The initiative by the exhibitors was triggered by the last IKK in Hannover, whose result had to be generally described as a 'disaster'. The number of visitors almost halved to some 13,700 compared with the previous year 2004 in Nürnberg.

If this result is analysed, it becomes clear that almost all the major manufacturers of compressors and heat exchangers, the German wholesale trade and suppliers of chillers had taken an “IKK break” in 2005. Moreover, exhibitors at the event have themselves recognized in many talks that the presentation of the negative impacts of Hanover by the international trade press creates doubts among foreign visitors and exhibitors concerning IKK as an international trade fair.

For these reasons, another IKK in Hannover was no longer feasible for the exhibiting companies. But what was to be done? The exhibitors approached the IKK promoter VDKF with these findings – with a request to implement a 2-year cycle for IKK and in future to organize the exhibition only in Nürnberg, which is undisputed as location both nationally and internationally. This was also intended to calm down the discussions in Germany and abroad. These and other wishes plus the conditions requested by the exhibiting companies are stated in the resolution of the “pro IKK Exhibitors’ Initiative” of 26 April 2006. The resolution was supported by statements from many industry organizations.

Unfortunately, VDKF decided in favour of Stuttgart and Frankfurt as new locations. This is a decision that many exhibitors cannot support, as the absence of major exhibitors due to the change of location can be expected to cause another drop in the number of visitors – possibly even below the 10,000 mark. This would seriously threaten the existence of IKK in its present form.

The exhibitors are aware that the failure of IKK would also endanger Germany as exhibition location for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry or it would lose much of its importance. For this reason, the exhibitors in the “pro IKK Initiative” have decided to continue working in the 'Chillventa Nürnberg Exhibitors Group' and have requested NürnbergMesse to develop a concept for this established location.

The use of the name IKK in connection with ISH/aircontec as “IKK Building” is regarded by the manufacturers as damaging. Especially international trade visitors who expect 'the old IKK' would be disappointed. Moreover, the question arises of how the comprehensive energy approach to buildings as announced for Frankfurt is to be achieved by VDKF? Incidentally, Messe Frankfurt itself has not commented on this issue to date.

Neither a single association nor a group of manufacturers can successfully organize an exhibition alone and permanently on today’s difficult German exhibition scene and against the background of international competition. This can, however, be assured by trustworthy co-operation between manufacturers, the relevant associations and a flexible exhibition company.

This objective will be realized with Chillventa Nürnberg. The exhibitors have already formed a committee from all product segments of the exhibition and including the visitors’ side. This committee is to meet for its first working session in September 2006. The industry associations ASERCOM, BIV, DKV, FGK, IZW and VDMA – ALT are actively involved in this.

The new exhibition concept has no major financial advantages for either the exhibitors or the exhibition company. Revenue received by VDKF from the exhibition company in previous years and also in 2006 will be used in future to appropriately remunerate industry associations that contribute to the success of Chillventa Nürnberg. The advertising and communication budget in Germany and abroad will also be doubled to attract more German and international visitors. A further part will be used to reduce the stand rents. This package of measures will benefit exhibitors, associations and visitors, i.e. the whole industry.

The wholesale trade and the manufacturers of compressors, heat exchangers and chillers were absent in Hanover in 2005. This halved the number of visitors as already mentioned. If all the large refrigeration equipment and fan manufacturers, parts of the commercial cooling segment and the industrial refrigeration companies were also to stop exhibiting at IKK 2008, another major drop in the number of visitors could be expected.

The result of the vote at the first meeting of the Chillventa Exhibitors Group in Frankfurt on 27 July 2006 shows which companies will not be at the IKK announced for Stuttgart in 2008. It becomes clear that key segments for the trade visitor will then no longer be present on a representative basis in Stuttgart.

In their original resolution of 26 April 2006, the exhibitors emphasized that their thoughts were 'pro IKK' and they made it clear many times that they saw the future of IKK together with VDKF.

The path now taken by the exhibitors was not the original idea. The exhibitors are generally disappointed that their negotiation offer and concrete suggestions have not been considered. There was never any thought of a take-over attempt.