- €304 million in revenue and €18 million in earnings in 2024
- Ongoing growth in new business
- Strategic expansion of international operations
- Change at Executive Board Level

Hannover, Germany. Deutsche Messe continues its successful trajectory: In the 2024 fiscal year, the company once again surpassed its financial targets, posting consolidated revenue of €304 million and a profit of €18 million – despite a slightly reduced trade fair schedule due to the regular event cycle.

"Our success in 2024 is built on the strong performance of our established core business, the successful expansion of new event formats, and the ongoing development of our international trade fair portfolio," explains Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe. "The consistently high demand for our events, both domestically and abroad, confirms that our strategy is working."

Last year, Deutsche Messe organized approximately 70 trade fairs worldwide, hosting over 30,000 exhibiting companies and more than 3 million visitors.

"Our 2025 event calendar is also well-filled. In the second half of the year, we are looking forward to two major international flagship fairs: AGRITECHNICA and EMO Hannover. Both events will once again draw hundreds of thousands of participants and attendees to Hannover," says Andrea Aulkemeyer, CFO of Deutsche Messe. "As of today, we are on track to meet our ambitious revenue and profit targets for this year as well." The 2025 revenue target is set at around €320 million, with another positive profit figure expected.

Ongoing growth in new business

Developing innovative trade fair formats and expanding into new domestic and international markets are central to Deutsche Messe's strategy – with visible success.

One example is the successful debut of Pro Care, a new specialized trade fair, which premiered in Hannover in 2025 and immediately met with an positive reception from the care sector. Additionally, DSEI Germany, announced for 2027, will establish a new international platform for defense and security, developed in collaboration with partners from government and industry.

The contract for didacta, Europe's largest trade fair for the education sector, to return to Hannover has also been successfully signed. In 2027, didacta will once again be held at Deutsche Messe's home venue – a strong signal for Hannover as a premier trade fair location.

Strategic expansion of international operations

Beyond its home market, Deutsche Messe has further expanded its global portfolio – one example of which is Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia, set to debut in Riyadh in December 2025.

"Developing new trade fair formats and targeted international expansion are key pillars of our strategy. In the coming weeks, we will be announcing further global event formats that impressively reinforce this direction," says Dr. Köckler. In 2025 alone, Deutsche Messe is adding more than 11 new events to its international trade fair calendar.

Investments in venue and sustainability

Deutsche Messe is also investing in its home base in Hannover, continuously enhancing the appeal and future viability of its exhibition grounds. Upgrades include advanced digital visitor navigation systems and large-format LED screens at the main entrances.

Sustainability remains another strategic priority. Through its Fair2Future program, Deutsche Messe AG is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. In 2024, initiatives included the launch of the new Climate Ticket, providing exhibitors and visitors with free access to public transport in Hannover. The company has also begun implementing energy transition measures across the exhibition grounds.

"We invest specifically in what benefits our customers most – whether through new ideas, improved services, or sustainable infrastructure," emphasizes Aulkemeyer. "In 2025, we will continue along this path with a clear focus on growth, innovation, and customer-centric solutions."

Change at Executive Board Level

At her own request, CFO Andrea Aulkemeyer will step down from the Executive Board of Deutsche Messe AG as of July 1, 2025.

“In order for Deutsche Messe to make even better use of its current momentum, the Executive Board needs to place greater focus on marketing, sales, and new business development – ideally through a board position specifically dedicated to these areas,” Aulkemeyer explains. “Since expanding the size of the Executive Board is not an option, I have decided to step down from my position.”

Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Messe AG, commented: “I received this decision with deep regret, but also with the utmost respect. It clearly demonstrates Ms. Aulkemeyer’s exceptional integrity and loyalty toward Deutsche Messe AG and its future development. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Andrea Aulkemeyer for her dedicated service over the past three years. In a time of significant transformation for Deutsche Messe AG – and widespread uncertainty across the entire industry – she has played a crucial role in driving the company’s transformation forward with determination and financial clarity, correcting adverse developments and initiating several key strategic impulses.”