CeBIT 2009: A furnsihers perspective

Vitra Panton Chair at CeBIT

Last week the (smow)team made their annual pilgrimage to the CeBIT communications and IT trade fair in Hannover – not as exhibitor but as curious visitors and passionate techies. And while we looked for ways to improve our on-line service and to offer even more features, we found our attention being continually attracted – and occasionally astounded – by the furniture behind and around the stands. And over the course of the visit we had plenty of time and opportunity to draw up a list of our personal CeBIT winners. And losers.
And sadly the losers appeared to be in the majority. Despite the obvious thought, effort and cost that went into many of the stands, by our estimate around 75% of the exhibitors relied on standard “Exhibition Stools” for the seating. Which we simply cannot understand.

But then maybe that is why these beauty’s so readily caught our attention:

Vitra Tom Vac (Ron Arad) at CeBIT

– The Panton Chair from Vitra (Design: Verner Panton, 1999) – The world famous plastic cantilever chair is instantly recognizable through its expressive and user-friendly form. For all exhibition stands with a high quality and style Verner Pantons chair is perfect; and with a choice of five striking colors is applicable to all color schemes.
– The Tom Vac from Vitra (Design: Ron Arad, 1999) – The Tom Vac (seat shell form batch-dyed polypropylene) offers top-quality sitting comfort and can be easily and quickly stacked. For exhibition stands or presentation areas looking for flexible seating solutions and seats that can be neatly stored when not required Tom Vac is ideal.

Ero|S| by Philippe Starck (Kartell) at CeBIT

– The Ero|S| from Kartell (Design: Philippe Starck) – With its egg-shaped seat, Phillipe Starcks Ero|S| offers first class comfort combined with fantastic style. With a choice of three attention grabbing bases and eight seat colors Ero|S| gives any stand an individual note that visitors can’t ignore.

Our conclusion: The majority of the CeBIT exhibitors could earn themselves “plus points” – and maybe even extra business – if they invested just a little more thought into their stand furnisher.
For example:

System USM Haller

Dr No by Phillipe Starck (Kartell)

Tom Vac and Alcove Highback (both Vitra)

Naturally we at smow are always ready and willing to offer advice and answer questions regarding furniture for your trade fair and exhibition stand.