“If Koelnmesse’s 100-year history has taught us anything, it’s that the ability to adapt and embrace change is crucial to success. “
ES: Dear Gerald, could you share a bit about your background and your journey in the exhibition industry?
Gerald Böse: Certainly. I’ve been part of the international trade fair business for 35 years now, having started my career in 1989 as a trainee at Messe München. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore all facets of the industry, from trade fair marketing and services to international activities and conference management. My journey has taken me from Munich to Düsseldorf, and since 2008, I’ve had the privilege of leading Koelnmesse as CEO. We’ve witnessed significant industry developments and faced many challenges, but the work has always been deeply fulfilling.
ES: As Koelnmesse celebrates its 100th anniversary, how would you describe its evolution in fostering global connections?
Gerald Böse: During the century since its founding, Koelnmesse has witnessed tremendous political, economic, and technological shifts—from World War II, through Germany’s economic miracle to the cultural and technological revolutions starting in the 1970s and today’s era of rapid globalisation and digitalisation. At every turn, Koelnmesse has embraced change as an opportunity. We were founded in 1924 by Konrad Adenauer, then Mayor of Cologne and later modern Germany’s first Chancellor, with the vision of creating a peaceful trading hub in Europe after World War I. That vision of unity and collaboration has guided us for a century.
ES: What do you consider the key milestones in Koelnmesse’s 100-year journey?
Gerald Böse: Koelnmesse has a rich history. Its evolution over the past 100 years is a fascinating story of growth and adaptation. The post-war reconstruction era was critical for our development, as was our more recent expansion into international markets. The global COVID pandemic hit Koelnmesse hard, but we adapted and bounced back stronger. We created a digital division during the pandemic, which accelerated our transformation, positioning us as more than just a trade fair organiser, but as a comprehensive solutions provider.
ES: Koelnmesse is known for organising prominent events. Could you highlight some of the key exhibitions?
Gerald Böse: Koelnmesse hosts some of the world’s most influential trade fairs across a wide range of industries. For example, gamescom is the largest global event for computer and video games, and it continues to break records year after year. In 2024, we welcomed 335,000 visitors from around 120 countries, with notable growth from regions like North America and Japan.
ANUGA, the world’s largest food and beverage trade fair, is another example. In 2023, it attracted 140,000 visitors and 7,900 exhibitors from 118 countries. These flagship events are essential in connecting global industries and showcasing trends. We also have strong events beyond Cologne, such as THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, which recently attracted 85,000 trade visitors and is now the leading food and beverage trade show in Asia.
ES: How do you see the trade fair industry recovering post-COVID?
Gerald Böse: The recovery of the trade fair industry has been remarkable. Throughout the pandemic, we emphasised the irreplaceable value of in-person events and personal connections. Our post-pandemic numbers reflect this. Almost all our events are back to pre-pandemic levels, and some, like gamescom and ANUGA, have even surpassed them.
However, the pandemic has reshaped our clients’ expectations, particularly regarding digital services. We’ve adapted to these new demands by expanding our offerings and increasing our international presence.
ES: Which regions do you see as the most promising for the future?
Gerald Böse: Southeast Asia has been a key growth area, where we’ve seen double-digit increases in participation. We are the largest German trade fair organiser in the region, with twelve events and five new trade fairs launched in the past three years alone. The growth there has been significant, and we’re seeing continued expansion in markets such as Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea. Additionally, India is showing immense potential, and we are excited to deepen our presence there.
ES: With the upcoming UFI Congress at Confex, what are your expectations?
Gerald Böse: We are absolutely delighted to host the 91st UFI Global Congress as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. The last UFI Global Congress in Cologne was in 1973. This year’s theme, *Changes to Chances*, resonates with the current landscape, where challenges can be transformed into opportunities. The UFI Global Congress is a fantastic platform for industry leaders worldwide, and we are very proud to welcome them in the brand-new Confex.
ES: How does the new Confex enhance Koelnmesse’s offerings?
Gerald Böse: First and foremost, the new Confex offers the perfect venue for large national and international conferences, accommodating 6,000 attendees or more. Quite frankly, this is something Cologne has been lacking for years. What makes the Confex truly unique, however, is its flexible combination of conference and exhibition space, as the name suggests. We designed the entire building with hybrid events in mind. Additionally, we’ve equipped the Confex Hall with indoor geolocation technology, and all 27 adjacent conference rooms feature cutting-edge video conferencing technology, making the Confex ideal for fully connected events. Plus, its location within Cologne is unparalleled—with immediate access to the city centre and to Germany’s high-speed rail network connecting it to a host of European cities and airports. International delegations visiting the Confex for the first time often marvel at both the spectacular view of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the convenience of stepping from a high-speed train straight onto our fairgrounds.
ES: Koelnmesse is also implementing a CO2-free heating system at one of the world’s largest trade fair centres. How significant is this pilot project, and what are your thoughts on sustainability in the industry?
Gerald Böse: This project is a groundbreaking initiative. We are converting our heating supply to a fossil-free system, drawing renewable heat from groundwater, and feeding excess heat back into the local grid. Combined with our solar installations, these steps are pushing us toward our goal of climate neutrality by 2030. Sustainability is critical for the future of the event industry. Beyond energy, we are focusing on waste reduction, transportation, and implementing a circular economy model at our trade fairs. We believe that, as industry leaders, we have a responsibility to lead by example, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
ES: In light of recent international conflicts like the Russia–Ukraine war and the Israel-Iran conflict, how have these factors impacted events at Koelnmesse?
Gerald Böse: Of course, global events have a significant influence on trade fairs, which are, after all, economic platforms that rely on international cooperation. Beyond the immediate and horrific human toll, these conflicts disrupt global travel, supply chains, and services. They also have wider political and security implications, creating uncertainty. Nevertheless, our mission has always been to bring nations together, to foster trade, and to stimulate the global economy by connecting people. As a trade fair organiser, we stand wholeheartedly for peaceful coexistence and free trade around the world.
ES: What message would you like to give to the industry at large?
Gerald Böse: If Koelnmesse’s 100-year history has taught us anything, it’s that the ability to adapt and embrace change is crucial to success. Whether it is coping with geopolitical changes, adopting new technologies, or overcoming the challenges of a pandemic, creativity and adaptability are our driving forces.
