Institute of Trade Fair Management

The Institute's task consists of providing university training to managers for the trade fair industry. The Institute defines itself as an interface between theory and practice, as it offers both practical training and intensive research in the field of trade fair management. Students at the Institute of Trade Fair Management can take the modules "Strategic Trade Fair Management" and "Operative Trade Fair Management". The lectures and exercises are supplemented by regular visits to trade fairs, giving students a comprehensive look behind the scenes. The cooperation between the Institute and Koelnmesse is supported by the teaching activities of Hon. Prof. Dr. Christian Glasmacher, who also heads the Corporate Development department at Koelnmesse and is a member of the management board.

The Institute of Trade Fair Management (Institut für Messewirtschaft) was founded on the occasion of Koelnmesse's 75th anniversary in the summer of 1999 in cooperation with the University of Cologne. It began its teaching and research activities in the summer semester of 2000. The Institute of Trade Fair Management is part of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences and is headed by Prof. Dr. Franziska Völckner and Jun. Prof. Dr. Martin Paul Fritze. Koelnmesse GmbH provides substantial support for the financing of the Institute through the Koelnmesse Foundation, which was also established in 1999. The cooperation between the Institute and Koelnmesse is supported by the teaching activities of Hon. Prof. Dr. Christian Glasmacher, who is also head of the Corporate Development & Sustainability at Koelnmesse and a member of the extended Management Board.

The International Summer University for Trade Fair Management (ISU), which the Institute established in August 2006 in cooperation with the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), is part of its successful drive to bridge the gap between theory and practice. With this interactive compact seminar aimed specifically at executives in the international trade fair industry, the Institute has created an exemplary platform for dialogue in this sector around the world. The portfolio of renowned speakers offers a variety of perspectives on the trade fair industry. Academics provide information on current scientific topics, professionals share insight into the operational side of the trade fair business and radical thinkers point out innovative alternatives off the beaten path.

International Summer University