German trade shows crack the 4 billion mark

In 2018, the 178 international and national trade fairs recorded an average of 2 percent more exhibitors and likewise 2 percent larger stand areas compared with the respective previous events. Although these figures are considerably lower than the exceptionally strong results of the previous year (exhibitors +3.7 percent, exhibition space +3.1 percent), they confirm a positive trend for the trade fair as an instrument, which is already heavily used. Visitor numbers again remained stable at a high level. In total, the 178 trade fairs recorded 9,572,767 visitors and 194,815 exhibitors who booked 7,130,830 square meters of stand space.

The boom in digital media had little impact on trade shows overall. The capital goods trade shows posted strong results with significant growth in booth space and a slight increase in visitor numbers, while consumer goods trade shows saw a slight drop in visitor numbers in many cases. The results of the international trade shows for the general public were stable on average.

Participation from abroad grew by a significantly above-average 4.4 percent - a remarkable result in view of the discussion and also realization of additional customs duties and the associated uncertainty about the further development of international trade. The number of foreign visitors rose by a good 3 percent.

In 2018, sales by German trade show organizers exceeded the 4 billion euro mark for the first time with a relatively strong trade show program due to the rotation of events. In the 2019 trade show year, which is weaker due to rotation, sales are expected to be around 3.8 billion euros. For the current year, AUMA anticipates further slight growth in exhibitor numbers and stand space at the 165 planned trade fairs compared with the respective previous events. Visitor numbers are expected to remain virtually stable.