In October, These Are Going to Be the Big Trade Fairs Everyone Will Talk About

Are you well rested after the summer? Good, because autumn has officially arrived and there are going to be exciting, blockbuster trade fairs. Be sure to dust off your business cards and brace yourselves for a whirlwind of innovation, and industry buzz as we dive headfirst into the month of trade shows ahead.

From the automotive sectors to publishing to safety and security, here are the trade fairs you need to keep in mind in October.

Automechanika Dubai 2023: October 2nd – 4th; Dubai, UAE

We’re kicking off the list in style.

Rev up your engines and get ready for the automotive event of the year! Automechanika Dubai 2023 is gearing up to hit the Middle East with a turbocharged blast of innovation and industry excellence. Last year, Automechanika Dubai showcased 562 exhibitors from 47 countries, drawing in over 20,000 trade visitors from a whopping 129 countries. It's the ultimate platform to explore the entire automotive aftermarket and supply chain.

With a focus on six key thematic sectors – parts & components, electronics & systems, tires & batteries, car wash, care & reconditioning, repair & maintenance, and accessories & customization – Automechanika Dubai covers all the bases.

But it's not just about products; it's about knowledge. Attendees can immerse themselves in a robust support program, featuring the Automechanika Academy, Innovation Zone, webinars, and the exciting Automechanika Dubai Africonnections event, shining a spotlight on Africa's rise in the light vehicle market.

Picture: Automechanika Dubai

SPIEL 2023: October 5th – 8th; Essen, Germany

Calling all board game creators, publishers, designers and distributors! Get ready for a gaming event like no other as the International Games Event, SPIEL 2023 (or SPIEL for short). This trade fair is the ultimate gathering for board game lovers and creators from all corners of the globe.

SPIEL is your passport to the latest trends in gaming across all age groups and play styles. With heavyweight publishers like Board Game Circus, Brain Games Publishing, Game Factory Spiele, and Lavka Games showcasing their latest creations, you can bet on a funfair of new titles and gaming experiences.

Last year, SPIEL featured a jaw-dropping 1200 international exhibitors, who managed to capture the imagination and inspire an audience of 209,000 visitors flying in from 53 different countries. The product portfolio covers interactive games, movement games, adult games, games of skill, toys, t-shirts, action figures, board games, card games, comic books, action books, original comic artwork, post games, and even computer games.

For exhibitors looking to generate sales leads, the Novelty Show is the place to be. It offers an exceptional platform to present new games to players, media representatives, and retailers alike. With an event of this magnitude, having a dedicated space for new product releases is essential for buyers to stay informed about the latest titles and products available.

Picture: SPIEL

Anuga 2023: October 7th – 11th; Cologne, Germany

For a brief moment, Cologne becomes the world's gastronomic capital as it hosts Anuga! This international food and beverage trade show unites exhibitors worldwide to impress, inspire and innovate across all links in the value chain. We mean this literally. Anuga's reach spans every food category, fostering cross-sector networking.

You can’t argue with a showcasing of over 4600 exhibitors across 244,400 sq. metres of exhibition space. Anuga’s layout features themed sectors: Fine Food, Frozen Food, Meat, Chilled & Fresh Food, Dairy, Bakery, Hot Beverages, Drinks, Organic, Food Service, and Retail Tech. This simplifies navigation and fuels cross-border deals. What’s even better is the fact that you’ll get to meet with 170,000 trade visitors.

Business sits front and centre, but Anuga also nurtures bold ideas. It's a strong force behind the introduction of new technologies, processes and practices. You’ll meet with leaders of tomorrow and have a chance to become one yourself. Don't miss the Anuga Culinary Stage, the Taste Innovation Show, and the New Nutrition X Innovation Summit.

Picture: Anuga

Frankfurt Book Fair 2023: October 18th – 23rd; Frankfurt, Germany

The Frankfurt Book Fair is where the world of literature and publishing converges. It's an effective cross-border platform and a wellspring of inspiration. If you're seeking rights deals, global publishers, or the latest literary releases, this is your destination. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, the fair is the epicentre of global publishing, attracting thousands of readers, writers, and publishing professionals.

Visitors can find everything: fiction and non-fiction, religion, youth and children's books, science and technology, art books, tourism, visual arts, and international literature. Over 73,000 people travel from more than 100 countries to do so. Exhibitors are grouped into international publishers, literary agents, STM & Academic Publishing, Specialist Information, art books, education, religion, workstation, service providers for publishers and bookstores, and children's and young adult media.

This literary event offers an array of activities. At the heart of the Frankfurt Buchmesse is the Congress Center, where bestselling authors hold readings and large-scale performances. The Harmonie hall can accommodate up to 1800 spectators, and adjacent rooms host events for 150 participants, all with state-of-the-art event technology.

Picture: Frankfurt Book Fair

А+А 2023: August 24th – 27th; Düsseldorf, Germany

We’re rounding off the month with A+A, the trade fair dedicated to the safety and security sector. This biennial event encapsulates the latest challenges, innovations, trends, and standards that drive the field forward. Welcoming over 70,000 attendees, A+A gathers professionals eager to explore the ever-evolving global landscape of health and safety standards.

Topics span risk management, fire protection, workplace defense, and more. Attendees, ranging from CEOs to industrial workers, represent the entire value chain. The five core themes at A+A are Security at Work, Safety at Work, Corporate Fashion, Corporate Health/Health at Work and Disaster Management/Fire Protection.

A+A serves as a hub for industry professionals to achieve vital business objectives. Attendees come to learn about new challenges, trends, innovations, standards, and solutions. They expand their specialised knowledge, particularly in areas like legal policies. A+A also promotes on-site business activities, including product examinations and critical deals.

The event fosters the expansion of business networks through various sub-events. Building recognition within the industry is another key goal, attainable through participation in various sub-events.