IDS 2005 not to be missed

When IDS 2005, the world's largest dental show, opens its doors from April 12-16, 2005, more than 1,400 suppliers from 50 countries will present their products and services covering all aspects of dentistry and dental technology in the exhibition halls of Cologne, Germany.

Organized by Koelnmesse, in excess of 60,000 visitors are expected to descend on the city on the Rhine by road, rail and plane.

Nearby Cologne-Bonn Airport and Dusseldorf Airport are both hubs for many budget airlines flying in from all over Europe including London. There is a rail link from both into the city. Flights from Australia fly direct to Frankfurt which is an hour from Cologne thanks to a new fast train link.

IDS 2005 is also being expanded from the well-known Halls 13 and 14 of the Cologne Fair Grounds to incorporate Hall 10. Gross exhibition space will now total some 107,000 square metres.

The additional space will enable the organisers to add an entrance area equipped with service facilities for visitors to enhance the IDS experience. In addition, many new exhibitors are expected and many existing exhibitors are expected to grow the size of their displays which often include bars, coffee shops, rock bands, body painting and an array of other attention grabbers.

IDS 2003 saw 1400 exhibitors displaying their wares to 63,000 visitors from 134 countries and increased numbers are expected for the next event.

The critical mass of visitors and the following IDS has developed, particularly since making Cologne its permanent venue since 1992, mean that competition for the extracurricular hours of visitors is intense. There are dozens of events each night, ranging from the incredible parties organised by EMS, KaVo and others, to intimate dinners on boats moored on the Rhine, to intimate gatherings in one of the quintessential German beer halls.