ORGATEC organisers turn their gaze to Middle East markets

Koelnmesse, the organisers of ORGATEC, and dmg events have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing trade exhibitions across the Middle East. The firms say this strategic partnership will ‘combine and leverage their respective brands, creating a dynamic synergy that promises innovative and impactful events’. Both see the Middle East as a growing and increasingly important opportunity.

Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse, explains: “Koelnmesse is excited to collaborate with dmg events, the leading international organizer in the Middle East. Our shared vision is to extend our brands and events in the world’s fast growing exhibition market. As the region’s ambitious plans drive industry growth and investment, our partnership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future.”

The collaboration will focus on several areas including:

1. Sports, Build, and Leisure Facilities: Drawing from Koelnmesse’s FSB (28.-31.10.2025), the trade fair for public spaces and sports facilities, and dmg’s Sport, Leisure & Facilities Shows, the partnership will curate exhibitions that cater to sports enthusiasts, architects, builders, and leisure facility managers. These events are planned to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and solutions in sports infrastructure and recreational spaces.

2. Office Design, Build & Fit-out: Building on Koelnmesse’s ORGATEC (22.-25.10.2024), the international trade fair for the workplace, and dmg’s Workspace, the collaboration will introduce an office design and build show. Architects, interior designers, and corporate decision-makers will discover concepts, sustainable designs, and smart office solutions, say the firms.

3. Furniture and Fittings: The Middle East furniture market is poised for significant growth over the next five years, driven by changing lifestyles and urbanisation, increasing disposable income & affordable housing. To meet this demand Koelnmesse and dmg events will curate exhibitions that showcase innovative designs, sustainable materials, and smart solutions for the furniture manufacturing industry. Koelnmesse has extensive expertise in this area, not least because of its interior business event, imm cologne (12-16.01.2025). Koelnmesse’s Living, Contract & Public Spaces portfolio comprises 11 international shows and trade fairs.

4. Hardware & Tools: Koelnmesse has been successfully organizing the EISENWARENMESSE since 1971 and Asia-Pacific Sourcing in Cologne since 2005, as well as numerous satellite events in the Hardware & Tools segment. Building on this expertise, Koelnmesse and dmg will also examine possible potential here.

Geoff Dickinson, Group CEO of dmg events, said: “We are thrilled to further expand our footprint in the Middle East by partnering with Koelnmesse. With over 35 successful annual events in the region, we are committed to adding value and building on our existing portfolios. Together, we will create exceptional experiences for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

Image: Bisley’s new Dubai showroom