Germany continues to offer an exceptionally strong exhibition infrastructure. Around 3.25 million square metres of hall space are currently available nationwide for trade fairs and similar events. This means that overall capacity remains at the same high level as in 2025, as a recent survey by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) shows.
The analysis covers 25 trade fair venues of national and international importance, which together account for around 2.8 million square metres of hall space. The venues in Schkeuditz and Station Berlin are included in this category for the first time.
This offering is complemented by exhibition centres of regional importance. These provide a gross hall area of just under 446,000 square metres, which, according to current planning, is expected to remain stable in the coming years. In total, Germany has around 70 exhibition centres, where approximately 350 trade and public fairs are held each year.
Alongside the stable development of exhibition space, venue operators continue to invest in future viability. In 2025, almost €160 million was invested in the further development of exhibition sites. The focus was on the expansion and refurbishment of halls, congress and administrative buildings, as well as the modernisation of core infrastructure. The aim is to make better use of existing space, optimise processes and increase flexibility for a wide range of event formats.
Construction measures continue to focus on sustainability
Another key area of investment is technical and digital modernisation. Advanced building and operating technologies, high-performance IT infrastructure and digital processes are increasing the efficiency of trade fair operations and enhancing services for exhibitors and visitors. Transport, parking and logistics concepts have also been further developed at many venues.
Energy efficiency and sustainability also remain high priorities. Measures to reduce energy consumption, expand renewable energy use and implement sustainable concepts for buildings, open spaces and mobility are integral components of many exhibition centres’ investment strategies.
In international comparison, Germany holds a leading position: the country accounts for around one fifth of Europe’s total exhibition hall capacity and more than seven per cent worldwide. According to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), Europe and the Asia-Pacific region have the largest hall capacities, with 16.1 and 16.9 million square metres respectively. Worldwide, there are more than 1,530 exhibition venues with a total of 44.3 million square metres of hall space. Europe leads with around 520 venues, followed by Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
