#ThedifferenceMHK, experienced by 3580 guests

What do you get when after seven years, waiting a little longer than usual due to circumstances, the European members of MHK are invited to Berlin (D) for the International Congress? Right, a great kitchen atmosphere, lots of positive kitchen vibes, interesting conversations and a lot of motivation to tackle the rest of the year. With the sun also of the party, all attendees spoke of a top edition.

For the first time in seven years, the MHK Group again invited its partners to the immense Estrel Hotel in Berlin. And it must be said, MHK members and contract suppliers answered this call en masse. From June 2 through June 4, it was a kitchen rush in the hotel's large conference rooms, smaller multipurpose rooms and foyer. As many as 3,580 guests from seven countries enjoyed the "Living & Style" exhibition of about 7,000 m², the many interesting keynotes and the very successful musical acts. The most striking thing during the congress? The many happy faces of all the kitchen professionals and the pleasant murmur in the hotel, the result of animated conversations. Also delightful were the honest emotions of the winners of the Goldene Dreieck for Most Beautiful Kitchen in Europe, the well-deserved spotlight given to the MHK members who have been partners for 25 years or more (a whole stage full of them, ed.) and the video message and minute-long standing ovation for outgoing CEO Werner Heilos. Volker Klodwig takes over the helm and sees a bright future: "MHK is making a difference and we will continue to do so."

Consumers choose professionals

German consumers are more than willing to invest in a new kitchen and bathroom and have a nice budget for it. That is the pleasing result demonstrated by a consumer survey conducted by Civey on behalf of the MHK Group. "More than 75% of the consumers who make this investment between now and two years want to use the specialist trade," adds Volker Klodwig. "It is the strengths of all MHK members that make consumers go to the specialist trade, namely the knowledge and expertise and the personal contact with customers. We therefore see the future brightly and are convinced that the path we have taken is the right one. The results of this survey give us additional motivation to work out new ideas to support our members even more."

Building out digital hatch

"It has been seven years since we organized an international congress," Volker Klodwig began his welcome speech. "We are delighted that so many of our partners are here. It gives us the opportunity to introduce the new Board of Directors as well as immediately pass along the new concepts we are implementing."

One of those new faces is Thorsten Hallermeier who, as CDO, Chief Digital Officer, is taking care of the further digital development of the group. Among other things, he reported the arrival of CARAT emotion. Hallermeier: "A new milestone in terms of kitchen planning. CARAT emotion provides an even more realistic and lifelike representation of a customer's new kitchen. And in the fall, with the Küchenmeile, we will be adding to it."

That digitalization is and remains an important theme was also proven by the further keynotes during the Hauptversammlung. Saliha Özcan told how she grew from an elementary school teacher into the biggest food blogger in Germany and Europe. Her own YouTube channel Sally's World plays the leading role in this. She regularly publishes recipe ideas but also develops her own products in the meantime. "From my first video, I bet on content," Özcan teaches us. "I wanted to teach my viewers and followers something, a holdover from my previous career perhaps. Informative but brought in a fun way. And remember that each platform has its own audience and thus requires its own way of delivering content. So simply reposting a video on YouTube on Instagram makes no sense. Fortunately, smartphone cameras today are of such top quality that professional material is really no longer necessary."

Most Beautiful Cuisine of Europe

Listening to each other, learning from each other and acting together. These are some of the principles that are common in the operation of an orchestra and were translated to the entrepreneurial world by Christian Gansch, internationally known conductor. Peppered with well-known and less well-known pieces of music, he explained how a concert is created, the role of the conductor in it and how the various musicians work together to achieve a common result. After Christian Gansch's keynote and the national membership meeting at which the full Advisory Board was unanimously re-elected, the exciting denouement of the Goldene Dreieck followed in which the Most Beautiful Bathroom of Germany and the Most Beautiful Kitchen of Europe were chosen. All attendees participated via live voting. One completed kitchen from each MHK country was nominated to compete for this esteemed award. The Most Beautiful Kitchen of Europe was designed by Enrico Fleuren of Loomans Keukens in Eindhoven. And the fact that it was appreciated was demonstrated at the award ceremony, where the necessary tears flowed.

Relaxing finale

After an interesting visit to the 'Living & Style' trade fair where no fewer than 107 manufacturers had a booth on an area of 7000 m², after the inspiring keynotes where a large amount of useful tips were given, and after the many fascinating conversations between colleagues, it was time for relaxation. After the afternoon break was ushered in with a surprise act, a performance by The 12 Tenors, the traditional gala dinner followed on Saturday evening. Afterwards, Rea Garvey and Marlon Roudette gave the best of themselves during very appreciated performances. After that it was lively for a long time in the various rooms with entertainment for everyone, whether in the disco or in the lounge.