Fairs And Exhibitions : Germany

Germany’s fairs have a long tradition. They developed in the early Middle Ages out of markets where people came to trade their wares. They were under the protection of the crowned heads, who granted various towns the right to hold them. On 11 July 1240, for example, Emperor Frederick II granted this privilege to the city of Frankfurt am Main and placed all merchants traveling to the fair under his protection. A privilege from Emperor Maximilian in 1507 made possible the later flourishing of the Leipzig Fair, which had its origins in markets documented as early as 11 65.

In Germany the former comprehensive fair has meanwhile been superseded by specialized fairs for one or more economic sectors. Germany’s importance as a location for international fairs is known throughout the world. At present, about two thirds of the 150 leading international specialized fairs are held in Germany. In 1996, 128 international fairs and exhibitions attracted about 144,000 exhibitors, including roughly 65,000 from abroad, and more than nine million visitors. Participating business and industry as a whole spends about DM 9 billion on fairs in Germany.

The sites for Germany’s fairs are constantly being enlarged. There is considerable investment in new buildings, conversion and new or revamped exhibition concepts. The proportion of foreign exhibitors at German fairs is increasing and in 1996 was about 45 percent. An expanding range of international goods and services stimulates competition and kindles greater interest on the part of international visitors. Aside from the major events, some 200 regional and many smaller exhibitions take place in Germany every year.