New statistics from German trade fair association AUMA says a quarter more shows are planned in 2023 than in 2022 when 280 trade fairs were feasible.
Although visitor numbers on the rise there are big concerns in the sector over over affordable energy.
AUMA says at least 340 trade fairs are planned between Husum and Friedrichshafen in 2023 and that in the first quarter of 2023 alone, 120 trade fairs are scheduled. In 2022, only 18 trade fairs could be held in the same period due to Covid-19 restrictions, according to the association's latest statistics. In terms of key topics raised in the AUMA research, energy efficiency, circular economy and innovative production technologies are the top subjects for concern for German trade fairs in 2023.
AUMA chairman Philip Harting (pictured), said: “The trade fair industry in Germany is slowly regaining its rhythm again. Two years of trade fair bans are still putting a strain on the industry, which accounts for 230,000 jobs. We expect the support of the Federal Minister of Economics, not any new obstacles. Stability will do a lot to benefit the trade fair industry. Then 2023 can be the first better year since the beginning of the pandemic. Trade fairs can play to their strengths as part of the solution to many problems. Then Germany will once again live up to its reputation as a top location for trade fairs. However, concerns over affordable energy are dimming the first outlook into the new year.”
AUMA's projections for 2022 show that 65% of visitors are back at German trade fair venues. By summer, the average number was around 55% of pre-pandemic levels. Since autumn, the figures have been rising. The exhibitor figures are similar: on average, 70% are back over the year – with a similar upward trend since autumn.
Especially due to the trade fair bans in the first quarter, this year the overall positive effects on the economy from the trade fair industry will be only 55% of the pre-pandemic years, according to AUMA’s initial figures. In 2019, the industry contributed €28bn to the national economic benefit.
According to preliminary figures from AUMA, in 2022, 280 trade fairs will have taken place in Germany, 130 were cancelled, and 60 had to be postponed within the year. The overall economic damage caused by bans, postponements and cancellations of trade fairs since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany amounts to more than €56bn, as well €9bn less tax revenue. Nearly 180,000 jobs needed to be safeguarded through cutbacks in working hours.
- For an overview of upcoming trade fairs in Germany check our trade fair database: https://www.auma.de/en/exhibit/find-your-exhibitions
AUMA is the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry: nationally and internationally, it represents the interests of 70 members. These include all large and medium-sized trade fair companies in Germany as well as associations representing exhibitors, service companies and visitors.
