Interview with Mr Gerald Bose

Koelnmesse is one of the world’s biggest trade fair organisers. Our unique selling points are our flexibility, strength of service, very wide-ranging international mix, successful trading and communications platforms, a closely knit network of international branches and one of the world's most modern trade fair grounds. We set out every day to add to these strengths.

We are also highly innovative when it comes to the consistent development of our events. We adapt exhibitor and visitor concepts, structure and calendar, fringe programme and PR activities to the needs of the market and our customers from around the world on an ongoing basis. We never stop adding to our portfolio and, with 77 trade fairs and exhibitions, 2009 is the busiest year yet in the 85-year history of Koelnmesse. Besides the leading international trade fairs in Cologne, our 30 overseas events are door-openers for our customers to the growth markets of the global economy. In short, Koelnmesse is well equipped to face the challenges of the international trade fair business.

We do not see ourselves confronted by a general crisis in the trade fair sector – neither in the industry as a whole nor in Cologne. On the contrary: surveys confirm that trade fairs are actually growing in importance compared to other marketing and communication channels.

That said, the global financial and economic crisis is impacting individual sectors, which inevitably affects the events associated with them. They are up against a highly competitive international trade fair market which, especially in Germany and Europe, remains highly dispersed. In the medium and long term, only top-notch events at good quality trade fair locations will hold their own on the market.

In this respect, Koelnmesse, and Germany’s trade fair “world champion” are in an excellent position. Like no others, German trade fairs represent event expertise and industry know-how. The crisis is an outstanding opportunity for us to demonstrate this virtuosity to all customers.

The effects of the economic and financial crisis on trade fairs in some industries has been evident since the beginning of 2009 and will undoubtedly still be felt up to mid-2010. And yet Koelnmesse’s entire portfolio has developed positively. Also and especially in times of crisis, it is clear that trade fairs work. Across the board, our customers have ended Koelnmesse events in excellent spirits and in some cases with orders at very healthy levels. Our leading international trade fairs have provided the impulse and direction for the industries attending and resulted in good business.