Looking for a very special trade fair experience? Given the impressive variety of trade fairs in the DACH region, you face an exciting challenge every year: choosing the perfect trade fair. For exhibitors, the decision may often fall on the most relevant trade fairs for their industry, but as a visitor, a world of opportunities opens up to you! Being spoilt for choice becomes an exciting adventure here, where every visit promises a new discovery.
To help you decide, we have put together an overview of the trade fairs that are the undisputed top dogs in their respective fields – so a visit is guaranteed to pay off. Have fun with our trade fair guide of superlatives.
The largest
As a trade fair visitor, you shouldn’t be shy of people anyway, but for the following events this applies with an exclamation mark: The Bauma and the IAA Mobility is one of the largest trade fairs in the world and has recently defended its reputation as a trade fair of superlatives with around half a million visitors. Both events have been held in Munich, the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, construction vehicles and construction equipment (Bauma for short) since the 1950s and the International Motor Show (IAA) only since its reorganisation in 2021.
The most entertaining
If the legendary Comic Con in San Diego is too far for you, there are also fan conventions in Europe for gaming, superheroes and comics that are in no way inferior to those in the USA. Particularly recommended here is the GamesCom in Cologne, where not only innovations from the computer and video games industry are presented, but also live acts, performances and a cosplay contest await visitors.
The most delicious
For all gourmets with a professional background, the Anuga is a veritable paradise of tasty samples. As the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages, it takes place every two years in Cologne and brings together ten trade fairs under one roof. Whether Fine Food, Hot Beverages or Bread & Bakery – interested parties will find trends & information on all areas of the global food industry here.
The most colourful
Anyone interested in art should at least once in their life Art Basel. Every year, the international art fair attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to Switzerland and offers an impressive variety of programmes – from paintings, sculptures and installations to prints, photographs, videos and performances.
The most read
Are you an avid reader or even work in the literary field yourself? Then no road leads past Frankfurt Book Fair. The annual event not only provides a fantastic overview of the latest must-reads in all genres, but also offers five days to browse through maps, manuscripts, graphics, audiobooks and e-books. The Frankfurt Book Fair is also the ideal stage for professionals to present their products and services and make valuable contacts.
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The sportiest
There’s plenty of sporting activity in Munich in late autumn when the leading international trade fair for the sports business – the ISPO MUNICH – opens its doors to the trade public. Whether ski clothing, home fitness equipment, climbing shoes or golf equipment: here you will find all the latest trends in sporting goods and sports fashion as well as symposia, workshops and seminars for decision-makers.
The most cheerful
A trade fair experience with a special bouquet: The ProWein is the world’s leading trade fair for wines and spirits and takes place annually in beautiful Düsseldorf. Over three days, everyone who is anyone in the wine world meets there to taste new flavours and the latest trends. In addition to wines from all over the world, around 400 different spirits will also be in the spotlight, as well as accessories and IT for marketing.
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The fluffiest
A special mention goes to the Alpaca Expo in Graz, because probably nowhere else can you find a trade fair with so much fluffiness and cuteness. The Austrian Alpaca Breeders’ Association organises a stage for the world’s most enchanting animals and invites young and old from all over Europe to go on an alpaca walk, to fashion shows and to lectures about these soft friends. A trade fair experience that not only educates, but also caresses the soul.
Conclusion: A cross-section of the superlative trade fairs
Hopefully we were able to make your decision for your next trade fair visit a little easier with our guide. With over 600 trade fairs and congresses every year, Germany alone is one of the most important trade fair centres in the world. Interested parties from the DACH region can therefore plan their visit to the trade fair from the full range of options. It is important to note that not every trade fair is open to the general public. Some events – such as Anuga and ISPO – are aimed exclusively at trade visitors from the relevant sectors.
At many of the superlative trade fairs listed here, you will find SYMA as the exhibitor’s stand construction partner. Discover unseren social media channels, which specific trade show appearances our expertise is behind, and much more exciting information about the exhibition industry.
