Press releases of the group of companies

€250 million in sales in spite of the coronavirus crisis

Mayor and Messe Frankfurt Supervisory Board Chairman Feldmann: The coronavirus pandemic has affected the entire trade fair sector at a fundamental level and brought it to a virtual standstill. Thanks to its extensive global presence and longstanding digital expertise, Messe Frankfurt still managed to hold more than 150 events worldwide in 2020. The company generated Group sales of approximately €250 million. In spite of its liquidity-oriented business management, the Group is continuing to invest in the future viability of its business model.

Messe Frankfurt showcases its global network of resuming fairs at this week’s CIIE

With the company’s own trade fairs in China already undergoing successful resumptions since July while a number of its global events adopt hybrid or virtual models, Messe Frankfurt enjoyed a positive first day at the third edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE). The global trade fair organiser is utilising CIIE to showcase its global platform of some 155 trade fairs and exhibitions to the Chinese market. CIIE takes place from 5 – 10 November at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center, with over 3,800 international exhibitors from 180 countries and regions present.

Messe Frankfurt revamps spring 2021 schedule

As a result of the course taken by the pandemic, Messe Frankfurt will not be holding any of its own physical trade fairs at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds between January and March 2021. The company is revamping its spring trade fair calendar to focus on new synergies and new digital offerings.

Messe Frankfurt confirms participation in China International Import Expo as its own fairs resume in China

The global trade fair organiser Messe Frankfurt has confirmed its participation in this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) for the third consecutive edition. The company will participate alongside more than 3,800 other international exhibitors from 180 countries and regions. The 2020 edition of CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5 – 10 November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

SPS 2020 Goes All-Virtual

Due to the ongoing travel restrictions and other fundamental changes caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Mesago Messe Frankfurt has decided to hold the SPS 2020 in an all-virtual format.

Formnext 2020 to take place only virtually

Due to the recent rise of the Covid-19 infection figures worldwide, and the associated increase in travel restrictions, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH has decided to hold Formnext 2020 purely virtually. The digital event will be named "Formnext Connect".

Global trade fair operations off to a successful start

Messe Frankfurt has held its first trade fairs since the multi-month global lockdown – with great success. Taking place from 15 to 17 July, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and the Yarn Expo demonstrated just how important personal encounters are, highlighting the increased need for face-to-face meetings in the current situation.

Messe Frankfurt celebrates its 780th anniversary – by getting back to business

On 11 July 1240, Emperor Frederick II granted trade fair rights to Frankfurt am Main, marking the birth of Messe Frankfurt. Now, 780 years later, the company can look back on an eventful history in which the Frankfurt trade fair developed from a medieval marketplace into a global player – experiencing many successes and mastering various crises.

Messe Frankfurt aims to reach 2019 sales levels again by as early as 2023

Messe Frankfurt is looking optimistically to the future. At Messe Frankfurt’s Corporate Press Conference earlier today, President and Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Marzin emphasised: “By 2023, we want to reach the same level of sales as we did in financial year 2019.”

Musikmesse: new date in October 2021, new cooperation with Creative Hub THE ARTS+

Musikmesse is entering into a collaborative agreement with THE ARTS+, the flagship of the Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair) for creative content. In this context, the next Musikmesse will be held from 22 to 24 October 2021, opening concurrently to the Frankfurt Buchmesse on three days, both shows remaining independent events. At the same time, discussions are currently being held with participants from the culture and creative sector with a view to holding other events at the Exhibition Centre during the same time slot. The new cooperation forms valuable synergies for exhibitors and professionals alike.

Messe Frankfurt and VNU Asia Pacific join forces to launch a new meat and food processing trade show for the South East Asian market

In a strategic expansion into the growing food technology sector, Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and VNU Asia Pacific, announce a partnership to jointly organise ‘Meat Pro Asia’, a new trade show dedicated to meat and food processing and catering to the ASEAN region. The show will take place on a biennial basis in co-location with VIV Asia – the no.1 international trade show from Feed to Food in Asia. The inaugural edition will open its doors on 10-12 March 2021 at IMPACT, Bangkok, Thailand.

Frankfurt Fashion Week: Frankfurt am Main to become the new hotspot for the international fashion and lifestyle scene

The two leading tradeshow organisers Messe Frankfurt and Premium Group are joining forces to launch Frankfurt Fashion Week. From summer 2021, the Rhine-Main metropolis will be the new home of a forward-looking fashion and lifestyle community. The vision of a Fashion Week in Frankfurt am Main is now being turned into a reality with tradeshows, conferences, runway shows and events set to take place throughout the entire city. At the focus: the two overarching themes of digitalisation and sustainability.

Texcare International to take place in November 2021

Texcare International will be postponed and will take place in Frankfurt am Main from 27 November to 1 December 2021. Due to the economic situation caused by the Corona pandemic and the travel restrictions which are to be expected, Messe Frankfurt has decided this jointly with the German Textile Cleaning Association and the VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies.

New date: Light + Building will be held again in its normal sequence in 2022

In view of the world-wide situation caused by the Corona pandemic, and the prohibitions on events and travel restrictions associated with it, Messe Frankfurt has decided, jointly with its partners – ZVEI and ZVEH – and with the Trade Fair Advisory Council, to defer the eleventh Light + Building and to hold it, in accordance with its normal sequence, from 13 to 18 March 2022.

New date: Automechanika Frankfurt to be held from 14 to 18 September 2021.

Due to difficult conditions resulting from the corona pandemic and measures taken to stem its spread, including event bans and travel restrictions that are regularly being extended, Messe Frankfurt and its customers, partners and supporting associations have agreed to postpone the Automechanika Frankfurt event that was originally scheduled to take place from 8 to 12 September 2020.

Messe Frankfurt renames its Shenzhen subsidiary with eye on future expansion in Greater Bay Area

Messe Frankfurt has made a change to its China operations, renaming its Shenzhen subsidiary and appointing a new head of the management team. Messe Frankfurt New Era Advertising (Shenzhen) Co Ltd will now be known as Messe Frankfurt Shenzhen Co Ltd. In addition, Mr Edward Che was appointed the new General Manager of Messe Frankfurt Shenzhen on 1 April.

New dates: Automechanika Frankfurt and Light + Building

In light of the current situation regarding the corona pandemic, Messe Frankfurt and its customers, partners and supporting associations have agreed to postpone Automechanika Frankfurt and Light + Building that were originally scheduled to take place in September 2020. Alternative dates have already been found for both trade fairs: Automechanika Frankfurt will be held from 14 to 18 September 2021, while the biennial Light + Building will be held as planned in the next even-numbered year, from 13 to 18 March 2022.

Tendence 2020 cancelled

In response to the worsening situation concerning the coronavirus pandemic and in view of the current challenges facing German and European retailers, Tendence 2020 has been cancelled. This means that Nordstil in Hamburg, from 25 to 27 July 2020, will be the first opportunity for pre-order suppliers for spring and summer 2021, as there will be no other order trade fairs for these product lines this year.

Postponed: Texcare International will take place from 24 to 28 October 2020

Since the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Europe, Messe Frankfurt has decided to postpone Texcare International. The leading international trade fair for textile care will be held in Frankfurt am Main from 24 to 28 October 2020. Industry and stakeholders are welcoming this decision.

Prolight + Sound 2020: event has been cancelled

Prolight + Sound will not be held in 2020. On 12 March, the Hessian Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration issued general decrees prohibiting large-scale events expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors. At the present time, it cannot be assumed that the current situation will have changed by the time the postponed event was to have been held. Therefore, Messe Frankfurt has decided to cancel the event.

Musikmesse, Musikmesse Plaza 2020 and Musikmesse Festival events with more than 1,000 attendees cancelled

Consequent on a general degree issued by the Hessian Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration, it is no longer possible to hold the ‘Musikmesse Plaza’ (3 and 4 April) or any concerts of the ‘Musikmesse Festival’ (31 March to 4 April) with over 1,000 visitors. As it cannot be expected that the situation will change soon enough to schedule an adequate catch-up event, the organisers announce that the international trade show Musikmesse will not take place in 2020.

Musikmesse 2020 postponed / the regional events ‘Musikmesse Plaza’ and ‘Musikmesse Festival’ to go ahead as planned

Given the increasing spread of Covid-19 in Europe, Messe Frankfurt has decided to postpone Musikmesse 2020. The health of exhibitors, visitors, contractors and employees has top priority for Messe Frankfurt. The new dates will be announced in the near future. Visitor admission tickets continue to be valid.

Prolight + Sound 2020 postponed until 26 to 29 May 2020

Given the increasing spread of Covid-19 in Europe, Messe Frankfurt has decided to postpone Prolight + Sound 2020. The trade fair was originally planned for 31 March to 3 April. The health of exhibitors, visitors, contractors and employees has top priority for Messe Frankfurt. The new dates for the Global Entertainment Technology Show are from 26 to 29 May 2020. Visitor admission tickets continue to be valid.

Postponed: Light + Building to be held in September 2020

In view of the increasing spread of the coronavirus in Europe and after intensive consultations, Messe Frankfurt has decided to postpone Light + Building. The world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building-services technology will now be held in Frankfurt am Main between the middle and end of September 2020. The cooperation partners of the international trade fair, ZVEI and ZVEH, support this decision.

Ambiente 2020 impacted by coronavirus and Ciara

Trends, new products and international business – these are traditionally at the focus of Ambiente in Frankfurt, which took place from 7 to 11 February 2020. The world’s largest consumer goods trade fair had grown to 4,635 exhibitors1 from 93 countries2, covering 310,240 gross sqm3. Ambiente was the first leading trade fair to be affected by the impact of the coronavirus on travelling. Another clearly noticeable factor was Storm Ciara. Business in the halls, however, did not suffer as much as expected, and, in all, large numbers of orders were placed throughout the trends and new products platform. Nevertheless, exhibitors were disappointed with the strong sense of uncertainty among visitors and therefore the absence of quite a few retail channels. Yet those who did travel to Frankfurt benefited from an outstanding ordering environment.

Frankfurt trade fair trio makes for an optimistic outlook

The Frankfurt consumer goods fairs Christmasworld, Paperworld, and Creativeworld have started the new business season with relevant industry topics. 3,051 exhibitors from 74 countries1 presented their new products for decoration, festive décor, paper, office supplies, and stationery, as well as hobby, crafts and artists' requisites to the national and international trade.

Quality over quantity: anniversary edition of Heimtextil sets the themes for the new furnishing season

With a content-driven programme, the 50th edition of Heimtextil delivered strong impetus for the start of the new furnishing season. Sustainability was placed firmly at top of the agenda, outshining all other topics. 63,000 visitors gathered information about the major themes dominating the international industry from 2,952 exhibitors at the world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles. As expected, the unusually early date led to a drop in visitor numbers.*

Messe Frankfurt generates €733 million in sales

Messe Frankfurt has continued its profitable growth course in financial year 2019, its key performance indicators remaining at a consistently high level. The company is expecting sales to be in the region of €733 million. Approximately 99,000 exhibitors and almost five million visitors attended the 400-plus events held under the Messe Frankfurt umbrella during the year. The construction of the new Hall 5 and the development of a hotel and office high-rise building and new South Entrance are set to further cement the status of the Frankfurt exhibition grounds as one of the most state- of-the-art inner-city exhibition venues anywhere in the world.

Bridging Chinese businesses with the world – Messe Frankfurt to showcase its global network at this week’s CIIE

With a presence in China since 1987, Messe Frankfurt has been helping Chinese companies to internationalise for over 30 years. At this week’s China International Import Expo (CIIE), the company will demonstrate how its global network and strategically located trade fairs have propelled its capabilities to a market leading position. Gathering global trade and business leaders, CIIE takes place from 5 – 10 November at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center.

Messe Frankfurt supports Hong Kong’s newest arts and cultural festival – Projekt Berlin

Messe Frankfurt has announced its support for Hong Kong’s newest arts and cultural festival, Projekt Berlin, by becoming one of the official sponsors. Scheduled from 4 to 17 November 2019, Projekt Berlin will showcase a diverse array of Berlin’s cultural landscape through both classical and contemporary arts. Tai Kwun, the Centre for Heritage and Arts, will be home to the festival as its heritage buildings and public spaces play host to a special line-up of events.

Messe Frankfurt returns to second China International Import Expo

Following the success in 2018 of both the inaugural fair and the Messe Frankfurt Group’s participation, the company will once again exhibit at the 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE) alongside more than 3,000 other international companies from 150 countries and regions. The second CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November.

Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt commemorates the opening of its new office

As Messe Frankfurt continues to expand its presence in the Greater China region, Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt – one of nine offices the company has in China – has moved to new premises as a result of ongoing expansion plans. An opening ceremony was held on 19 August to commemorate the official beginning of office operations.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its establishment in Hong Kong, Messe Frankfurt looks forward to an even stronger future in the Greater China region with a strengthened business outlook in Asia

Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China has undergone various stages of economic reform over the past 70 years, resulting in ever greater participation in global markets. This change is being driven by the implementation of a number of different policies and strategies including the introduction of foreign investment into local markets, foreign capital investments and the country’s “Belt & Road Initiative” in 2013. As a foreign corporation in China, Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair organiser with its own exhibition grounds. The annual sales of the company have risen to a new record of €718 million in 2018. Since 1987 Messe Frankfurt has been present in the Greater China market allowing the company to fully grasp every opportunity that has arisen from the reform policies. This long and fruitful presence in the region has played a major role in the success the company enjoys today.

Messe Frankfurt continues to grow

Messe Frankfurt’s growth continued in the past financial year too. Speaking at the Corporate Press Conference earlier today, Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt, announced: “We succeeded in setting a new record of around €718 million in sales”.

Techtextil and Texprocess 2019: The most international shows of all time

At Techtextil and Texprocess the textile and apparel industries displayed their most progressive side and even in challenging times still inspires a positive mood throughout the sector as a result. Record numbers of exhibitors and the highest levels of international participation to date have once again confirmed Frankfurt as the sector’s global marketplace.

IFFA 2019 – where tradition meets high tech

For six days, IFFA – The No. 1 for the meat industry – showed how the sector can get fit for the future. From the smart meat factory, packaging trends and food safety, via clean labelling, to the growing expectations on meat quality, IFFA exhibitors provided answers to the demands of the meat-processing industry and the butchers’ trade. And this against the background of an excellent investment climate.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound 2019: international, professional and innovative with a host of event highlights

A week full of music, entertainment, business and inspiration ended on Saturday evening with a concert given by Gregory Porter and the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt orchestra in the ‘Festhalle’. At Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound, artisanry met high-tech, violins met virtual reality and digital networking met personal encounters. The accompanying Musikmesse Festival not only presented highlight concerts by Samy Deluxe, Mousse T. & Glasperlenspiel, Tony Carey and other stars at the Exhibition Centre but also filled around 50 clubs and hotels in Frankfurt with music. At the new Musikmesse Plaza, music fans came into their own after the trade fairs with a pop-up market including direct sales and numerous events on Saturday.

ISH 2019: proportion of international visitors climbs to record level

ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water, once again gave an impressive demonstration of its importance for German and international visitors and exhibitors. Achieving the climate targets is only possible by interconnecting systems and trades. With innumerable solutions, the global meeting place generated a plethora of fresh and future-oriented impulses.

Heimtextil 2019: A lively start to the new furnishing season gives hope for a good business year ahead

With record levels of exhibitors and an impressive range of innovative products as well as offers on top themes such as sustainability, contract business and healthy sleep, Heimtextil 2019 enjoyed a dynamic start to the new season for home and contract textiles. The event’s new hall concept met with broad approval.

Messe Frankfurt to switch over entirely to renewable energy

As of event year 2020, Messe Frankfurt will be changing over completely to green power, sourcing 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. This includes the power supply for the stands, halls and exhibition grounds at the company’s Frankfurt base. For Messe Frankfurt, the world’s largest trade fair organiser with its own exhibition grounds, the move away from conventional energy sources is a further milestone in implementing its long-term strategic measures in the field of sustainability. This means that Messe Frankfurt is setting the pace for German trade fair companies in this regard as well. The company’s cooperation partner is Frankfurt-based energy service provider Mainova AG.

Impressive increase in quality and visitors at Ambiente 2019

The world’s leading trade fair for consumer goods in Frankfurt has come to an end after five days, finishing in an excellent mood and with a rise in visitor numbers. 136,000 trade visitors from 166 countries came to Ambiente 2019, ordering the latest products from the entire world for their businesses and obtaining inspiration for their merchandise presentation at the POS as well as new ideas for the digital future.

A successful start to the season: positive mode at the trade-fair trio in Frankfurt

The three consumer-goods fairs in Frankfurt – Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld – successfully opened the new business season with future-oriented topics and the latest trends. 3,119 exhibitors from 68 countries[1] inspired the national and international trade with innovations from the fields of seasonal and festive decoration, paper, office supplies and stationery, and hobby, handicrafts and artists’ requisites.

Adding value with sustainable business practices

For Messe Frankfurt, sustainability means acting as a responsible corporate citizen while continuing to strengthen the Group’s performance – it is something that encompasses economic, ecological and social factors. Social, economic and ecological aspects of sustainability are key components of our business and are reflected in the various activities of all parts of the Group worldwide. CSR activities are divided into four areas: Environment/Sustainability, Social Responsibility, Education/Science and Commitment to Culture.

At home in global markets

For more than 30 years, Messe Frankfurt has been active in growth markets worldwide with its sector expertise. A total of 101* trade fairs were held outside Germany in 2018. The events allow SMEs in particular to gain a foothold in emerging markets.

Messe Frankfurt sets new record of €715 million in sales

Messe Frankfurt has continued its growth in financial year 2018. All in all, new records were set in relevant parameters, demonstrating the highly dynamic and innovation-led activities of the Group. Messe Frankfurt is expecting sales to be in the region of €715 million. The 490-plus events held around the world under the Messe Frankfurt umbrella were attended by almost 102,000 exhibitors and an estimated 4.5 million visitors.

Messe Frankfurt expands its portfolio with Clean Show US

Messe Frankfurt has purchased the largest trade fair for textile care in the Americas. The Clean Show is held every two years rotating throughout the US. In cooperation with the leading US trade associations, Messe Frankfurt aims to continue the Clean Show success story in the future. Together with the recently acquired JET Expo in Paris and the merger of China Laundry Expo and Texcare Asia, the Clean Show will reinforce the position of Messe Frankfurt as the leading organiser of trade fairs for the textile-care sector.

China International Import Expo: Messe Frankfurt reflects on a rewarding first day

After yesterday’s successful start to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Messe Frankfurt’s booth at this inaugural fair generated a captivating buzz amongst participants. With the eyes of global trade focusing on the high-profile show, which runs until 10 November, the company kick-started its showcase of international trade fair expertise during a bustling first day, and demonstrated the ways in which it can serve as a trading bridge between China and the rest of the world.

Messe Frankfurt to tell its ‘China story’ at next month’s China International Import Expo

With more than 30 years’ exhibition organising experience in China, Messe Frankfurt is gearing up to tell its ‘China story’ at the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE), which takes place in Shanghai from 5 – 10 November. The fair will feature around 2,800 exhibitors from some 130 countries and regions, including participation from all the G20 member states, as well as 50 countries and regions along the Belt & Road initiative.

3 October 1948 – the starting point on the road to becoming a global player

Trade fairs have been held in Frankfurt for the last 800 years or so. The roots of the modern-day Messe Frankfurt can be found in the Export Fair that was held in Frankfurt in 1948. This event, which will have taken place 70 years ago on 3 October of this year, was also a pioneering force behind the company’s sustainable international development. From an economic and psychological perspective, the effects of this autumn trade fair – the first to be held after the Second World War – were enormous when it came to stimulating German foreign trade and reconstructing and expanding the exhibition grounds. And in helping Messe Frankfurt to develop into a market leader in the international trade fair sector.

New exhibitor record and more visitors at the 25th Automechanika Frankfurt

Automechanika Frankfurt concluded on 15 September following five trade fair days with a record number of exhibitors, more visitors than in 2016 and a new record for the amount of exhibition space. The event drew 136,000 trade visitors from 181 countries – another record¹. Of these, approx. 10,000 were at the event for the first time. 82 percent of exhibitors said they had achieved their goals for the event (2016: 78). The megatrends at the fair were digitisation, clean vehicles and classic cars.

Messe Frankfurt announces participation in inaugural China International Import Expo

Messe Frankfurt Group, the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds, will participate as an exhibitor itself in the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai this 5 to 10 November. The fair is considered a major diplomatic event for China, supported by the highest levels of the Chinese government, and will feature around 2,800 exhibitors from more than 130 countries and regions.

Messe Frankfurt aiming for €700 million in sales

As far as its financial position and event portfolio are concerned, the Messe Frankfurt Group remains stronger than ever in 2018. Speaking at the Corporate Press Conference earlier today, Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt, announced: “We are aiming for around €700 million in sales.” After a very dynamic first six months, projections for the second half of the year are also good.

Messe Frankfurt establishes Digital Advisory Board

Messe Frankfurt has set up a Digital Advisory Board to oversee its digital activities. With this step, the company is seeking to engage with its customers more intensively regarding the digital transformation of marketing in the trade fair industry and the evolution that this entails for the trade fairs themselves.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound: upward trend for internationality and exhibitor satisfaction

The Saturday-evening concert by Dionne Warwick and the New Philharmonic Orchestra Frankfurt marked the end of a week of music and events. 1,803 companies from 56 countries[1] launched their latest products during the five days of Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound.

220,000 visitors at Light + Building 2018: more visitors at the world’s leading trade fair

Messe Frankfurt sets up UK subsidiary

Messe Frankfurt further expands its international network: With the takeover of Forest Exhibitions Ltd, the Group now has its own subsidiary in the United Kingdom.

Messe Frankfurt expands its portfolio of events with Middle East Cleaning Technology Week

More exhibitors and visitors at Paperworld: future-oriented impulses for the 2018 business year

Both manufacturers and retailers made a successful start to the new business season at the Paperworld, Creativeworld, Christmasworld and Floradecora trade fairs in Frankfurt am Main. 3,023 exhibitors from 69 countries [1] made presentations to the national and international trade. 1,640 exhibitors from 66 countries [2] took part in Paperworld.

Messe Frankfurt acquires Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair

Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt and Guangdong Public Security Protection Technology Association join forces to hold Guangzhou Public Security Technology 2018

Messe Frankfurt’s safety and security trade fairs elevate the show’s internationality. China’s safety and security industry sees a positive outlook.