The German trade fair industry is a key economic sector, contributing approximately €30 billion annually to Germany’s prosperity and securing at least 280,000 jobs. This is shown by a new study conducted by the German economic research institute Prognos on behalf of the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA). The study also finds that trade fairs generate around €5.4 billion in tax revenues for federal, state, and local governments.
The findings are based on surveys of over 33,700 visitors and 17,700 exhibiting companies conducted between September 2024 and October 2025 at 30 trade fairs across ten German trade fair venues. Results from Messe Frankfurt show that it alone supports more than 30,000 jobs and generates €667 million in tax revenue.
Philip Harting, Chair of AUMA, stresses that Germany’s trade fair industry is essential for international networking and export promotion, with two-thirds of all leading global trade fairs taking place in the country. Trade fairs also provide significant economic boosts to regions, including the hospitality sector, retail, and skilled crafts.
In 2026, around 320 trade fairs are scheduled at approximately 70 venues in Germany. The year begins with PSI, the leading European trade fair for promotional products and merchandising in Düsseldorf. Initial projections for 2025 show growth in exhibitors, stand space, and visitor numbers, with increases in all key industry figures.
AUMA is the umbrella organisation of the German trade fair industry, representing large and medium-sized exhibition companies, international organisers, and associated industry groups both nationally and internationally.
Read the full report here.
