Innovative

Woods, Weimar, (Brat-)Wurst – natives of Thuringia like to characterise their state using these three “Ws” – ironically of course. When it comes to facts however, the Free State stands for transition, added value and economic power. For several years now, Thuringia has been a leader in the area of automobile and machine engineering. Meanwhile, high-tech industries such as IT and telecommunications, biotechnology and solar technology are also gaining in significance. More than 2,000 industrial companies provide employment in the region. Combined with one of Germany’s most modern transport networks including convenient regional airports, Thuringia is currently in the process of establishing itself as an economic centre in Eastern Germany.

Supra-regional

As the state capital of Thuringia, Erfurt benefits from innovative development concepts, recognised scientific and research facilities as well as centres of high-tech industry which form the backdrop for successful events. Favourable transport links and the ambience exuded by the city create ideal conditions for events in the second-largest trade fair centre the new German states have to offer.

Historical

Erfurt was granted the right to hold fairs in 1331 by Kaiser Ludwig IV. During the 14th and 15th centuries and with a population of approx. 20,000, the city experienced its economic, political and cultural peak becoming a trading site of European renown. The late 15th century saw the city’s economic power wane as key trade routes were relocated to Leipzig which was also awarded the right to stage trade fairs. Not until 1950 did the trade fair tradition manage to reawaken in the form of the “Internationale Gartenbauausstellung”. Thanks to the new Messe Erfurt facility opened 666 years after the trade fair licence was first granted, this modern location has been rewarded with new dynamic development.