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If there is one more thing to be added to the list of talents that Germans have mastered over the long history of years, it’s the art of organizing world-level trade fairs, also known as ‘messe’ in true German spirit. Also, in this field, the region of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Düsseldorf play a significant role.

Germany is an internationally known destination for its saturation of high-profile trade fairs attracting thousands of exhibitors and millions of visitors from all around the world. Also in this field, the region of North Rhine-Westphalia and Düsseldorf plays a significant role in hosting events in business fields ranging from food & beverage to engineering, sports & leisure, information technologies, medicine, arts & fashion, and many others.

Of all the international and regional trade fairs that will be held in Germany this year (375 in total), around 20% will be in North Rhine-Westphalia, and of those – more than 25% in Düsseldorf (catching up with Cologne which takes the leading position).

Why Attend?

While participation in international exhibitions can be an excellent springboard for exports for companies, remember that by being on the other side – as a visitor – you can also benefit from the trade fairs.

If you want to be ahead of your colleagues and other folks within your industry, get to know the latest information about products and future industry trends, and meet the leading market players (and possibly even your next employer), then hold on tight and read this expert post written by Baiba Soika, Founder and CEO of an Export Management and Consulting start-up company. She has prepared a powerful list of 10 trade shows that cannot be missed in 2018 here in Düsseldorf.

boot Düsseldorf – International Boat Show

If you are into yachting, kayaking, or diving, then this is something for you! Experience the world’s greatest watersports show at your fingertips – 250,000 visitors from 90 countries, 18 themed areas, and more than 1,800 exhibitors from 68 different countries. If you’re a fan of boats, you might be eager to know that Düsseldorf actually has a few boat hotels available for rent!

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.boot.de

METAV – 20th International Exhibition for Metalworking Technologies

Did you know that in the 1950s-60s, NRW was known as the land of coal and steel, and Ruhr (Duisburg especially) was one of the most important industrial regions in Europe? Although today, things are slightly different, manufacturing and engineering count for a large part of Düsseldorf’s economy. METAV trade show will present an overview of metalworking technologies and the latest industry innovations within quality, medical, molding, and additive manufacturing areas.

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.metav.com

EuroCIS – The Leading Trade Fair for Retail Technology

In times like these, when people eat 3D-printed food, drive autonomous vehicles, and even your grandma is on Instagram, digitalization cannot be ignored. Technology never sleeps, so do not miss the opportunity to know everything up and around the fourth industrial revolution and the ways it will touch your life as a consumer in the retail wonderland.

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.eurocis-tradefair.com

Beauty Düsseldorf: Leading International Trade Fair for Cosmetics, Nail, Foot, Wellness, and SPA

Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the best beauty event of them all? The latest products, treatments, trends of tomorrow and much more will be presented during the 3-day event. During the second week of March 2018, Düsseldorf will be a central meeting point for beauty industry professionals from all around the world as the Top Hair Trade Fair and Make-Up Artist Design Show will be held in parallel. While you’re in Düsseldorf, of course, you will have to check out our local saunas and hammams to really embrace your trip here (and a little tip, you can often find entrance tickets much cheaper online).

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.beauty-duesseldorf.com

ProWein – The World’s No.1 Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits

Every year more than 65,000 professionals of viticulture, production and trade of wines & spirits, and gastronomy gather for 3 days in Düsseldorf during ProWein – undoubtedly the world’s leading trade fair in this field. While you’re in Düsseldorf, you can also check out some of our best wine bars in the city!

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.prowein.com

INTERBRIDE: International Fashion Fair Düsseldorf

This is the most significant B2B trade fair for wedding, bridal, and event fashion in the center of Europe showcasing the latest collections of more than 180 international brands and bringing buyers and designers together. It’s only natural that Germany’s fashion and art capital hosts the International Fashion Fair, am I right? We have some fantastic shopping opportunities around the city.

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.interbride.eu

Caravan Salon Düsseldorf: The World’s Largest Show for Motor Homes and Caravans

The annual get-together for the international caravanning sector – 13 halls of the world’s biggest ranges of solutions, ideas, innovative products, and services within mobile holiday-making for both professionals and enthusiasts. If you’re arriving with your camper, there are plenty of campsites in Düsseldorf to stay at!

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.caravan-salon.de

REHACARE International Trade Fair and Congress for Rehabilitation and Care

Technical developments have gone very far to allow everyone in society to live their lives fully and without compromises. Experience the 4-day event that will showcase the great range of technical innovations within wheelchairs, stair climbers, grab systems, and other areas from international companies pioneering the rehabilitation and care industry.

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.rehacare.com

VeggieWorld Düsseldorf

Veganism is no longer a fashion trend or a niche thing, it’s an emerging industry that is going mainstream. In October, Düsseldorf gathers vegan producers, traders, importers, and consumers during Europe’s largest and oldest vegan trade fair for plant-based diets and overall lifestyle. We’ve also got some great healthy and vegan restaurants in Düsseldorf worth checking out while you’re here. If you’d like to read more about sustainable things to do in Düsseldorf, Life in Düsseldorf has a post for that too!

Areal Böhler; more info – www.veggieworld.de

MEDICA – World Forum for Medicine

In November, discover the vast variety of medical options at MEDICA – industry trade fair, forums, academy, conferences – all that and much more in one place during 4 exhibition days. If you are a professional working within the medical industry, do not miss out on this event, and make sure you visit also COMPAMED, the leading international marketplace for the medical supplier sector and product development, which will be held in parallel. You might also find it interesting to know that almost 50% of German’s choose to purchase their medication online!

Düsseldorf Messe/Arena; more info – www.medica-tradefair.com

Looking for something else?

The full list of trade fairs held in North Rhine-Westphalia and Düsseldorf in 2018 is long, however, if this still seems too small for you, then head to the other queens of German trade fairs such as Frankfurt, Hanover or Cologne, which have plenty of general industry and very specialized niche trade shows to offer.

Do you have more questions about the most suitable trade fairs for your business or you want to meet your export partners despite the trade fair dates? Feel free to send an email with your question to Baiba Soika.