Press information of Koelnmesse

The 91st UFI Global Congress brought together the international trade fair industry in the Confex at Koelnmesse from 20 to 23 November 2024. In the year of the 100th anniversary of the trade fair 550 industry experts from all over the world convened in Cologne to discuss the current challenges facing the industry. In his opening address, Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse recalled founder Konrad Adenauer, who in 1924, in a climate of great post-war insecurity, called for Koelnmesse to help establish new economic relationships and pave the way for lasting peace. Cologne’s ability to adapt made it the perfect place to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this critical time of rapid technological change and impending trade restrictions.

• Koelnmesse fulfils international standard for event sustainability management in accordance with ISO 20121:2024 • For the first time, TÜV Rheinland certified a German trade fair company for successfully introducing the internationally recognised event sustainability management system • Audits and training courses ensure that processes and responsibilities for all relevant sustainability aspects are firmly anchored throughout the company • Additionally: An online study confirms public perception of Koelnmesse as a “Pioneer in Sustainability 2024”

Largest annual meeting of the event business makes it Confex debut. New visitor record: around 550 industry experts from around the world. Trade fair industry secures more than 3.4 million jobs worldwide.

A strategic joint venture between Koelnmesse and dmg events paves the way for expansion into the Saudi Arabian hardware industry. The International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia provides a valuable platform for international and local industry players, while expanding Koelnmesse’s portfolio in the Middle East.

Three-day event will take place annually starting in June 2025

Together with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and the German Furniture and Kitchen Retailers Association (BVDM), Koelnmesse has decided to skip the imm cologne's January 2025 edition. This joint decision was taken following intense discussions and reflects the challenging conditions the furniture industry is currently facing, particularly in Germany. It gives everyone involved the chance to collaborate with Koelnmesse on the development of a new, more viable future trade fair format.

• Central business platform for the hardware, furniture production and woodworking machinery sectors • Event date: 24 to 27 September 2025 at the Jakarta International Expo • CEO Gerald Böse: "As one of the leading trade fair organisers, Koelnmesse is already active with events in eleven countries and is now expanding into the dynamic growth market of Indonesia."

Koelnmesse will be operating over 20,000 m2 of solar panels on the roofs of its halls by the end of 2024 The aim is to produce three million kWh of sustainable electricity annually This will save a total of 1,850 tonnes of CO2 per year Overall strategic goal: a CO2-neutral energy supply by 2028

The time capsule ceremonially lowered in Deutz today will not be reopened until the 150th anniversary of Koelnmesse on 11 May 2074 The Dean of the Cologne Cathedral Robert Kleine blesses the new Confex building as a place of encounter and peaceful exchange Koelnmesse and guests at the company's 100th anniversary celebration support Cologne's cathedral construction association, which was founded in 1842, with a donation for the cathedral's preservation

New joint venture with proven and established partners Corferias and Concept2b paves the way for expansion of EISENWARENMESSE to Latin America and the Caribbean. The established event “El Gran Salón Ferretero” brings together suppliers, distributors, and retailers to present an outstanding selection of products, technologies, and services. Latest addition of successful Cologne trade fair format in Colombia ensures dynamic growth for Koelnmesse and its partners as well as new business opportunities for hardware vendors.