Hannover. Klaudia Kohl, Head of Consumer Shows at Deutsche Messe AG: "For us, the ABF and B.I.G. trade fair duo marks the start of the new trade fair season in February. The success of both events once again underlines the importance of trade fairs as a platform for highlighting current trends and effectively presenting products to a wide audience, who can also purchase, order or book the products directly at the fair."

One of the highlights was the Caravanning & Camping section, which not only covered the largest area at over 35,000 square metres, but also attracted a great deal of interest from visitors. Motorhomes, caravans, panel vans and customised vehicles were examined, compared and ordered directly. There was also an extensive range of accessories, technical equipment and services on offer. Many exhibitors reported concrete purchase intentions and detailed consultations that went beyond mere information gathering.

Olaf Kulp, Caravan Tirge: ‘We are completely satisfied. At the end of winter, ABF offers us the opportunity to present our products in a great atmosphere. ABF visitors are of a very high calibre, they are very focused in their search for information and are very willing to buy.’

Uwe Filter, Ferientraumkreuzfahrten & Deister Wohnmobile adds: ‘We received a lot of positive feedback and were also able to make some visitors happy with cruises and motorhomes. We are very satisfied.’

Friso Richter (‘Der Camping Check’) also set new trends in caravanning and camping with his popular podcast ‘Natural Born Campers’, which he recorded live on the camping stage of the DCC Deutscher Camping Club e.V. together with Melli Ebeling and Martin Putz.

In the travel sector, the special exhibition ‘Fascination Asia’ presented by Explorer Travel attracted particular attention this year. The elaborately designed area reflected almost all facets of the continent – from cultural traditions to tourist highlights and nature experiences to culinary offerings. The thematic grouping created a unique world of experience within the trade fair and was specifically targeted by many visitors. Exhibitors in the vicinity of the presentation reported a noticeable increase in visitor numbers and intense demand for long-haul destinations. Marco Hansen, Explorer World of Travel GmbH: ‘Fascination Asia was a great success for us. Together with Schauinsland-Reisen and other tourism partners, we had many constructive and valuable discussions with visitors.’

There was also considerable interest in the automotive sector, with electric vehicles attracting particular attention. Many visitors sought detailed information about range, charging times, infrastructure and subsidy conditions. Discussions focused on specific questions, which exhibitors interpreted as an indication of increased market transparency and serious purchase considerations. Once again, the opportunity to test drive the vehicles directly outside the exhibition grounds was particularly well received. Christian Hackerott, Autopark Hackerott: ‘In the age of the internet, social media and the like, it is important for us to come into contact with around 83,000 people from the region and the metropolitan area at the ABF. That is invaluable.’

The sporting highlight was the 2nd ABF RUN. Around 300 runners completed the circuit, which was up to 10.5 kilometres long, around the exhibition grounds and experienced the halls and outdoor areas from an unusual perspective. Following its premiere last year, the run has now established itself as a complementary format.

Parallel to ABF, the construction and gardening fair B.I.G. presented a comprehensive range of products and services related to construction, interiors and gardening. In addition to classic topics such as interior design and garden landscaping, the focus was particularly on energy efficiency issues. Kay Glenewinkel, VIESSMANN: "B.I.G. was a complete success for us. The demand for subsidies, heat pumps and all energy crisis topics was incredibly high. We are completely satisfied."

Another highlight was the Housing & Energy Forum, which featured informative presentations by the Climate Protection Agency of the Hannover Region, the Hildesheim Energy Advice Centre (ebz) and the Federal Association for Building Renovation (BAKA).

The daily barbecue show with Tina Kirchhoff, alias BBQ Tina, was once again a crowd puller, combining entertaining demonstrations with delicious barbecue treats. The barbecue show, which took place four times a day, attracted additional visitors to the hall and showed how information and entertainment complement each other perfectly at trade fairs.

Overall, the increase in visitor numbers and positive feedback from exhibitors confirm the stable position of both trade fairs in the event calendar. The mix of specialist information, a wide range of products and services, specific advice and an experience-oriented supporting programme once again met the expectations of the audience this year.

Klaudia Kohl, Deutsche Messe AG: ‘With this great result, we are starting preparations for ABF and B.I.G 2027 with confidence and enthusiasm.’