Koelnmesse GmbH (Cologne Trade Fair)

Located in the heart of Germany’s Rhine region, Koelnmesse GmbH (Cologne Trade Fair) stands as one of the world’s largest and most influential exhibition organizers. With a history spanning over a century, it serves as a vital meeting point for industries ranging from food and furniture to gaming and dental technology.

Century of Trade Excellence

Founded in 1922 and hosting its first trade fair in 1924 under the leadership of then-Mayor Konrad Adenauer, Koelnmesse has grown from a regional marketplace into a global powerhouse. In 2024, the organization celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking ten decades of connecting markets and fostering international business relationships.

Today, Koelnmesse organizes around 80 trade fairs and over 2,000 conferences annually, managing a portfolio that includes some of the world’s most recognized “leading global fairs”.

World-Class Infrastructure and Venue Layout

The Cologne Exhibition Centre is architecturally iconic and strategically designed for high-capacity events.

  • Exhibition Space: The venue boasts approximately 284,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space across 11 interconnected halls, complemented by about 100,000 square meters of outdoor area.
  • The Messeturm: One of the most recognizable features of the skyline is the Messeturm (Trade Fair Tower), an architectural landmark situated along the River Rhine.
  • Entrance South: A major focal point for international visitors, the Entrance South is known for its modern glass architecture and efficient visitor management systems.

Key International Events

Koelnmesse is the home of industry-defining events that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe:

  • Anuga: The world’s largest and most important trade fair for food and beverages.
  • gamescom: The world’s largest event for computer and video games, turning Cologne into a global gaming capital every August.
  • imm cologne: A premier international furniture and interiors fair that sets the design trends for the year ahead.
  • IDS (International Dental Show): The world-leading trade fair for the dental industry.
  • ISM: The world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks.

Global Reach and Local Impact

While its headquarters remain in the Deutz district of Cologne, Koelnmesse is a truly international entity. With a subsidiary network spanning over 100 countries—including a strong presence in North America through Koelnmesse NAFTA—it assists companies worldwide in accessing international markets.

Economically, the trade fair is a cornerstone of the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) region, supporting thousands of jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and logistics sectors.

Location and Accessibility

One of Koelnmesse’s greatest advantages is its central European location.

  • Transport: The center is directly adjacent to the Köln Messe/Deutz railway station, providing high-speed ICE train connections to major cities like Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.
  • Proximity: It is within walking distance of the Cologne Cathedral and the city’s historic center, separated only by the scenic Hohenzollern Bridge.
  • Air Travel: Cologne-Bonn Airport is just a 15-minute train ride away, making it highly accessible for international delegates.

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Briefwahlzentrum