The Cologne Guide for Exhibition Pros: Genuine Insider Tips for Your Exhibition Success!

7. February 2025
Marek Steinbach

1. Koelnmesse: More Than Just an Exhibition Center

When you think of Cologne, the cathedral, carnival, and Kölsch beer might come to mind—but for exhibition pros, the city is a top spot for successful exhibition appearances. Why? Because here, not only is the location ideal, but also the infrastructure, venues, and the unique “Kölsche Lebensgefühl” (Cologne lifestyle). But before diving into the exhibition hustle, know this: those armed with the right insider tips have a leg up with guests and their team!

In this guide, we’ll reveal why Cologne is the perfect place for your exhibition appearance—and how smart planning, the best venues, and authentic networking opportunities can lead to genuine exhibition success. Here come the tips not everyone knows, but every pro uses!

The Koelnmesse is the beating heart of Cologne’s exhibition life. With over 400,000 square meters of exhibition space, it’s one of Europe’s largest exhibition centers—but it’s not just the size that’s impressive. The halls are state-of-the-art, providing the perfect stage for exhibitions like Gamescom, IMM Cologne, or Anuga. The best part: Koelnmesse is just a stone’s throw from the city center and the Rhine.

What the pros know: The South Entrance of Koelnmesse isn’t just the perfect entry point to the exhibition grounds; it’s also right by the Rheinpark—ideal for a quick breather during the exhibition. If you’re planning an exclusive event, keep an eye on the Confex Pavilion at Koelnmesse—a flexible event space perfect for networking events or product launches.

2. Top Logistics for Your Exhibition Success

An exhibition appearance often hinges on logistics. Exhibition pros know that Cologne scores particularly well here. Cologne/Bonn Airport is just 15 minutes from the exhibition grounds and offers daily direct flights to over 130 cities worldwide. Even closer is Cologne Central Station, right next to Koelnmesse. Visitors can take the tram from the city center to the exhibition in less than 10 minutes—stress-free and straightforward.

Insider tip: If you want to offer your clients or partners a bit of luxury, book them into the Hyatt Regency Cologne. With its view of the cathedral and proximity to the exhibition, it’s the perfect place for exclusive business meetings—and your guests will love the comfort.

3. The Best Places for After-Exhibition Networking

Exhibition pros know: A successful day doesn’t end at the exhibition stand—it continues in the evening with good food and relaxed conversations. Cologne offers the perfect backdrop for this, with several places that impress not only with their quality but also with their atmosphere.

Our pro recommendation: For upscale cuisine and a breathtaking view over the city, reserve a table at Osman 30 in the KölnTurm. After a successful exhibition day, you can let your business partners enjoy the view over Cologne from the 30th floor—accompanied by first-class food.

If you prefer a more casual setting, nothing beats a genuine Cologne brewery. At Päffgen on Friesenstraße, exhibition visitors and locals alike gather to end the day with a freshly tapped Kölsch. This way, you not only get a taste of the city but also the opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere.

4. Cologne's Variety of Exhibition and Event Service Providers

Anyone who’s organized an exhibition knows: It’s not just about the stand itself but the perfect interplay of planning, construction, and all the details around it. For us, it started with Grandfather Deeg, who maintained the best networks with craftsmen, service providers, and restaurateurs. Even today, Team Deeg delivers only customized exhibition construction solutions in Cologne because we nurture networks and partnerships. In Cologne, it’s all about “Klüngel” (networking)!

Exhibition construction is teamwork, and true to the Cologne motto “Mir ston zesamme” (We stand together), we collaborate with reliable partners who are experts in their respective fields. Whether it’s lighting, graphic design, multimedia installations, furniture and equipment, catering, or promotion staff—we have the right contacts to make your exhibition appearance a complete success.

5. The "Kölsche Lebensgefühl" as a Success Factor

Last but not least: The unique Cologne lifestyle. Cologne is known for its openness, cheerfulness, and hospitality. Use this to your advantage! Invite your clients to a Kölsch in a traditional brewery, take a walk along the Rhine, or visit the cathedral together. These experiences create connections and make your exhibition appearance unforgettable.

With these insider tips, you’re well-prepared to make your exhibition appearance in Cologne a success. And remember: In Cologne, people say “Et kütt wie et kütt” (It comes as it comes)—but with the right preparation, you can ensure it comes out just right!

Conclusion: Real professionals know why Cologne is the perfect choice!

Cologne is not just any trade fair city – it is the place where trade fair professionals celebrate their success. With its unbeatable logistics, top service providers and the unmistakable Cologne atmosphere, the city is the perfect place to achieve your trade fair goals. If you know the right insider tips, you can not only shine here, but also celebrate real, long-term success.

Make your next trade fair appearance in Cologne a success – and use the tips that trade fair professionals have long known!

And another real insider tip: you can get it from our Managing Director Sebastian when it comes to culinary delights or wine enjoyment. Just give us a call, because they are only available 1:1!