Koelnmesse has successfully navigated economic challenges to achieve a strong performance in 2024, setting a solid foundation for an ambitious 2025. Celebrating its centenary year, the company recorded a turnover of approximately three hundred and sixty-five million euros and a net profit of around twenty million euros. More than two point one million visitors from one hundred and ninety-seven countries and thirty-four thousand five hundred exhibitors from one hundred and six nations reaffirmed Koelnmesse's position as a global leader in the trade fair industry.
Reflecting on the past year, Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, stated: 'Our 100th anniversary was an extraordinary year that reminded us of our origins and at the same time allowed us to look to the future. Our results impressively demonstrate stability and resilience in a challenging market environment.' Despite global economic stagnation, a decline in consumer spending, and geopolitical uncertainty, Koelnmesse remained robust, driven by efficiency improvements and strategic market expansion.
The year was also marked by infrastructure developments, including the grand opening of the Confex, a state-of-the-art conference and exhibition centre capable of accommodating six thousand two hundred attendees. 'The Confex exemplifies the continuous development of our infrastructure and underscores the pioneering spirit that has characterised Koelnmesse for a century,; Böse remarked. The venue has already secured bookings for the coming years, addressing a long-standing gap in Cologne's congress and corporate event market.
Sustainability remained a key focus in 2024, with Koelnmesse advancing its commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2030. Over twenty thousand square metres of photovoltaic systems were installed across its halls, including the largest inner-city solar panel installation in Cologne atop Hall 11. Additionally, the company initiated its transition to a geothermal heat supply, set to be fully operational by 2028. Koelnmesse also became the first German trade fair organisation to receive ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management.
International expansion played a crucial role in the company's growth strategy, with twenty-one trade fairs launched outside Germany since 2023, including eight in the past year alone. One standout success was the debut of gamescom latam in São Paulo, which attracted over one hundred thousand attendees—setting a new record for Koelnmesse events held abroad.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another dynamic year. Major trade fairs such as Anuga, IDS (International Dental Show), and INTERZUM have already surpassed registration numbers from previous editions, and Koelnmesse plans to introduce ten new events globally. 'Many exhibiting companies will remain loyal to us, but some are reducing their exhibition space due to budget constraints. This requires us to plan ahead and be flexible in order to continue to create an attractive offering,' said Oliver Frese, COO of Koelnmesse.
Koelnmesse's achievements were recognised with the title of "Company of the Year" for both 2024 and 2025 by DEUTSCHLAND TEST and FOCUS MONEY, cementing its position as Germany's leading trade fair company. 'The challenges of 2024 tested us, but they also drove us to innovate. Our investments in the future of the company and industry are already paying off, positioning us strongly for the years ahead,' concluded Böse.
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