Reports

Germany’s exhibition venues continue to offer 3.25 million square metres of hall space. Investments in 2025 focused on modernisation, digitalisation and sustainability, according to the latest AUMA survey.

AUMA Managing Director Jörn Holtmeier was confirmed as Chairman of the UFI Associations Committee for a further three-year term in spring 2026. Synthia Chan, Macau Fair & Trade Association, remains in office as Vice-Chair.

Trade fairs in Germany generate over 30 billion euros in economic impact every year, secure at least 280,000 jobs and generate 5.4 billion euros in tax revenue. This is shown by in-depth figures from the recently published study.

The trade fair industry in Germany contributes approximately 30 billion euros to the country's prosperity annually. These figures come from the German economic research institute Prognos, which assessed the sector's economic impact on behalf of the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry AUMA.

The current Executive Committee of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) took up its work in November 2025. The trio consists of Panittha Buri, Hugh Jones and Wolfram N. Diener (photo), Chairman and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.

Artificial intelligence is about to change the German trade fair industry, according to a recent AUMA study. Across roughly 70 pages, the study outlines future scenarios and shows in detail, where AI is already being deployed within a trade fair context, which opportunities it offers and where its limits currently lie. A summary in English is available now.

During the night of 9 December, the EU Commission, Council and Parliament agreed on the key points for simplifying sustainability reporting. The results of the trilogue negotiations must now be formally confirmed in mid-December.

The Chinese government has decided to extend the unilateral visa waiver for nationals from 45 countries, including Germany, until 31 December 2026.

The number of trade fairs held by German organisers in Saudi Arabia has recently risen steadily: While there were only two trade fairs in 2024, eight trade fairs are planned for 2026. For instance in December 2025, the Industrial Automation Saudi Arabia of Deutsche Messe AG will celebrate its premiere in Riyadh.

Despite economic challenges, the trade fair industry in Germany remains robust: more exhibitors, more visitors and stable sales characterise the year 2025. The international trend also remains positive - with strong growth in emerging markets and stability in the major markets.