German trade fairs remain a key engine of economic growth

10.03.2026

11.8 billion euros are spent by exhibiting companies on their trade fair appearances in an average trade fair year in Germany. Visitors to trade fairs in Germany spend an average of 3.9 billion euros during this period.

In addition, local trade fair organisers regularly invest 140 million euros in infrastructure and energy efficiency. This is shown by in-depth figures from the recently published study "The Trade Fair Effect: Added Value, Growth, Competitiveness" on the economic importance of the trade fair industry in Germany. It is the first major survey of its kind since 2018 and was conducted by the economic research institute Prognos on behalf of the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA). The study is published in German only.

The study shows that the direct expenditure and investments of around 15.9 billion euros trigger further indirect economic effects totalling 10.1 billion euros. These are primarily generated by supplier relationships. A further 3.9 billion euros in added value is created along the supply chain, so-called induced effects.

Totally, the trade fair industry in Germany contributes a good 30 billion euros in economic effects to the country's prosperity every year. The current Prognos study also shows that at least 280,000 jobs in Germany are secured by the trade fair industry. In addition to the trade fair industry itself, jobs are primarily secured or created in the transport, hospitality and retail sectors.

Philip Harting, chair of the association of the German trade fair industry AUMA, says: “The German trade fair industry is a key industry for international networking and a first-class export promoter. Germany is the number one trade fair centre in the world. Two thirds of all leading global trade fairs take place in Germany. Economic policy at federal and state level must strengthen Germany as a trade fair location: a modern and digital visa system for our foreign trade fair visitors, a top transport infrastructure and trade fair promotion programmes that do justice to a leading export nation are the basis for Germany's leading global position."

An average trade fair year also generates 5.4 billion euros in tax revenue for the state. The federal government in particular benefits with just under 2.4 billion euros alone, followed by the federal states with a good 2.3 billion euros. This is mainly due to income tax and sales tax. Local authorities in Germany receive around 700 million euros in tax revenue from the trade fair business.

The Prognos study is based on a large-scale survey of more than 33,700 visitors and over 17,700 exhibiting companies in Germany. It was conducted between September 2024 and October 2025 at 30 trade fair events at ten German trade fair venues. It is representative of an average trade fair cycle with more than 1,800 trade fair events over two years. The survey does not include the economic effects of contracts concluded at trade fairs.