Annual Report 2022

Nature, events and community – these are the three main fields of action for Koelnmesse’s sustainability activities, which it will realise holistically. All measures and ideas have the aim of becoming a marketplace that makes maximum resource conservation possible during trade fair operations.

“It is a challenge. However, we are approaching this situation with vigour and have a clear goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2035”, says Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer. “To do this, we must reduce CO2 emissions, save resources and convert to renewable energies”, adds Böse, specifying the key objectives at hand. The United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDG) serve as a framework for these and numerous other activities at Koelnmesse and are the basis for Koelnmesse’s future sustainability strategy.

Anuga, the world's largest and most important trade fair for food and beverages, is the undisputed leader and demonstrated over the course of five days that it is the place-to-be for the industry.The following figures reflect the strong participation: Boasting around 140,000 trade visitors from 200 countries and approx. 7,900 exhibitors from 118 countries the leading global trade fair exceeded all expectations. The share of foreign exhibitors was 94 percent and at 80 percent there was a record share of foreign visitors.

DMEXCO underlines its position as the leading event for the digital industry: Under the motto “Empowering Digital Creativity,” over 800 international speakers highlighted trending topics in the industry such as AI and retail media. Around 40,000 international trade visitors and over 650 exhibiting companies and partners from all over the world ensured that the halls were full.

Jury decision: Koelnmesse presents ideas for new corporate headquarters

The design presented by the consortium consisting of HPP Architects and ASTOC Architects and Planners will form the basis for further planning of a potential new administrative building for Koelnmesse. "The design makes visible and tangible our vision of a future-oriented, flexible and sustainable company" explains Koelnmesse CEO, Gerald Böse, after several hours of jury deliberations.

Back on the road to success: the 2022 financial year lays the foundation for the future at Koelnmesse

“We have faced up to the global challenges and achieved revenue of 240 million euro, which is a significant increase on the previous year,” says Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer, at the company’s press briefing on its annual results. Due to cancellations of important major trade fairs, such as imm cologne, and a weaker annual calendar of scheduled events, the 2022 financial year will once again report a loss. At 64.6 million euro, this is significantly lower than expected. Since the start of 2023, a resurgence of the trade fair business has significantly boosted revenue in the first quarter.

A career at Koelnmesse

Help us impress! As an employer, Koelnmesse offers you a wide range of opportunities.

Trade fair halls and exhibition center

Koelnmesse's exhibition halls are centrally located in Cologne's city centre, right at the heart of Europe's largest economic region.

Confex – the new multi-talent

Flexibility, attractiveness and eventization are the emerging requirements for innovative event formats. The fusion of conference and exhibition, the staging of topics through a more compelling variety of experiences, the digital presentation of hybrid trade fairs through the use of sophisticated media technology and modern IT infrastructure: That is what Confex is all about!

Koelncongress: C the Future

Under the motto "One face to the customer", Koelncongress as an innovative full-service division will in future contribute its strengths under a new name. The wholly owned subsidiary Koelncongress GmbH presents itself as an organization with creative, strong concepts and solutions. It stands for innovative and successful future trade fairs, conferences and events.