Success story of Messe Düsseldorf: on course for growth with new trade fairs and global expansion

by Julia Pott

Messe Düsseldorf further expanded its position as one of the world's leading trade fair organizers in 2024. Despite the lower volume of events due to the rotation of events with 22 trade fairs (previous year: 27), the company achieved one of the most economically successful years in the past two decades. Group sales amounted to around 392 million euros, while Messe Düsseldorf GmbH's sales totalled around 363 million euros. According to preliminary calculations, a profit after tax of just under 60 million euros is expected.

2025, the success curve seems to be pointing further upwards: EuroCIS 2025 was able to expand its importance as the Leading Trade Fair for Retail Technology. With 500 exhibitors from 37 nations, the trade fair was fully booked and the largest event in its history to date. More than 14,000 trade visitors from 95 countries used the platform to discover innovations in artificial intelligence, seamless checkout, smart stores and customer centricity. The high proportion of trade visitors with decision-making authority underlines the strategic importance of EuroCIS for investment decisions in the retail sector.

Also at the beginning of this year, XPONENTIAL Europe celebrated an outstanding premiere in Düsseldorf and was immediately recognized by the industry as the leading European trade fair for autonomous technologies. The event brought together companies, start-ups and researchers from the fields of robotics, drone technology and autonomous mobility. Top-class keynotes, live demonstrations and interactive formats made the trade fair a unique meeting place for the industry. The strong international participation with guests from 65 countries confirms the global interest in the new platform.

Another building block of success lies in the Far East: Messe Düsseldorf further expanded its presence in Asia. In 2024, a total of 54 foreign trade fairs were held (previous year: 46). A strategic milestone was the establishment of the Messe Düsseldorf for Asia network, which has been coordinating business in Asia from Singapore since April. Seven Asian healthcare trade fairs were bundled under the umbrella of “MEDICARE ASIA” in order to exploit synergies and make the best possible use of the region's growth potential.

After expanding into Turkey and Mexico, the focus will shift to the Middle East in 2025. The newly established “Messe Düsseldorf Gulf Office” in Dubai is to expand trade fair activities in the region. Regional offshoots of the world's leading trade fairs EuroShop, A+A and REHACARE are planned from 2026. In addition, the company will be represented in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 2025 with seven trade fair themes, including wire, Tube, GIFA and METEC. Messe Düsseldorf is thus strengthening its international commitment and consistently focusing on growing markets.

EuroShop 2026 is eagerly awaited and will once again set new standards as the world's leading trade fair for retail investment needs. The event will cover a wide range of topics, including Retail Technology, Store Design & Visual Merchandising, Food Service Equipment & Refrigeration Technology, Energy Management and Omnichannel Solutions. Visitors can look forward to groundbreaking innovations, instructive best practices and inspiring presentations by industry experts on the stages. The special areas will focus on specific trends. EuroShop thus remains the central meeting place for the international retail industry and makes a significant contribution to the further development of the global retail sector.

Sources: Press release AUMA, Press release Messe Düsseldorf on EuroCIS, Press release Messe Düsseldorf on XPONENTIAL