Year of Anniversary: the 60th International Furniture Fair at the Belgrade Fair
At the Belgrade Fair, preparations are in progress for the most important event of the furniture and woodworking industries in this part of Europe, the jubilee 60th International Fair of Furniture, Equipment, and Interior Decoration (UFI), which will take place from 1 to 6 October 2024, at the Belgrade Fair.
Simultaneously with the Furniture Fair, the 60th anniversary edition of the International Fair of Machines and Tools for the Woodworking Industry will also take place (from October 1 to 5), a complementary exhibition that will showcase the latest machines and tools that are redefining how wood is processed and treated in furniture production, as well as new technologies that not only increase productivity but also enable the creation of more complex designs that were previously difficult to achieve.
A premier event in the field of furniture production and distribution in Southeast Europe, this year, at its anniversary edition, it will reaffirm its decades-long position as a model in this industry, through a strategic and creative approach to organization, the quality of offerings, and participation in modern trends within this industrial sector.
History of the Furniture Fair in Belgrade
The Belgrade Furniture Fair, a prestigious event and regional center for all those employed in the wood processing industry and the furniture production and marketing sector, has a rich history that spans over six decades. This event not only represents the core of the Serbian wood industry but also serves as a significant cultural and economic occasion that connects tradition and innovation.
From its humble beginnings to an internationally recognized event and a member of the Union of International Fairs (UFI), the Belgrade Furniture Fair symbolizes the evolution and growth of the industry while reflecting artistic design and social changes in the region.
Beginnings
The first Furniture Fair was held in 1960 as part of the broader Belgrade Fair, with the aim to present the domestic furniture industry and provide a platform for manufacturers to display their products. Initially, the fair was modest in scale but quickly gained popularity among both exhibitors and visitors. In the early years, the fair primarily focused on domestic manufacturers who presented traditional furniture styles characteristic of the region.
Period of Expansion
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Belgrade Furniture Fair experienced significant expansion. In this period, the fair became a venue for showcasing the latest technologies and design trends in the furniture industry. International exhibitors began to appear, further enhancing the fair’s significance. This period was marked by substantial investments in the fair’s infrastructure, allowing a greater number of exhibitors and visitors to participate. It was a time when the Furniture Fair began to launch fashion, innovations, and future trends. In the textile pavilion, new patterns and types of materials emerged, while new forms and models appeared in leather products, decorative items in accessories, and new shapes for tables, chairs, wardrobes, and other furniture products.
Challenges and Adaptation
The wartime years of the 1990s brought many challenges for the Furniture Fair. During this period, the fair had to confront economic sanctions, inflation, and a reduced number of exhibitors and visitors. Nevertheless, the organizers managed to maintain the continuity of the event by adapting to difficult conditions. This decade tested the resilience and flexibility of the fair but was also crucial in shaping its future character.
Modernization and Globalization
In the early 2000s, the Belgrade Furniture Fair entered a new phase of modernization and globalization. With the stabilization of the political and economic situation, the fair once again became attractive to international exhibitors. Modern concepts and innovations were introduced, making the fair a significant event not only for Serbia but also for the entire Balkan region.
This period was characterized by substantial investments in modernization of the fairgrounds, introduction of digital technologies, and improvements in logistical capacities. There was also an increased focus on ecological sustainability and the use of recycled materials in furniture industry, following global trends.
The Last Decade – Business, Design, and Creativity
In the last decade, the Furniture Fair in Belgrade has successfully designed a program and content that effectively combines the commercial and industrial context with the promotion of design and art. The annual exhibitions of young designers have become an integral part of the fair, providing a platform for new talents to showcase their ideas and work. These programs are crucial for the development of the creative industry in Serbia and the region.
What also makes the Furniture Fair a cultural event that promotes creativity and innovation today is the Design Talks program, which features conversations and discussions with prominent expert speakers, designers, and architects on the most current topics in the field.
Impact on Economy
The Furniture Fair has a significant impact on the economy of Serbia. It not only promotes the domestic furniture industry and increases exports and exclusive fair contracts but also attracts investments in this sector. The event brings together manufacturers, designers, distributors, and buyers from around the world, thereby fostering business connections and economic growth. The B2B programs and networking opportunities conducted during the fair record a significant number of business contracts, further strengthening Serbia’s economic position in the global market.
In Serbia, the wood-based industry and its processing have significant developmental potential and are highly export-oriented. Forestry, wood processing, and furniture industry are interconnected in a circular economy chain and contribute to strategic prosperity. Each autumn, through its platform for networking and interaction among all stakeholders, the Furniture Fair encourages market growth, export arrangements, and the internationalization of domestic products.
Furniture Fair Awards: “Golden Key” and “Fair Key”
By awarding the most outstanding participants and gathering an international jury, the Belgrade Furniture Fair, thanks to its credibility, places the winners in an international context, enhancing their credibility and highlighting them as relevant individuals in the furniture industry.
“Golden Key” Award – Award for Best Solutions
The Golden Key is an award presented annually to the most successful exhibitors at the fair, recognizing the highest quality and most innovative solutions.
“Fair Key” Award
The Fair Key award is given for contributions to improving the quality of the event and overall fair performance.
Tradition, Technology, and Innovation – Two Compatible Events
The history of the International Furniture Fair in Belgrade tells a story of growth, adaptation, and innovation. From its beginnings as a local event to an internationally recognized fair, this event has undergone many changes, emerging stronger and more significant each time.
Today, the Furniture Fair not only reflects the rich tradition and skills of the Serbian wood industry but also lays the foundations for future innovations and global impact.
Traditionally, the International Fair of Machines and Tools for the Woodworking Industry (UFI) is held simultaneously, which makes this event a unique opportunity for all participants, manufacturers, importers of machines and tools for wood processing, and distributors to showcase their current offerings, new models, and innovations in technology, sustainability, and automation that are transforming the wood and furniture manufacturing industries, in which Serbia is competitive in the global market.
This year, the 60th International Fair of Furniture, Equipment, and Interior Decoration (UFI) will take place from October 1 to 6, 2024, at the Belgrade Fair in halls 1, 1A, 2, 3, and 3A, while the 60th edition of the International Fair of Machines and Tools for the Woodworking Industry will be held in hall 5 from October 1 to 5.
Welcome to the Furniture Fair 2024!