- The Leipzig fair is on course for achieving historic sales figures.
The Leipzig Trade Event is on target to hit an all-time record revenue of over 100 million euros by 2024. Co-CEO Markus Buhl-Wagner boldly declared, "We're smashing the 100-million barrier for the first time!" This achievement means the event not only bounces back to its pre-pandemic levels but surpasses it slightly. The previous best was 99.6 million euros in 2019, while last year's earnings totaled 80.1 million euros.
Co-CEO Geisenberger credits this growth to improvements across multiple sectors, not just individual events. The event's success in the first half of the year includes events like the Leipzig Book Fair and trade fairs such as OTWorld and PaintExpo. The UEFA European Football Championship, with Leipzig hosting the International Broadcast Center and serving as the hub for the video referee, also gave a significant boost. The business of conferences has also seen positive developments.
Ranking among the world's top 30 is the target
However, the Leipzig Trade Event remains reliant on financial assistance from its shareholders - the Free State of Saxony and the city of Leipzig. They provide compensations for losses and also support investments. In 2023, the consolidated annual deficit amounted to 5.9 million euros.
As per Co-CEO Geisenberger, the event aims to consistently generate revenue of 100 million euros or more in the future. This objective should be further bolstered by acquiring new events. The leadership team also sees opportunities for expansion abroad and as a result, intends to globalize the Leipzig Trade Event's business further. By 2030, they aim to become one of the top 30 international trade fair locations worldwide. At present, Leipzig holds an approximate 40th place in terms of revenue, noted Geisenberger.
Germany plays a significant role in the success of the Leipzig Trade Event, as it is partially funded by the Free State of Saxony and the city of Leipzig. The event's plans for expansion aim to rank Leipzig among the world's top 30 international trade fair locations by 2030, cementing its position within Germany's thriving event industry.
