Koelnmesse GmbH, a globally renowned trade fair and event organizer, is marking its 100th anniversary in 2024 with the opening of its new, state-of-the-art conference and exhibition center, Confex, in Cologne. With a capacity to host over 6,000 attendees, 22 conference rooms, and a multifunctional exhibition hall, Confex is already almost fully booked for the year, underscoring its significance in the industry. Notably, Confex will host the 2024 UFI Global Congress from November 20-23, further highlighting its pivotal role in the global exhibition landscape.
Reflecting on this milestone, Mette Petersen, President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc., expressed, “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary by hosting the global industry. Our continuous upgrades to the convention center aim to keep us among the world’s top ten trade fair organizers.”
The celebrations are not confined to Germany alone, Koelnmesse India recently honored this momentous occasion at the Anuga Foodtec exhibition, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from August 28-30, 2024. The event featured a special 100-year celebration night, where industry professionals from across India came together to relive the magic of Koelnmesse’s century-long journey. The evening was filled with networking, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness, showcasing the deep connections and opportunities Koelnmesse has fostered over the years.
Koelnmesse was founded in 1924 by Konrad Adenauer, then Mayor of Cologne and later Chancellor of Germany, who envisioned the creation of a convention center to bolster economic stability in post-World War I Europe. This vision led to the establishment of Koelnmesse’s first exhibition grounds in Cologne, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s leading trade show companies.
The company has since grown exponentially, establishing a U.S. subsidiary in 2002 and expanding its presence with subsidiaries in countries including Colombia, Brazil, China, Singapore, Italy, India, and Japan. Despite challenges, including the recent pandemic, Koelnmesse has maintained its trajectory of success, reporting record sales of 416 million euros in 2023—a 70% increase from the previous year—with 67 events worldwide attracting over 37,800 exhibiting companies and 1.7 million attendees from 217 countries.
Petersen credits this success to the company’s adaptability, stating, “Whether it’s economic, political, or challenges like the pandemic, we’ve managed to adapt and meet our customers’ needs.” Koelnmesse’s adaptability and resilience were also celebrated during the h+h americas 2024 show, where cake was served on the show floor to mark the centennial. The North American edition of the iconic h+h cologne trade fair, which launched in 2022, has seen continued growth, reflecting Koelnmesse’s global influence.
In addition to celebrating its centennial, Koelnmesse has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030, five years ahead of its original target. These efforts include a partnership with E.ON and RheinEnergie to switch the Cologne complex’s heating supply to eco-friendly technology by 2028, saving an estimated 5,800 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The company also plans to implement a new traffic management system, climate-neutral stand construction concepts, and other green initiatives to further its sustainability goals.
Koelnmesse’s centennial celebrations included a special visit by Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, to the Cologne fairgrounds, accompanied by descendants of Konrad Adenauer. This visit served as a tribute to the company’s rich history and the visionary leadership of Adenauer, who played a crucial role in its founding.
Looking ahead, Koelnmesse has been named “Company of the Year” 2024 by DEUTSCHLAND TEST and FOCUS MONEY, based on a study conducted by the Institute for Management and Economic Research. The company plans to continue enhancing its fairgrounds, expand into new office spaces in Cologne, and collaborate with local and international partners to further grow its portfolio and maintain its position as a global leader in the trade fair industry.
