EXPONATEC COLOGNE

Event Update

EXPONATEC COLOGNE will occur as a live exposition from 16.11.2023 to 18.11.2023. The latest edition of the fair will take place at Koelnmesse. The venue will not feature COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing. This is due to Germany removing its domestic restrictions as a result of the improving pandemic situation. The country currently does not have travel limitations in place due to the same cause.

A Brief Overview of EXPONATEC COLOGNE 

EXPONATEC COLOGNE bridges culture and industry excellence as a benchmark event for the museum and exhibition fields. It dives deep into the world of cutting-edge advancements within culture services, restoration and conservation. The international fair trade is one of the leading B2B platforms for innovation in its category. You can expect serious decision makers to make the trip to Cologne in anticipation of the new, emerging trends and best practices. Attendance guarantees access to regions and business opportunities throughout Europe. 

Accommodation for EXPONATEC COLOGNE is always in high demand, especially hotels within walking distance from Koelnmesse. GETA ltd has over ten years of experience booking hotels for exhibitors in Cologne and know all the top hotel rates in the city. You get first-rate deals for your price range. Cut down expenses and get to the exhibition centre in minutes. The perfect conditions for a productive business trip. GETA ltd has an impressive portfolio of travel services to guarantee your comfort – booking plane tickets, organising airport transfers and building exhibition booths. Large groups are more than welcome. Our team is comfortable working with as many as 20 people. 

Why Your Visit Is Worth It 

No other trade fair operates on the level of EXPONATEC COLOGNE, which is of high importance for markets on all continents. The entire professional museum world gathers in one space, which only benefits exhibitors, who want to reach the maximum number of qualified leads. The fair is the single most important date in the industry. Your presence is a given. 

Grow your network and actively participate in the conversations of the day. The first edition since the pandemic started did incredibly well: 

• 80 providers
• 2,700 trade visitors
• 20 countries 

Industry Relevance 

Founded in 2004, EXPONATEC COLOGNE has swiftly emerged as a biennial cornerstone in the world of museums, conservation, and heritage. Held at Koelnmesse in Cologne, this international trade fair has solidified its reputation as a hub for practitioners and knowledge seekers within the industry. Steeped in expertise, it stands as Europe's premier platform for cultural services, fostering a dynamic exchange between suppliers and users. 

At the heart of EXPONATEC COLOGNE lies a comprehensive portrayal of all facets of museum and exhibition work. This encompasses a multifaceted journey from design, technology and conservation to restoration, accessibility and logistics. Exhibitors present their contributions across the entire value chain, forming an intricate tapestry that elevates the practice and understanding of cultural preservation. Here is the entire product portfolio: 

• New and restructured buildings
• Personnel service providers
• Public relations work
• Visitor research and orientation
• Exhibition design
• Building and exhibition technology
• Media
• Entrance and exit areas
• Museum shops
• Security and transport
• Administration supplies
• Restoration, conservation
• Material testing
• Further education
• Institutions 

The Expocase, a distinct feature of EXPONATEC COLOGNE, transforms the trade floor into a realm of innovation and interaction. Here, exhibitors, designers, and industry service providers come to showcase their visionary projects within a micro-booth of one cubic metre. This dynamic setup fosters interactive knowledge transfer and scenography, accompanied by insightful lectures and discussions. This unique initiative shapes EXPONATEC COLOGNE as a trailblazing event for knowledge dissemination. 

EXPONATEC COLOGNE resonates as a meeting point where culture and commerce seamlessly intertwine. Anchored in the principles of restoration, maintenance and preservation of cultural heritage, the event spotlights the infusion of cutting-edge technologies. From virtual reality to 3D staging, innovative digital advancements meet face to face with traditional approaches to heritage restoration. It’s where you can see the future being painted clearly. 

Beyond its exhibitor showcases, EXPONATEC COLOGNE boasts a vibrant congress program, featuring seasoned experts who share insights into the dynamic world of museums, restoration, and conservation. Special shows like “The Best in Heritage” highlight the pinnacle of achievement within the sector. The fair's Speakers Corner forms an arena for unfiltered dialogue, further enriching the collective knowledge of attendees. 

Embracing technology has been the biggest theme for the past several editions with last year’s colloquium centred on Digitalisation and cultural heritage as a topic. The seminar dove deep into the possibilities between archiving and visualisation and educational work using digital tools. The focus on digitalisation is also felt during the lectures at the Speakers Corner and how museums can most benefit from the rise of digital tools. 

Who Are You Going to Meet? 

Providers come from a great variety of fields such as design and technology, media, digitality, knowledge transfer and public relations. The majority are based in Germany, while the rest are based mostly in Europe. Italy, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg are all represented here. Exhibitors includes names such as the Kern Sudent, DroidSolutions, LIVDEO, Look2innovate SA LOOK, Museum Volkenkunde (the National Museum of World Cultures in the Netherlands), EDITAG SAS, HEGIAS AG, Alfavision BVBA and cura3D. 

When it comes to the professional audience, you see a rich variety in background encompassing both experts and decision makers with significant purchasing power: 

• Architecture and Fine Art
• Fine Art Planning and Exhibition Services
• Galleries and Studios
• Commercial Fine Art Organizations
• Cultural and Educational Services
• Event Management and Visitors Centers
• Curatorial, Heritage and Arts Management
• Fine Art and Antiques Businesses
• Modelmaking, Exhibition and Set Design
• Museums and Collections
• Private Collectors
• Conservation and Restoration
• Art Framing Businesses
• Academic Research
• Cultural Foundations
• Cultural Bodies and Associations 

The Outlook for 2023 

EXPONATEC COLOGNE, the international trade fair for museums, conservation and cultural heritage, has been cancelled for 2023. The decision was made due to difficult economic conditions and too little potential in the segment of museums and cultural institutions. 

The overall situation is currently causing uncertainty in the exhibition and restoration fields with regard to investments and innovations. The suspension of the trade fair this year enables a new positioning and conceptualisation of this event. The cancellation of EXPONATEC COLOGNE is a blow to the museum and cultural heritage sector. The trade fair was a major opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to potential customers. It was also a valuable networking event for professionals in the field.