Exponatec Cologne 2015, the international trade fair for museums, conservation and heritage, is opening its doors from 18 to 20 November. Companies from around the world will be presenting innovations, product developments and solutions for layout, design and technology. Other important topics will once again include museum and information management, cost reduction options, security, accessibility, transportation, and logistics when industry representatives from around the globe meet for this specialized fair in Koelnmesse Hall 3.2, Cologne, Germany. Exponatec Cologne is considered as Europe’s leading communications and business platform for the museum, preservation and restoration sectors. Presenting all significant thematic fields of the branch, the event offers a comprehensive overview of the 'state of the art' in the museum. Besides visitor orientation, safety/security, lighting, preventive preservation or cultural heritage, the aspects of 3D staging and the use of multimedia are areas of focus of the trade fair. With 186 exhibitors from 15 countries and over 4,000 international trade visitors, the previous edition of Exponatec Cologne, which took place in November 2013, was clearly a big success. Institutions and companies from the diverse industries and service sectors of the cultural market presented the trade public with new products, solutions and concepts related to the themes exhibition, restoration and cultural heritage. Co-operation with several international networks and organisations lead to special events being held in the context of Exponatec Cologne 2015. Among them is the Best in Heritage Excellence Club, which will hold a one-day programme on 18 November, with presentations by several museums, including ASEMUS' member Museum aan de Stroom, Antwerp. Other organisations holding events in the context of Exponatec Cologne 2015 include the German Museums Association and Europa Nostra. An ambitious conference programme including lectures and discussion forums will once again underline the importance of Exponatec Cologne as the central platform for dialogue and discussion. Sessions will address issues including the protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage, the management of digital media and collections, governmental indemnity and state liability, among others. For additional information about Exponatec Cologne 2015, please visit http://www.exponatec.com