Focal points

Trade fairs strengthen SMEs in Germany by providing a platform for networking, business initiation and market presence. For small and medium-sized companies in particular, trade fairs offer opportunities to assert themselves against the competition and present innovations to a wide audience. Start-ups also make their first business contacts here. Support such as the German government's foreign trade fair programme and the Young Innovators programme make it easier for young companies to enter international business. In addition to face-to-face trade fairs, digital platforms are used to expand reach. Trade fairs are also increasingly focussing on sustainability in order to become climate-neutral by 2040 and on artificial intelligence to increase efficiency.