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city offers an attractive backdrop for networking.
Ottmann notes NürnbergMesse Group was able to close 2025 as the year with the highest revenue in an otherwise event-light odd-numbered year in its company history. This trend is expected to continue in 2026 featuring around 150 events worldwide for the group, 66 of which will take place in Nuremberg.
The CEO also says the company is investing in its defences against cybercrime, which has been a challenge.
AI is transforming the buying journey, financial setups and customer care, Ottmann adds.
“ We do not view AI as an isolated IT project, but as a comprehensive change management issue that affects the entire organisation,” the CEO says, noting the aim is to use AI in a way that adds value for customers.
This year the Messe will complete the expansion of its own photovoltaic system, with 21,000 solar panels across six halls and a multi-storey car park roof. Additional battery storage systems will enable it to use the energy generated later, allowing the Messse to cover up to 30 % of its annual electricity requirements.
Switching to 100 % green electricity in 2020 has helped reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90 %, Ottmann adds.“ Similarly, the energy required to light the exhibition grounds has been reduced by approximately 80 % thanks to the complete switch to LED lighting. These measures form part of an ISOcertified environmental and energy management system.”
The expansion of the trade fair portfolio through new partnerships and acquisitions, particularly abroad, remains a key driver of growth for the Group.
“ Our Greek subsidiary FORUM’ s new subsidiary, O. MIND Creatives, will organise the LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTS EXPO in Thessaloniki in October 2026. It marks FORUM
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S. A.’ s first foray into Greece’ s second-largest city,” says Ottmann.
“ Similarly, the further development of the service offering is of central importance, as it already accounts for a quarter of total turnover.” A new e-commerce platform was launched in March 2026 at FENSTERBAU FRONTALE, he says, and will be gradually introduced at further events.
Investments of over € 500m planned for the exhibition centre. The Frankenhalle( Franconia Hall, Hall 11), built in 1984, will be gradually modernised by the end of the decade.
Messe München For Messe München, 2025 was the most successful year in its history, according to joint CEOs Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel. The growth, they say, is driven by three key pillars: Global expansions: In January, the Messe launched the record-breaking premier of IFAT Saudi Arabia, while established event brands in Asia – especially in China and India – continue to show strong growth. Strategic acquisitions: In North America, the recent acquisition of Tradeshow Logic serves as an operational platform to develop and execute the Messe’ s leading trade fair brands directly in the region. Strong home base: In Munich, major trade fairs are enjoying growing demand, with a strong pipeline, the CEOs report.
Messe München organises more than 60 events abroad, including 14 major trade fairs.
The CEOs say that companies are becoming more selective with their budgets.“ Industries are transforming faster than ever, which means trade fairs must continuously evolve in terms of formats, content and value creation,” they note.
In terms of trends, they say they see a structural shift from square metres to content hubs.“ Trade fairs are no longer just about selling booth space; they have evolved into high-density
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Top: Messe München
Above: CEOs, Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel
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knowledge and networking platforms. Today’ s exhibitors demand highly integrated spaces that seamlessly combine product presentations with live stages, interactive workshops, and dedicated networking areas. It’ s about creating an ecosystem where business, education, and community happen together.”
Middle East tensions have caused some recalibration of development plans in Saudi Arabia for the Messe.
“ The record-breaking launch of IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026 clearly confirms the strong level of interest in our formats,” the CEOs explain, although they have decided to postpone transport logistic Middle East from September 2026 to 2027.“ A necessary decision, driven by restricted mobility and reduced planning security for our customers,” they say.
Preparations for key events in 2027, including bauma Saudi Arabia and IFAT Saudi Arabia, are continuing as planned, however. EW
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Issue 3 2026 43 |