German trade fair industry

Economic significance | Structure | Functions | German trade fair competence | Outlook | German Trade Fair Quality Abroad (GTQ) |

Economic functions

The conduct of trade fairs is of benefit not only to exhibitors and visitors, but also to a considerable degree to the regional economy in the catchment area of the trade fair city. In particular, the hotel and restaurant trades, transport companies as well as companies which render trade fair services for organizers and exhibitors, such as stand construction and logistics, interpreter and hostess services are the benificiaries. The regional economic effects at very international trade fair centres, amount to five or six times the turnover generated by the organizers. Trade fairs thus secure jobs on a considerable scale in the region, especially in small and medium-sized companies.

In addition, substantial additional tax revenues are created for cities, federal states and the federal government. Investments in a trade fair, combined with an attractive programme of events for the indus-try are consequently always investments in the location. The direct expenditures of visitors and exhibitors also lead to increased production and employment in up-stream sectors of industry. Trade fairs, therefore, promote industry well beyond the region and thus reinforce the overall economy.

Market formation and market cultivation

Trade fairs bring supply and demand together for a limited period of time in a concentrated manner. The market participants get platforms for interaction on a regular basis. These platforms contribute to the stimulation and development of markets. Trade fairs thus coordinate the interests of industry and trade.

Creation of market transparency

Trade fairs provide a comprehensive market overview and thus create one of the preconditions for a functioning market economy. Nowhere else buyers obtain such a comprehensive overview of the product ranges of a sector, make direct comparisons and communicate personally.

Platforms for the export world champion Germany

The positive economic development in Germany in the last few decades is not least attributable to the German trade fairs with an international appeal. As "home game" trade fairs, they enable many German companies to make a start on world markets.

Vice versa, the strong position of German industry on the world's markets has made a significant contribution to the growth of German trade fairs, that are world-wide leading. The position Germany has reached as world export leader thus is closely con- nected with the development of the German trade fair industry to become the world market leader from the founding years of the Federal Republic of Germany to this very day.

Without the marketing instrument of the trade fair, in particular, small and medium-sized German companies would have fewer opportunities to open up international customer potential. The participation at trade fairs is one of the key reasons for the export success of the medium-sized and smaller companies, which form the backbone of German industry.

update 11/2009

German trade fair industry: Significance, functions and outlook [continue]

Software for planning, calculating and evaluating trade fair participation