Second trade show I have attended in Germany used to go to Ambiente in Frankfurt in February. Truthfully they know what they are doing very organized. The only thing that the States has over on them is that when I attend a tradeshow back home we offer transportation from the host hotels. Here seems every man or in my case woman for themselves. In my case I Ubered from my hotel. Only draw back is when you try to leave at the end of the day. So either leave before closing by taxi or by train. I did both as I was here several days. The show itself Anuga each hall had different themes. Building 4 was probably my favorite ie Sweet Street everything is better when it comes from Pennsylvania, and Aviko can you say French fries from Holland. Building 7&8 were to be Beverages but were more of a hodge podge mixed in with equipment. Also many chef competitions were being held unfortunately unlike the NRA Show held in Chicago,IL each May I never heard of any of their chefs. Guess the USA knows how to feature Celebrity Chef's better. Ie Foodnetwork,Reality Shows and book signings. There is many places to eat and drink that were packed. Had a great hotdog the first day how could we not, we are in Germany land of my father's forefathers. But cappuccino yikes leave this to the Italians can you say Illy. As for me next years show will be held in Paris can we say pastries qui! read more

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I've been to my fair share of consumer electronics tradeshows at some fine venues in my home in the US, but the Koelnmesse has to be the best organized of all of them. There was always a shuttle when I needed one to take me to the press center. There were plenty of signs, info desks, even individual maps with vendors' booths at each hall. There were no meals provided free for press, but that was okay. Free meals usually entail stale bagels and cold cuts. The food in the press center was excellent, and when I needed to relax they had a cold Kolsch for me. If you find yourself attending a tradeshow at the Koelnmesse, you will be well taken care of. read more

This is by far the best convention center I've ever had the pleasure of working in. It's huge, but with an easy to navigate layout among its different buildings. Of course traveling between buildings means walking through vast clouds of cigarette smoke generated by fashionable crowds of stoic international smokers. I've done much worse for way less. And whilst there be sure to try the food courts. I'm still working off the bratwurst and beer. Be sure to have your badge at the ready, the Koln Messe Crew does NOT tolerate fools. read more

If you need to go to a tradeshow in Germany, this is definitely the place. It's very easy to get to, with its own stop on the train, lots of options every 5 minutes to leave. For a trade show hall, it's very clean and has a lot of options for sitting down, eating, having a coffee, or getting some work done. read more