Koelnmesse GmbH

The countdown begins: 100 Days to Expo 2025 Osaka! 🤩 On 13 April 2025, the gates will open for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, under the inspiring theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." With over 150 countries showcasing innovative solutions to global challenges, it promises to be a monumental event. 🤗 At Koelnmesse, we are honoured to organise the German Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz). 🤝 We are now co-responsible for the fourth Expo participation in this millennium, following the World Expos in Aichi 2005, Shanghai 2010 and Dubai 2020. “At Koelnmesse, we are proudly looking forward to contributing our know-how and our extensive Expo experience to this world exhibition,” says CEO Gerald Böse. 🗣️ Here’s what to look forward to: 🏛 The German Pavilion – A Sustainable Highlight Focusing on the theme of ”Circular Economy,” the pavilion exemplifies sustainable construction and resource conservation. Its circular buildings, crafted from wood, steel, and innovative materials, aren’t just an exhibition space—they’re a model of circular design themselves. 🌿 🌏 An International Team on the Ground A 100-strong intercultural team, led by Pavilion Director Christopher Hecker, is preparing to deliver an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Stay tuned and join us on this journey to Osaka! 💡 Have you ever visited a World Expo? 🔗 Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/exARAd3d 📸: German Pavilion / facts and fiction (1, 2, 4), Uwe Weiser (3, 5-7) #koelnmesse #Expo2025 #innovation #sustainability #tradefairer

Did you know that Koelnmesse has ten subsidiaries across four continents? 🌎 Over the next few weeks, our series “Meet our global Koelnmesse team” will take you on a journey around the world. From São Paulo to Singapore, from Chicago to Shanghai, we’ll introduce you to our offices and the incredible teams driving our international success. Discover the exciting projects they’re working on and get to know the people behind the scenes! 🤝 In our first edition, we say: Olá Brasil! Our subsidiary Koelnmesse Brasil celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. The team in São Paulo not only manages the sales of our Cologne-based trade fairs, but also organises four of its own events in Brazil: gamescom latam, Anuga Select Brazil, and the dynamic duo of FIT 016 and Pueri Expo. 👩💼👨💼 The office is located on the 27th floor of a commercial building that also houses a range of doctor’s offices and health clinics as well as a café and a small garden. What’s particularly cool: it’s situated directly across from Allianz Parque sports stadium. It is home to the successful Brazilian first-division club Palmeiras São Paulo and also hosts concerts from huge stars such as Paul McCartney and Rihanna. ⚽️ 🎶 Every three to four months, the team gathers for a “Happy Hour,” ordering food and drinks to the office. Karaoke adds even more fun – the perfect opportunity to perform favourite hits together. 🎤 Most employees live in São Paulo and commute by car, which can be a nerve-wracking experience in the bustling metropolis. Luckily, there’s also a train station close to the office for those using public transportation. Fun fact: Due to the high number of traffic jams, São Paulo has more helicopters per inhabitant than any other city in the world. It will soon even be possible to call them as a taxi substitute.💡 Stay tuned for more insights into our global family in next week’s edition! 🤩 #koelnmesse #onekoelnmesse #subsidiaries #globalteam

Goodbye 2024, hello 2025! 🤩   As we bid farewell to an incredible year celebrating Koelnmesse’s 100th anniversary, we reflect on a century of achievements, growth, and collaboration that has led us to this milestone. Honouring our long and storied history over the past year has been a privilege, and we are immensely grateful to do this alongside our subsidiaries and dedicated team. 🎉   For this year’s New Year’s greetings, we’ve created something truly extraordinary. Nearly 100 colleagues came together to form a human "100", captured in a stunning drone shot from above! 💯   Cheers to 2025 as we continue shaping the future of our industry! Wishing everyone a year filled with new ideas, opportunities and success. 🥂 🎥: Koelnmesse GmbH / Thomas Volkmar #koelnmesse #koelnmesse100 #happynewyear #celebrate

Happy Holidays, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad and メリークリスマス! 🎅 The entire Koelnmesse team wishes you and your loved ones a joyful and relaxing holiday season. 🎄 We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support, excellent collaboration, and commitment to outstanding events and trade fairs. We look forward to hosting more top-notch exhibitions next year in Cologne and beyond! Until then, we’ll be tucking into another box of Christmas sweets over here! 🍬 PS: You’ll surely notice it in the video – some colleagues from Asian countries rub their thumb and forefinger together during their Christmas greetings. 🎄 This gesture symbolises wealth or prosperity and is often used to wish for "a successful and joyful end of the year". A lovely example of how cultural traditions enrich our shared celebrations! 🤗 🎥: Koelnmesse GmbH / Thomas Volkmar #koelnmesse #merrychristmas #christmasseason #joy Koelnmesse Inc. Koelnmesse India Koelnmesse Italia Koelnmesse Singapore Koelnmesse SAS - LAC Koelnmesse Thailand / Expolink Global Network Ltd Koelnmesse Pte Ltd Koelnmesse Co. Ltd., China Koelnmesse (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Branch Koelnmesse Brasil

A master’s perspective: famous architectural photographer Hans Georg Esch captures our Confex 📖 Explore the architectural marvels of Koelnmesse with our latest release: a stunning 212-page photo book capturing Hall 1 and Confex, our newest flagship projects. Created in collaboration with renowned German architectural photographer Hans-Georg Esch and the Berlin-based Wasmuth Verlag, this book offers: 🟢 Over 100 breathtaking images, including spectacular aerial shots of our trade fair grounds in the heart of Cologne. 🟢 Unique behind-the-scenes views of the multifunctional spaces. Christian Schaffeld from our Corporate Communications team met with photographer Hans-Georg Esch the Confex for an exclusive interview. In the video, he shares his impressions and fascinating insights into the unique architecture of Confex. 🙌 Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? This photo book is a must-have for architecture lovers, available now for €28 at Thalia, Hugendubel or directly from the publisher. 🎄 📚 Learn more (in German): https://lnkd.in/emp99cvy 🎥: Koelnmesse GmbH / Thomas Volkmar Koelncongress GmbH #koelnmesse #confex #hgesch #photography 

Making Christmas brighter 💚 Yesterday, we experienced the true joy of giving at Koelnmesse – a chance to make a meaningful difference this holiday season. 🤗 We delivered a very special donation to the Anna Foundation, a youth welfare organisation in Cologne that provides a safe and caring environment for children and young people currently unable to stay with their families. Through its amazing work, the Anna Foundation creates opportunities for growth, respect and a better future. 🙌 As part of our annual wishing tree initiative, our colleagues came together to fulfill 108 heartfelt wishes from children and young people living with the Anna Foundation. Our colleagues selected cards from the tree, prepared thoughtful gifts and ensured that every wish would come true just in time for Christmas. 🎁 To our surprise, we received a heartwarming gift from the Anna Foundation: a beautifully framed picture of Cologne’s skyline, handcrafted by themselves. This kind gesture reminds us that giving and receiving often go hand in hand, fostering meaningful connections along the way. 🖼️ Here’s to spreading joy, kindness and love this holiday season! 😊 #koelnmesse #koelnmesse100 #charity #presents #tradefairer

Making history together: our year in highlights 🚀 As 2024 draws to a close, we look back with pride and gratitude on a truly remarkable chapter in Koelnmesse’s story: our 100th anniversary! 🎉 A standout moment of the year was our anniversary celebration, which we combined with the grand opening of the Confex, our new event and congress center. This impressive venue is not only a symbol of the ongoing development of our infrastructure but also a testament to the innovative spirit that has defined Koelnmesse for a century. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and space for up to 6,200 guests, the Confex was the centerpiece of our celebrations and a milestone for the future. 🙌 Another highlight was the expansion of our international business: In 2024, we took significant strategic steps to strengthen our global presence. From forging new partnerships to ramping up activities in international markets, Koelnmesse has taken its internationalisation to the next level. This progress is reflected in new locations and event formats that help further established our brand on the global stage. 🌍 2024 was also a year of decisive progress in sustainability: not only did we install three photovoltaic systems with a total module surface area of 20,000 square metres on the roofs of our halls, but we also began construction work to convert our exhibition grounds to geothermal energy. Furthermore, we became the first German trade fair company to be certified according to ISO standard 20121 for event sustainability management. What were your personal highlights of the year? Let us know in the comments which moment stood out the most for you! 💡 We’ve captured some of the best moments from 2024 for you. Enjoy watching! 📽️ PS: We’re not saying goodbye for the holidays just yet! Stay tuned! 😊 🎥: Koelnmesse GmbH / Thomas Volkmar #koelnmesse #koelnmesse100 #throwbackthursday #review

We are on a winning streak! 🏆   2024 is proving to be an incredible year for Koelnmesse, as our teams around the globe continue to bring home prestigious awards, highlighting our innovation and excellence in the exhibition industry.    🌍 h+h americas Our h+h connect platform and communication channels have been recognised with the Stay Connected Award at the Trade Show Executive magazine Gold 100 Gala! This award celebrates exceptional communication strategies that keep audiences engaged beyond the event. It’s a testament to our dedication to fostering meaningful connections with customers and industry peers. 🚀    🎮 gamescom asia We’re proud to announce that gamescom asia was recognized as the Medium Trade Show of the Year 2023 at the Singapore MICE Awards, organised by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS)! 🏆 This award celebrates the exceptional effort of our team in delivering an unparalleled experience for the gaming community in Asia. From thrilling showcases to meaningful industry partnerships, gamescom asia has firmly established itself as a key platform for gaming professionals and enthusiasts alike.   👏 Koelnmesse India won two prestigious awards at the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2024, which brought together the entire MICE industry in India to compete across multiple categories. 🛠️ International Hardware Fair India 2023: Winner, Top New Show (B2B). This award highlights the exceptional debut of brand-new exhibitions launched between April 2023 and March 2024. Among strong competition, the International Hardware Fair India 2023 stood out for its innovative concept and industry relevance. 🍴 Anuga FoodTec India 2023: 1st Runner-Up, Star in Participation Engagement. This live presentation category showcased creative approaches to engaging exhibitors and attendees. The Anuga FoodTec India team impressed the jury with their unique achievements and dedication. At the same event, Milind D., Managing Director of Koelnmesse India, received the Distinguished Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to the exhibitions industry. He also shared his expertise as a panelist in a discussion on the future of the Indian MICE sector. These milestones showcase the power of teamwork, dedication and innovation. Congratulations to all teams involved in these achievements – you truly embody the spirit of excellence that defines Koelnmesse!    Let’s celebrate these successes and keep raising the bar. Here's to many more! 🎉 #koelnmesse #koelnmesse100 #awards #celebrate

Hidden gems of Cologne's history: rare Koelnmesse footage unveiled 🙌 Hermann Rheindorf has become a household name for those passionate about Cologne's rich history. The filmmaker is dedicated to meticulously digitising and colourising historical footage, unearthing hidden treasures along the way. We had the pleasure of speaking with him about his fascinating work. 📽️ A unique premiere at Koelnmesse For our image film, Hermann Rheindorf contributed the first-ever publicly shown moving images of the 1924 opening of Koelnmesse – a remarkable glimpse into our history. 💡 How do you uncover 100 years of footage? “Historical film material is no wish list”, Rheindorf explains. His success lies in global research – whether through archives, local museums, or amateur film clubs. A standout? Footage of our 1928 Pressa exhibition, which cemented Cologne’s status not only as a media city but also as a prominent trade fair location. 🎨 From black and white to vibrant colour Every second of film contains 25 frames, all painstakingly restored and colourised. Artificial intelligence assists in the early stages, but the finishing touches are still done by hand. 🚀 A career highlight? Discovering a long-lost scene from 1896 in a French archive – a milestone in global film history. Hermann Rheindorf brings Cologne’s history to life. Have you seen his work? 🎥: Koelnmesse GmbH / make/c #koelnmesse #koelnmesse100 #film #cologne #history

100 years of Koelnmesse – celebrating in the heart of Chicago’s German heritage 🎉 Our subsidiary Koelnmesse Inc. recently hosted a special celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of Koelnmesse. The event was held at the Berghoff Restaurant, Chicago’s oldest and most renowned German restaurant – a fitting venue for such a milestone. 🤗 Highlights of the evening included: 🎤 Denis Steker, Senior VP International, and Silke de Witt, Senior VP Finance and Controlling, from headquarters joined as VIP guests. It was Silke de Witt‘s first visit to Chicago – a fantastic opportunity to meet the entire local team. 🎁 A truly special gift: Kallman Worldwide presented a unique plaque featuring a Reichsmark note and medallion from 1924, along with additional historic coins. 💬 Denis Steker delivered an inspiring speech, and around 45 guests – including associations, exhibitors, and representatives from key venues such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre – came together to celebrate this landmark occasion. Despite the challenges of hosting the event just after Thanksgiving and in the midst of a Chicago snowstorm, the warmth and energy of the evening shone through. Koelnmesse Inc. extends heartfelt thanks to all guests for making the evening so memorable. Here’s to another century of connecting people and markets around the world! 🌍 #koelnmesse100 #networking #koelnmesse #onekoelnmesse Mette Petersen