Top Five Most Unconvetional European Trade Fairs - Part 1

Europe is among the leading and central continents for the events industry and the related global sectors. This is due to the continent's well-established role in diverse trade fairs and conferences, including by featuring diverse leading venues. Many of them hold leading positions within their respective industries. These include several unconventional trade shows. What events are highly unusual in their event format? Here are the top five most unconventional European trade fairs that can aid in completing business goals:

Gamescom

One of the top five most unconventional European trade fairs to look forward to is Gamescom. It is a global platform and meeting location for all links in the gaming industry’s value chain. Why is the event unconventional?

Its diverse public and trade visitor-oriented event schedules

The annual trade fair, founded in 2009 and held in Messe Cologne, is a meeting location for both public and trade attendees. These include gaming aficionados, designers, merchandisers and media members. They participate in an event with two schedules. The first schedule is focused towards trade attendees. This includes Gamescom Biz. It is a pivotal B2B platform. Additionally, there is the Gamescom Invest Circle. It is an exclusive sub-event for early-game startups. Here, they can network with leading shareholders, publishers and strategic backers. Furthermore, there is the Gamescom dev sub-event. It enables knowledge exchange and networking. It is done through a comprehensive conference, panels, lectures, discussions and workshops. In addition, there is the Gamescom congress. Here, the social and economic potential and impact of computer and video games are discussed.

The public attendee event schedule is similarly extensive. For example, there is the entertainment area. Here, attendees can examine exclusive hands-on world premieres and upcoming titles. Similarly, the Indie Area showcases innovative and creative projects. Independent or indie developers create these. There is also the Retro Area for retro classics. Additionally, there is the Event Arena and Social Stage. It features live community events, panels, and special guests. Public attendees can also look forward to the Gamescom Cosplay Village. Here, crafting, acting, and make-up talents are showcased. There is also the Signing Area for daily meet-and-greets. Furthermore, there is the Gamescom Opening Night Live with Geoff Keighley. Here, the latest game premieres debut. Additionally, there is the Gamescom City Festival. It is a live downtown Cologne-based festival with live music. Further complementing the public attendees programme is the Gamescom jobs and career sub-event. Here, visitors can learn about how to become a professional in the gaming industry. Many of the sub-events are interconnected towards both trade and public attendees. One example is the Gamescom Award. Here, entries are nominated and judged by professionals and the public in 1 of 24 categories.

Its notable participants

As mentioned, Gamescom appeals to the entire gaming industry's value chain, including public attendees. These span over 360,000 visitors from more than 110 nations. They also represent other related industries such as entertainment, games, and telecommunications. They likewise represent automobiles, media, electronics, merchandising, aviation and marketing.

It also includes over 1,500 exhibitors, who encompass:

IAA Transportation

Among the top five most unconventional European trade fairs is IAA Transportation. It is a biannual commercial vehicle event held at Messe Hannover in even-numbered years for six days. There are several reasons for the event being one of the more unorthodox European trade shows:

Its event schedule

IAA Transportation is one half of the International Mobility Show. It is a leading international event, with the other half being IAA Mobility. The event features a comprehensive event schedule. It changes with each iteration, yet features permanent staples. The permanent features include the IAA Conference. It is a sub-event where diverse CEOs from major commercial vehicle sectors gather. These include manufacturers, suppliers, trailer experts and leading tech companies. They gather to present and discuss the future of the transport industry. They also exchange perspectives with politicians, associations and leading researchers. Another staple is the IAA Shuttle Bus. Here, exhibitors can showcase vehicles in a dynamic and immersive manner. It is done by creating driving experiences for visitors and, in doing so, gaining valuable insights into their wares. Similar is the role of the IAA ADAS & Telematics. The sub-event presents the newest ADAS and telematics solutions. It is done via live demonstrations, with attendees taking part as passengers on an exclusive ride. Another similarly intended staple is the IAA Test Drives, with over 64,000 of them conducted during the last iteration. Another notable staple of the event is IAA Networking Tours. Here, guides showcase the latest innovations and services to executives and technical experts. It is done by guiding them to specific trade stands for 10 minutes each, with an additional five minutes for questions.

As mentioned, IAA Transportation also features many diverse additions during its editions. One example is the IAA Driver’s and Family Weekend held in the IAA Experience Area. It features examining the latest high-tech trucks by stepping into their driver’s cabins. Additionally, they can watch demonstrations of various sensor systems and autonomous vehicles. The sub-event additionally includes the Actros L Art Edition, where a local artist will paint truck cabs live and have them auctioned on the spot. Complementing them are diverse informational talks, live music, children’s entertainment, et cetera. Another example of a novel sub-event is the TRANSFRIGOROUTE. It examines the challenges and solutions for emission-free and efficient refrigerated transport.

Its attendees

As mentioned, IAA Transportation receives attendees from diverse sectors. These include the automotive, logistics, transport, commerce, bike, regulatory, and environmental protection industries. This results in the event being attended by more than 250,000 attendees. These include over 2,500 exhibitors, 61% from abroad and 30% of the visitors in leadership positions.

The exhibitors include:

Kind + Jugend

Which are the top five most unconventional European trade fairs? Among them is Kind + Jugend. It is a leading trade show for the baby and children’s product sector. There are several reasons for its position and its unconventionality. These include:

The extensiveness and diversity of its event schedule

Among the central details about the trade fair that represent its unconventionality is its event schedule. It comprises showstoppers, with each edition having recent additions. The latter include the Trend Space, where innovation, dialogue and knowledge are united. This is done by organising a stage and a small café. Here, attendees can discuss the industry’s future while networking with experts and peers and relaxing. These include listening to lectures that focus on key topics such as:

• AI,
• sustainability,
• current market trends,
• user-centric product development.

The After Seven Party provides another example where attendees can network further in a historic setting within the city’s Old Town. Furthermore, the New Product Trail showcases novel solutions. Here, start-ups present their innovations in a curated showcase. Similarly, the role of the Country Pavilions is to showcase the latest solutions from leading countries. Additionally, showstoppers like the Innovation Award also often receive novel adaptations or additions. One example is the recent Midwives Choice category prize. It lauds wares that meet the requirements of a specialised midwives jury. These include excellent quality and product benefits.

This is next to the Innovation Award’s time-established categories. They laud innovative character, safety, sustainability, additional uses, design, and workmanship. The Innovation Award is one of several time-honoured showstoppers. These include the Trend Forum. Here, leading experts debate the newest trends and challenges affecting the industry.

The attendees who take part in it

Besides its notable event schedule, Kind + Jugend is also noteworthy for its attendees. These include representatives of the toys, maternity, kids, and baby sectors. They also encompass members of the media, games, education and retail industries. They span over 24,000 visitors and more than 1,200 exhibitors.

The latter group include diverse leading companies. These include CYBEX, Britax Römer, BabyBjörn and Thule. They likewise include UPPAbaby, Joie/Nuna, Artsana, hauck, Peg Perego, and Kids2.

Conclusion

As mentioned, there are many unconventional European trade fairs to consider. If you would like to learn more about these events and how to prepare for them, contact Trade Fair Trips Ltd.