It would not make sense to hold the event for reasons of appreciation towards the invited trade visitors as well as for economic reasons. In particular for the anniversary INTERGEM as a flagship event for the entire industry with a correspondingly high-quality supporting program, a high level of participation by local exhibitors in the halls of Messe Idar-Oberstein is absolutely essential.
The press release continues: 'Dr. Konrad Henn, Chairman of the trade fair association and sponsor of INTERGEM, explains: "Unfortunately, we have met with little interest in the 40th INTERGEM, especially from the companies based here. In general, the trade fair business in our industry is currently difficult or declining, even at other events. This development is now affecting INTERGEM as a small and fine trade fair in its very essence."
The trade fair association and Messe Idar-Oberstein would like to thank all the companies that registered for INTERGEM 2025 and supported the event. Despite a new, targeted and innovative visitor concept, including the involvement of all three industry associations in the application, it was not possible to motivate the relevant companies from the region to return to INTERGEM. New concepts for a re-launch of the trade fair are currently being discussed in order to adequately present our region again as a globally unique competence center for gemstones and jewelry.
Mirko Arend, Managing Director of Messe Idar-Oberstein, says: "This development is extremely regrettable, because this is not just about Messe Idar-Oberstein, but about the 40th anniversary of INTERGEM and thus a beacon for the region that should not be abandoned.
Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf also regrets the cancellation of INTERGEM 2025: "Our international trade fair is the flagship of the gemstone and jewelry region. The fact that it is not taking place due to a lack of interest from exhibitors is not only a great loss for the region, but also for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate." The Lord Mayor also pointed out that it is now all the more important to continue to position the Idar-Oberstein trade fair as an important infrastructure facility for the entire economic region on the upper Nahe. "We must work together to ensure that Idar-Oberstein soon becomes a shining trade fair venue for the industry again."
The 'Long Night of Gemstones' and 'GemTec' events planned parallel to INTERGEM will still be held in 2025, possibly on a different date, if possible and after consultation with those involved. Both event concepts were very well received and conveyed the uniqueness and expertise of the jewelry and gemstone region to participants in an attractive way. Further plans will be announced in due course.