The German trade fair industry is taking off again, a bit later than in some other countries, but powerfully, according to the country’s trade fair industry association AUMA.
In June 2022 alone, AUMA reports, 40 trade fairs will take place in Germany, among them Europe’s largest outdoor trade fair OutDoor by Ispo in Munich, the trade fairs for textiles Techtextil, Texprocess and Heimtextil as a summer special in Frankfurt/Main, and the international aerospace exhibition ILA in Berlin. And this builds on the 40 international trade fairs in May. AUMA predicts about 200 trade fairs will take place throughout the remainder of this year.
AUMA chairman Philip Harting (pictured) said: “We are back. We are happy to welcome our guests at trade fairs in Germany again. Germany is trade fair country Number 1. Like never before, we are focussing with full power, with creativity and energy on this hot trade fair summer with as many trade fairs as never before. After bans, after cancellations and postponements the backlog is immense. Exhibitors and visitors were missing their trade fairs in Germany.”
Harting was recently confirmed by AUMA for another three-years-term in the association’s chair. He has been a member of the board since 2008 and was first elected chairman in 2019.
Harting added: “In 2022 alone there are almost 20 trade fairs in Germany that address subjects like energy, climate and environment protection. In times of intensive discussions about energy safety, energy independence and expansion of renewable energy it becomes evident how important trade fairs are. At trade fairs, the best ideas are cross-checked for marketability, one finds business partners, new connections and the spirit of invention and improvement.”
In April in Germany all access restrictions for trade fairs, hotels and restaurants were lifted. Proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test upon entry is no longer required.
Annually, approximately 180.000 enterprises exhibit in Germany, roughly 60% are from foreign countries and one from countries outside of Europe. Almost 30% of ten million visitors of German trade fairs arrive from abroad.
AUMA represents the interests of 69 members. These include all large and medium-sized trade fair companies in Germany as well as associations representing exhibitors, service companies and visitors.
Photo: © AUMA / Michael Fahrig
