“Investments signal our long-term confidence in the growth of our trade show business”

Mr. Stempfle, something changes at the Messe Düsseldorf Exhibition Center almost every year. What’s the motivation behind that pace?

Yes, that’s right. We operate in a highly dynamic market where competition is becoming increasingly fierce, both nationally and internationally. We have to be alert, read markets and trends, and respond to changing customer needs. That’s the only way to continuously evolve our services. At the core of it all is our Exhibition Center in Düsseldorf because that’s the place where companies and visitors get to experience what we’re all about. Therefore, investments in infrastructure – about €850 million since 2000, including Hall 9 – are crucial. They’re the foundation allowing for greater efficiency and Messe Düsseldorf’s sustainable development.

What principles guide your approach to these construction projects?

Our ability to deliver results is reflected in the features of our site and our buildings. After all, we want to fulfill as many of our exhibiting companies’ wishes as possible. Our goal is to meet the high demands of a modern trade show, from event capacity to technical capabilities to attendee comfort. Small trade shows, large industrial exhibits, outdoor parks, and high-end technology campuses – whatever may be needed, we make it possible. But to do so, we have to keep our buildings up to date at all times.

In addition to Hall 9 and the North Entrance, Messe Düsseldorf is also working on a new headquarters, which is slated for completion in 2028.

Correct. For one, this is an investment in our employees, both current and future. We want to create a modern working environment in which they can perform their jobs in the best possible way. At the same time, it’s also an investment in productivity and creativity. The aim is to create a flexible and agile working environment that brings forth the best solutions for our customers. Just as modern industrial facilities enable better production, a modern office environment enables us to develop better ideas and implement them even more efficiently for our customers.

Why is a new building necessary to achieve that?

The current working environment no longer meets the requirements of a modern, forward-looking company. Regarding the two existing administrative towers, simply renovating the one in the front would have limited us to minor improvements. That’s why we’re demolishing that building and replacing it with a new, modern structure. The situation is different for the one in the back: Demolition is not technically feasible because of central supply lines in the subsoil, so that tower will remain and instead undergo a complete renovation.

What construction work will follow after 2028?

As things stand today, the entire North Entrance area will be up next, with work there and in Hall 8 lasting through 2034. Other projects include Halls 3, 15, 16 and 17, a new Trade Show Service Center, and the energy centers. These construction projects are estimated to cost an additional €600 million by 2040. Thanks to our sustainable and sound economic management over a long period of time, we’ve created the financial leeway to handle construction projects of this magnitude despite years-long losses from the COVID era. With these investments, we’re signaling our long-term confidence in the growth of our Düsseldorf-based trade show business while reaffirming our commitment to remaining competitive over the long term by operating one of the world’s most technologically advanced trade show venues.