Many new AI applications can simplify work, especially in communication. The opportunities and risks arising from their use in the trade fair industry are the subject of various trade fair forums that AUMA is organising for its members this autumn.

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 was revealed by a survey conducted by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) this July and August among the foreign representatives of German trade fair organisers. AUMA analysed over 60 responses from more than 30 countries requiring visas. There is no sign of a significant easing of the situation compared to last year's survey.

One year after the entry into force of the unitary patent system, the European Patent Office has already recorded 27,000 registrations of corresponding patents. The Unitary Patent will take its place alongside national and European patents and will be valid in all participating member states.

The EU Commission has decided to increase visa fees from 80 to 90 euros. The fees for obtaining a visa for the Schengen area were first increased from 60 to 80 euros in 2020. The reason given for the increase is the EU-wide inflation rate over the last three years.