Messe Düsseldorf China Outlook 2026 Concludes Successfully in Shanghai

In April, Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. unveiled its strategic vision for 2026 at the partners conference in Shanghai under the theme “Coverge to Emerge”. The event brought together the Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate General in Shanghai, leaders from Shanghai's exhibition industry, district officials, over 100 partners, senior management from Messe Düsseldorf's headquarters, and employee representatives. Together, they reviewed the achievements of the past year and looked ahead to the strategic plans and key projects for 2026.

Founded in 2009, Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is the Chinese subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf Group – one of the world’s leading exhibition organizers. Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai (MDS) is committed to introducing industry leading trade fairs to China and providing Chinese and international customers with superior exhibition services.

MDS is successfully holding 13 leading trade fairs and conferences in China, covering a broad range of industries including printing, packaging, wire and tube, plastics, medical devices, rehabilitation, retail, safety and health, wine & spirits and caravanning.

Mr. Lukas Meyer, Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate General in Shanghai, delivered the opening address. He acknowledged the group’s pivotal role as a bridge for Sino‑German economic and trade exchanges and expressed anticipation for deeper collaboration in the future.

Messe Düsseldorf Group’s Global Footprint

China has always been a key pillar of Messe Düsseldorf’s overseas business. In 2025, Chinese exhibitors became the largest overseas exhibitor contingent at the group’s flagship shows in Düsseldorf, accounting for approximately 15% of all exhibitors. In terms of net exhibition space, China ranked third globally (and first among non‑European countries). Moreover, the Chinese subsidiary has grown into the largest subsidiary within the Messe Düsseldorf Group, underscoring the strategic importance of the Chinese market in the group’s global planning.

Mr. Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf Group, shared the group’s strategic direction in the global exhibition market. He stated: “The Chinese market presents both opportunities and challenges – and precisely because of this, our development in China has been so successful. In 2025, Chinese exhibitors have become the number one source of overseas exhibitors for our mother shows in Düsseldorf. What makes me even prouder is that we have witnessed not just growth in numbers, but also a qualitative leap in Chinese companies’ global presence – from products and services to international image. This transformation is exactly what I and the entire China team have been striving for.”

World‑Leading A+A Series: Setting New Trends in Safety and Health

Coinciding with CIOSH (China International Occupational Safety & Health Exhibition) – Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai’s first show of the year, currently underway at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre – Mr. Daniel Feische, Project Director of A+A at Messe Düsseldorf Group, gave a dedicated presentation on the A+A series, the mother show of CIOSH. He introduced the latest developments of A+A as the world’s leading trade fair for occupational safety and health. The next edition will continue to focus on cutting‑edge topics such as digitalization and sustainability, providing an elevated platform for industry exchange.

Messe Düsseldorf for Asia: Deepening Regional Presence and Empowering Global Expansion

In 2024, the group took a strategic step by consolidating its five Asian subsidiaries into “Messe Düsseldorf for Asia” (MDfA) and integrating seven medical and rehabilitation exhibitions in the region under the unified MEDICARE ASIA. This created a network covering medical and rehabilitation sectors across India, Singapore, Thailand, and China.

Mr. Lars Wismer, Regional Head of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia, then elaborated on the development strategy of MDfA. He emphasized that the Asian market has become a major growth engine for Messe Düsseldorf Group’s global business. By building a unified Asian network, the subsidiaries can more effectively drive regional business growth and closely align with the world‑leading flagship shows in Düsseldorf. Customers will benefit from more localized services, streamlined communication channels, and a stronger business platform.

Messe Düsseldorf in China: Converging to Emerging with Valuable Partners

Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., reviewed the company’s achievements in 2025 and outlined future opportunities in her address: “Since our inception, we have worked closely and hand in hand with all our partners. We also warmly welcome new partners to join us in embracing opportunities. Looking ahead to 2026, our 11 brand exhibitions will all return. The biennial wire & Tube China, the annual flagship event in printing–All in Print China, and the top valve industry gathering – Valve World Asia will make their grand appearances this year. Meanwhile, at our Düsseldorf headquarter, the biennial wire & Tube, glasstec, and the triennial global packaging show interpack will also open their doors, promising much to look forward to. We will continue to join forces with our partners to open a new chapter and seize new opportunities.”

The evening dinner commenced with melodious music from a live band. The group’s COO, the Regional Head of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia, and the General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai jointly took the stage for a toast, bringing the atmosphere to a vibrant peak. Guests raised their glasses in celebration, engaging in warm conversations about their collaborative bonds and envisioning boundless opportunities ahead.

In the future, Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. will continue to move forward hand in hand with all partners to drive high‑quality development in the exhibition industry. We  sincerely thanks every partner for your support and trust and look forward to the next joyful gathering!