Koelnmesse Celebrates 100 Years with Grand Opening of New Event and Congress Location
Cologne, Germany – On Friday, June 28th, 2024, Koelnmesse, one of the largest trade fair organizers in the world, celebrated its centenary with the opening of Confex, a state-of-the-art event and congress location. The grand opening ceremony was attended by 2,000 guests, including NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst and other public figures.
Established in 1924 by Konrad Adenauer, Koelnmesse has been a driving force in the West German economy and a symbol of European unity. Now, with the launch of Confex, the company is setting a new standard for congresses, trade fairs, and corporate events. The new venue, situated directly at the Cologne Messe/Deutz ICE railway station, is a testament to Koelnmesse’s commitment to innovation and international cooperation.
“For 100 years, Koelnmesse has been a center for ideas and innovations from all over the world. Confex will secure this special position for the next generation,” says NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst. “It was the wish of former Mayor of Cologne and Koelnmesse founder, Konrad Adenauer, that the trade fair should grow into a place of encounter – a place that contributes to understanding between nations, between Germany and neighboring European countries. That is truly a success.”
With a total size of 20,500 square meters, the Confex Hall is the centerpiece of the new building. It can accommodate up to 4,300 people and can be divided into three sections for flexibility. The venue also features two conference levels with 22 rooms of various sizes, ranging from 27 to 205 square meters, making it suitable for a wide array of event formats. The foyer, with its ample space and natural light, is perfect for receptions, breaks, presentations, and side events. The 5,600 square meter open-air terrace, Confex Plaza, is directly accessible from the foyer. Additionally, the venue is connected to other spaces within one of the world’s largest exhibition centers, providing additional flexibility and capacity.
According to Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Koelnmesse, Confex fills a crucial gap in the city’s trade fair infrastructure. “As an especially attractive venue for congresses and hybrid events for over 6,000 guests, Confex will draw entirely new events and target groups to Cologne,” says Reker. “The city and state, as shareholders, have supported the construction of Confex, even in difficult times.”
The new building, designed by architecture firm JSWD, seamlessly blends into the existing Koelnmesse buildings. It forms the structural boundary between the city-centre trade fair grounds and the Rheinpark to the west.
Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, emphasizes the importance of Confex in positioning the company’s events in the future trade fair world. “The sustainable safeguarding of trade fair operations and the addition of new events held with new target groups outside of the main trade fair schedule bring massive locational benefits to Cologne and the region,” says Böse. He adds that the venue stands for flexibility, efficiency, and emotional appeal, making it the future of the trade fair industry.
The success of Confex is evident even before its official opening, with Koelncongress, a subsidiary of Koelnmesse, already receiving bookings and inquiries until the end of 2029. “Confex will already host its first events in summer 2024, with many organizers coming to Cologne for the first time,” says Ralf Nüsser, General Manager of Koelncongress. The venue will also host major multi-day events, such as the UFI Global Congress of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry in November 2024.
Confex also aligns with Koelnmesse’s commitment to sustainability, as it has received Platinum pre-certification by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) during the construction phase. “Architecture is not only the stage for encounters and communication but is itself an expression of social and technological developments,” says Jürgen Steffens from the architecture firm JSWD, responsible for the design and general planning.
Koelnmesse has been a hub for innovation, trade, and international cooperation for 100 years, with Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse stating that Confex is a new milestone on this path. “Welcome to a world where innovation meets tradition!” says Böse.
The opening ceremony was held under the theme “Yesterday | Today | Tomorrow – Koelnmesse connects,” highlighting the company’s past, present, and future. The multimedia show took guests on a journey through time, showcasing Koelnmesse’s evolution
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.