Why is Germany a world leader in exhibitions?

Germany’s exhibition ecosystem provides Israeli companies with a powerful platform to expand into Europe, showcase new technologies, and meet decision-makers from every major industry

Substantial economic impact. EuroShop Exhibition in Germany. Photo: courtesy of Itex

by: Isaac Shalev, Itex

Germany has established itself as the global leader for trade fairs and exhibitions. According to data from AUMA (the German Trade Fair Industry Association), in 2024 alone, Germany hosted 322 trade fairs, of which 176 were international or national in scope, and 138 were regional.

These events together attracted more than 204,000 exhibitors companies (a ~9.2% increase from previous events) and 11.7 million visitors, a 3.2% increase. Among those, an astounding one-third of visitors came from abroad .

With around 70 exhibition venues spread across the country, Germany offers unrivaled logistical reach and capacity for trade fairs big and small.

Moreover, four of the world’s ten biggest exhibition grounds can be found in major German cities such as Hanover, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, and Düsseldorf, underlining the country’s position as the backbone of the global exhibitions industry.

Scope & Variety: A Fair for Almost Every Industry

The fairs in Germany cover a broad spectrum: from industrial machinery, automotive, energy, construction, and manufacturing, to consumer goods, textiles, agriculture, technology, medical equipment, homeland security, and even niche segments like toys or packaging.

The frequency and variety of fairs make Germany attractive to exporters, manufacturers, innovators, and service-providers seeking international exposure. As one promotional source puts it: “Germany is the world’s number one venue for international trade fairs.”

Because of this breadth, many companies of all sizes use German fairs to access European and global markets, launch new products, and network with industry peers.

Economic & Global Impact

The sheer scale of fairs in Germany translates to. The fairs not only drive business deals and international trade, but also support employment: according to AUMA, the trade-fair industry alone helps secure around 230,000 jobs across Germany.

Moreover, the international nature of these events reinforces Germany’s role as a global meeting point for businesses and industries. For many international firms, participation in German trade fairs is a key milestone in their European or global strategy.

Recent Trends & Outlook

Germany’s exhibition landscape seems to be recovering from the economic impact of the pandemic and international events. Major exhibition organizers are investing heavily in modernization, infrastructure, and digital tools aiming to keep Germany at the forefront of the global exhibitions industry.

In short: whether you are a manufacturer, exporter, innovator, or startup, Germany offers unmatched breadth, scale and international reach for trade fairs.