Regional trade fairs in Germany have overcome the coronavirus crisis. Around 36,000 exhibiting companies took part in the 132 regional trade fairs in Germany in 2023. They occupied a stand area of almost 1.13 million square metres (+61%) and attracted the interest of 3.9 million visitors (+86%). It should be noted that 2022 was still clearly characterised by coronavirus restrictions. Only 90 trade fairs could be held in 2022. This is the result of a study by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry AUMA, which has now been completed.
- Hendrik Hochheim, Head of Trade Fairs Germany at AUMA: "The key figures for the 2023 trade fair year show how important people consider their regional trade and speciality fairs as well as leisure and hobby shows to be. Especially after the trade fair bans during the coronavirus crisis, the importance of regional trade fairs has once again increased significantly. They are not only the meeting and information points for all aspects of life, living and enjoyment in the region. They pick up on trends and consumer needs and showcase innovations that are created in the region for the region."
The three types of regional trade fairs developed differently: the regional trade fairs for trade visitors performed best, including the two trade fairs for electrical engineering and electronics eltefa in Stuttgart and elektrotechnik in Dortmund, the commercial vehicle trade fair NUFAM in Karlsruhe and the regional order days in Hamburg Nordstil. The regional trade fairs for trade visitors saw a significant increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers.
The special interest public fairs also showed considerable growth. These include Reisen & Caravan in Erfurt, modell-hobby-spiel in Leipzig and Freizeit, Touristik & Garten in Nuremberg. Multi-sector public trade fairs also recorded an increase in exhibitors and visitors compared to 2022. Some organisers are responding to changing visitor preferences by shortening the duration of the trade fair and offering new content. In addition to strengthening the regional focus, emotionalisation and experience orientation are important means of stabilising or increasing the quality of attendance.
A total of 298 trade fairs were held last year, including 166 with a national or international reach and 132 with a regional focus. A total of 183,000 exhibiting companies and 11.4 million visitors took part on a stand area of 6.34 million square metres.
