Berlin is gearing up for a new edition of IFA, the historic consumer electronics and home appliances fair that transforms the Messe Berlin grounds every September into the global hub of innovation. In 2025, the event promises more premieres, more stages, and more “phygital” experiences than ever before, running from September 5 to 9, with pre-event Media Days on September 3 and 4 geared toward press and product launches. This is the comprehensive roadmap — from A to Z — to plan your professional visit, from the new official app to the “Zone of Innovation,” including keynotes, aftershows, and access points.
An event with over a century of history… and eyes on the future
IFA isn’t just another date on the calendar: its roots go back to 1924 and today remains a global showcase where brands, distributors, press, and creators present and discuss the future right at their booths. In 2025, this blend of technology, creativity, and community is highlighted with “IFA Moments” — from humanoid robots to star chefs — and a program of major stages for worldwide premieres.
A – App: your map, your schedule, your network
The new official IFA app is your best companion inside (and outside) the event: session schedules, pavilion maps, indoor navigation, favorite lists, and networking tools so you won’t miss key announcements or contacts. Download it before arriving and sync your accreditation for a “Quick Check-In” to avoid queues.
B – Barrier-free Tours: accessible guided tours
In collaboration with Lebenshilfe Berlin, the fair offers easy-language guided tours on specific slots on Saturday, September 6 (09:45 and 12:45) and Sunday, September 7 (09:45), meeting at Entrance South.
C – Creator Hub and Club MAXXIM: from the camera to afterwork
The IFA Creator Hub at the Palaise am Funkturm hosts live streaming, podcasts, and studios for the creator community to produce content right at the heart of the fair. In the evening, the plan shifts to Club MAXXIM, IFA’s official aftershow from September 5 to 9, with free entry and a welcome drink from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for credentialed professionals; afterward, entry costs €10.
D – ‘Deutschland kocht’: live cooking and tech
The grand finale of ‘Deutschland kocht’ takes place in Hall 1.1 (Bosch booth) from 11:00 to 17:00: gourmet cuisine, cutting-edge appliances, and showcooking demonstrations showcasing how innovation reaches the connected home.
E – Tickets: schedules and entrances, daily
Planning by access points saves time. The organizers specify which gates are open September 3-4 (08:00–20:00) and September 5-9 with specific hours (e.g., Hall 7 and “Trompete” from 08:00–13:00) and access points such as South Entrance, North Entrance, Hub27, CityCube, Hall 9, and Hall 16 between 09:30 and 18:00.
F – For Trade Visitors & FYNT: Friday mornings, “Business Only”
IFA caters to industry professionals with dedicated “Business Only” access slots, networking, and evening events. The fair also debuts Find Your Next Tech (FYNT) — a live show running daily from September 5 to 9 in partnership with Webedia, designed to showcase gadgets and trends with live demonstrations.
G – Gardening & Outdoor Cooking: Sommergarten gets lively
The Sommergarten enhances its offering with outdoor kitchens, smart grills, and garden solutions.
H – Highlights: a city within the city
The organizers present a IFA City Map with “must-see” spots, favorite corners, and local tips to explore Berlin between pavilions, along with the IFA Moments series (online and in-person) capturing the spirit of the event all year round.
I – Innovation Stage: where big stories unfold
The Main Stage of IFA 2025, with more than 1,000 seats, hosts keynotes, major press conferences, and product premieres with a global focus.
J – Juice & Food: recharging your energy is part of the strategy
Food and drink stations across the venue offer quick options so you don’t miss important agenda slots.
K – Keynotes: vision and product launches
Executives from global companies share their roadmaps and unveil new innovations. In 2025, the focus is on AI-powered consumer electronics, AI-ready laptops, new XR formats, and hyperconnected homes, emphasizing tangible functions over promises.
L – Lifestyle: everyday tech, real impact
Beauty, gaming, outdoor cooking… IFA reminds us that innovation is found in daily life.
M – Media Days, Merch & Mobility Track
Media Days (September 3-4, 08:00–20:00) include press briefings and premieres. The IFA Merch, in collaboration with Overkill x Friends, is launched on September 5 at 2:00 PM at the South Entrance, and this year, the Mobility Track debuts in Halls 6 and 7, allowing visitors to test e-scooters and e-bikes on an interactive circuit.
N – Networking: face-to-face decisions
From hallway chats to aftershows, IFA is a cross-industry meeting point connecting industry, channel, and consumers.
O – Open Air: festival within the fair
The Sommergarten’s live music and performances add a vibrant cultural pulse.
P – Public Transport: navigating Berlin hassle-free
The BVG public transit network connects Messe Berlin, though there may be disruptions due to construction. Check updates at bvg.de.
Q – Quick Check-In: “hello, goodbye queues”
With online tickets and the app activated, entry is straight-forward.
R – Retail Leaders Summit: industry’s pulse
A dedicated forum for retail and industry decision-makers with talks, panels, and networking.
S – Sustainability: standards and partners
Sustainability underpins launches and discussions, with partners like Cradle to Cradle.
T – Tech Trends: AI everywhere
From AI-enabled appliances to “AI-first” PCs and smart homes with predictive services, IFA highlights the trend: fewer promises, more tangible features.
U – Urban Entertainment: “business meets fun”
Gaming, music, live shows.
V – Variety: from startups to giants
The mix of startups and large-scale players makes IFA a global marketplace of ideas.
W – Wi-Fi: free connectivity
Free Wi-Fi throughout the venue.
X – XR Experiences: extended reality you can touch
XR, VR, and AR are featured as star experiences.
Y – Young Talents: accelerating ideas
IFA Next and its Dream Stage give a voice to startups and young talents.
Z – Zone of Innovation: the frontier of tomorrow
Robotics, AI, and visionary demos paint the future landscape.
Practical tips to make the most of IFA 2025
- Group meetings by pavilion to save travel time across the venue.
- Arrive early at the Innovation Stage — seats fill quickly.
- Check which entrance to use depending on the day and your schedule.
- Take advantage of the aftershow at Club MAXXIM for informal networking.
- Plan your Berlin travel with alternative routes in case of BVG disruptions.
What to expect in tech
The tech conversation in 2025 is dominated by AI everywhere: from appliances learning routines to laptops with more powerful NPU chips, and smart glasses starting to expand beyond niche cases. The connected home sees a new leap in integration, while the mobile ecosystem explores foldable formats and Qi2 wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the key dates and hours for IFA 2025?
Media Days are on September 3 and 4 (08:00–20:00). The main fair runs from September 5 to 9, with main entrances open from 09:30 to 18:00.
Where are the major presentations held?
At the Innovation Stage, which seats over 1,000 and hosts keynotes and global launches.
What benefits are available for professional visitors?
IFA offers “Business Only” slots, networking, and free access to the Club MAXXIM aftershow with a welcome drink.
How to navigate Berlin efficiently during the event?
Use the BVG public transit network, but check for possible disruptions via bvg.de. Combine S-Bahn with walking routes for efficiency.
via: ifa-berlin.com