In its first year of operation alone, it captivated event planners and established itself as a dynamic center for innovative event formats. Both Koelnmesse GmbH and its subsidiary Koelncongress GmbH are satisfied with its successful development and delighted about numerous new additions in guest fairs and congresses.
Successful start: Confex convinces as an innovation driver
Confex entered its first year of operation with impressive numbers: 41 events with about 45,000 participants took place over 63 event days. The formats ranged from corporate events of renowned financial and insurance companies to major congresses in the IT and science industries. It is also noteworthy that Confex is booked long-term – occupancy is excellent until 2032. A new target group has also been tapped: several medical professional societies have already chosen Confex as the venue for their annual congresses. With this development, Cologne successfully closed an existing gap in the event offering.
"We are pleased with this very positive booking situation; the pull the Confex has on event planners is enormous," said Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. "Besides professional event logistics, the Cologne location convinces with the joy of welcoming guests to this city. Guest organizers can feel it. Here, trade fair culture is lived – with heart, years of experience, and individual solutions for every event."
"The excellent acceptance of the Confex opens up promising market opportunities and establishes the event center as an impulse generator in the national and international event market,"
- Ralf Nüsser, Managing Director of Koelncongress GmbH
Congress autumn 2025 looks forward to high-caliber events
A highlight is the DGHO Annual Meeting for Hematology and Oncology, returning to Cologne in October 2025 after 35 years. Over 5,500 national and international specialists are expected to present the latest developments in diagnostics and therapy. This is followed in 2026 by the Annual Meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the 40th Congress of the German-speaking Society for Intraocular Lens Implantation.
Furthermore, DIGITAL X – Focus Edition by Deutsche Telekom invites up to 4,000 professionals to Confex for the first time in September 2025 under the motto "Ready for AI." Traditional events like the VdS Fire Protection Days with international participation also remain fixed components of the Cologne calendar.
Cologne as the ideal stage for guest fairs
Koelnmesse grounds also record a significant increase in guest fairs. Among other things, PSI – Europe's leading trade fair for promotional products – will be permanently held in Cologne from 2027. In the field of chemistry and biotechnology, events like Chemspec Europe (2025 and 2026) and BIO-Europe (from 2026) set new standards at the location.
New trade fair formats, such as the premiere edition of the Power Transmission & Distribution Technology EXPO in September 2025 and the Finest Audio Show Cologne from 2026, expand the portfolio with specialized formats.
Holistic experience world: More than just trade fair grounds
Cologne scores with its central location, ideal connectivity, and diverse cultural offerings. In addition to the exhibition grounds, organizers have access to locations such as the historic Gürzenich or the Rhine terraces – ideal for side events and evening functions.
The new acquisitions and contract extensions underscore success: "The excellent acceptance of the Confex opens up promising market opportunities and establishes the event center as an impulse generator in the national and international event market," explains Ralf Nüsser, Managing Director of Koelncongress GmbH. "Koelncongress has once again proven itself as a competent event partner at the Cologne location, offering tailor-made solutions and highest professionalism."
Learn everything about Confex and its capacities for events here.