhibitors and the new generation. At the same time, we create a situation in which the young trend scouts can make their first contacts with the consumer-goods sector and the design scene,” says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President Ambiente/ Tendence.

The ‘Trendwatchers’ will present the results of their investigations at their stand in the Foyer of Hall 11.0. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to view Ambiente through the eyes of these young experts: from Saturday through Tuesday, at 2pm and 4pm each day, they will lead guided tours covering selected exhibitors and their new products. Those interested can sign up either at the stand or in advance via: ils.ambiente@gmail.com.

With some 40,000 students, Fontys University is one of the largest higher education institutions in The Netherlands. It is one of the few universities in the world, where students can study ‘trendwatching’ as part of their course in ‘International Lifestyle Studies’.

[ about ambiente ]
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for products for the table, kitchen, household, giving and decorating, as well as for home and furnishing accessories. For five days at the beginning of the business year, around 4,500 exhibitors occupy 27 exhibition halls to show what consumers will be able to see in shops around the world throughout the year. In tandem a wide variety of events, promotional programs, trend presentations and awards ceremonies.

[ about messe frankfurt ]
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser, with 538* million euros in sales and 1,891* active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries and approx. 50 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations. In 2012, Messe Frankfurt organised 109* trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent. * preliminary numbers (2012).