- The current situation at the Erfurt trade fair demands attention.
Thuringia is putting a significant amount of funds into revamping the Erfurt fair. Since 2018, the state and the fair company have collectively contributed approximately 21 million euros, as per a statement made by the Ministry of Economics in Erfurt upon request. This year, for instance, new seating areas are being installed in one of the halls, which also hosts concerts and major cultural events, along with a solar power plant on the roofs. Over 19 million euros from the state budget alone have been allocated towards the renovation of the fair, which was inaugurated in 1997 in the state capital.
The objective is to revitalize the infrastructure of the area encompassing the fair halls and a congress center. This annual benefits tens of thousands of attendees. "Through our investment plan, we're spearheading the modernization of the fair. The state must persist on this course in the coming years. This serves as the foundation for expanding our status as a significant Eastern German fair location with enhanced conditions and fresh offerings," explained Economics Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee (SPD).
Investments are slated to continue in 2025
As per the ministry, the scope of enhancements since the commencement of the investment program six years ago spans from improvements to ventilation and electrical supply systems, Wi-Fi and LED lighting to the reconstruction of car parks and renovation of a hall. Next year, the fair company is expected to receive an additional three million euros from the state budget.
Messe Erfurt, according to its own claims, is the second largest fair in the five Eastern German federal states after Leipzig. A private investor has constructed a fair hotel adjacent to the area, which has been operational for approximately two years.
Tiefensee: Rebound in the fair industry
Post a decline in turnover, events, visitors, and exhibitors during the Corona years 2020 to 2022, the fair business is gradualy recovering. This year, a turnover of 9.3 million euros is anticipated, and around 551,000 visitors were estimated at about 200 events last year. However, the figures from the record year 2018 have yet to be surpassed. Back then, 647,000 visitors were recorded, and the annual turnover was 10.6 million euros. The shareholder of the fair is the state of Thuringia. "The fair and event industry has faced challenging years. Now it's on the upswing," said Tiefensee.
Next year, a new congress fair "New Bauhaus" on the topics of construction, renovation, urban and regional development, and quantum optics is planned. This year, for example, performances by Bob Dylan, Deep Purple, or Ben Zucker are scheduled. For the Summer Open Air series in 2025, at least four notable concerts are set to take place in collaboration with a concert promoter.
The State of Thuringia, as the shareholder of Messe Erfurt, is dedicated to continuing investments in 2025, following the Commission's strategic plan for the fair's modernization. The Commission's efforts, led by Economics Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, aim to maintain and enhance Thuringia's status as a prominent Eastern German fair location.
