Kind und Jugend is the world's largest nursery show. It seems like everyone who is anyone is there. This is the place to find those products which are different (and as we show on page 8, importing directly yourself isn't that difficult). This is also the place to see the trends for 2008. What colours will be 'in'; what styles are now in fashion? Most of the major UK suppliers or their parent companies will also be there. Although many of you will prefer to wait for BPA Baby & Child before ordering, this is an opportunity to see what else the parent companies are offering and maybe influence which colours will be brought into the UK. For a number of reasons, a UK distributor may not be offering the entire range. However, in many cases, if you are interested in the other items, they will be able to arrange for them to be supplied to you. In some cases, you may be able to influence what is introduced into the UK. This can be particularly so when talking about colours, especially on items such as pushchairs. can be introduced into the UK. Kind und Jugend when you can influence what colours are introduced. Larger buyers may be able to have exclusive colourways and this is one reason why most of the major buyers will be there. We have listed the companies you are most likely to want to see, but be aware there may be others with just what you are looking for. This year sees over 100 new companies with new products.

Once again, the Innovation Awards will be taking place. The finalists will have their products on display in the Innovation Area and the winners will be announced on the first morning. We usually find that the winners come into the UK so here's a chance to be in front with the news.

This year the Fair is open for four days from the Thursday morning through to the Sunday afternoon because many buyers found that the three days were insufficient. If you think about it, even barely glancing at each stand would take all of one day. The exhibition is split over two Halls - Halls 10 and 1. Each Hall is split over two levels but there are lifts and escalators to take the strain! Within the complex, there are several places to eat and drink and sit down for a break

Finally, Cologne is a great city in which to take a break or even a Rhine cruise! So do make time to make the most of what is on offer. And of course, us Brits can be very sociable so do join us for a drink!

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Information

How to get there and where to stay

Getting to Cologne can be both cheap and easy as there are several low-cost airlines that fly to the city from a number of regional airports such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Stansted and Gatwick.

From the airport, you can either take a taxi into the city and your hotel or exhibition halls. Alternatively, the suburban railway, S13, provides a direct link from the airport to Koln Messe/Deutz. The station is just by the south entrance to the Halls. It runs every 20 to 30 minutes and takes only 12 minutes.

Cologne has many hotels and it's only when the show clashes with another event that it becomes difficult to find a convenient hotel in the right price bracket. Either search on line yourself or go to wwww.kindundjugend.com. Most of us stay in hotels that are on the west bank of the Rhine within walking distance of the cathedral - the very impressive Dom.

Registration

It is around 30% cheaper to register in advance. A day ticket bought on line costs 10 euros but 15 euros if bought on the day. You simply print off the ticket which is emailed to you. As well as money, buying on line saves you wasting valuable time on the day as you can use the fast lane at the entrance to the show. There are also tickets for two days or a season ticket for all four days. The entrance ticket also covers the cost of the catalogue, which can be picked up in the entrance areas on presentation of the admission ticket.. Go to www.kindundjugend.com for further information.

Opening Times

Thursday September 13th - 9am to 6pm
Friday September 14th - 9am to 6pm
Saturday September 15th - 9am to 6pm
Sunday September 16th - 9am to 4pm