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 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.

The ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) has decided to set up a technical committee for sustainable event management. AUMA, alongside the UFI, had strongly advocated the establishment of this committee.

The European Entry-Exit-System (EES) will be launched in Germany on 12 October 2025. The digital system will initially be introduced at Düsseldorf Airport, followed by Frankfurt and Munich. All other external air and sea borders will follow step by step by April 2026 at the latest. The EES is a digital system that records the entry and exit of travelers from outside the EU.

Visa waiting times for international exhibitors and visitors who want to take part in trade fairs in Germany are still too long in many countries. This is shown by this year's trade fair visa survey, which AUMA conducted in July and August among the foreign representatives of German trade fair organisers.

How is the German trade fair industry holding its own in a changing world? The new AUMA annual publication "Trends 2025/2026" shows: Between digitalisation, sustainability and AI, personal interaction remains at the heart of the industry. Seven key developments provide insights into the future of trade fairs.