Added value of trade fairs: travelling sustainably and making contacts efficiently

Digital formats are already making a significant contribution to making business exchanges location-independent and particularly economical. Every business trip saved reduces emissions. But in order to experience exciting innovations and initiate synergies, personal encounters are important and travel is therefore not always avoidable. This is why NürnbergMesse brings together international experts and their innovations. Many visitors find these meetings indispensable. This is confirmed by the latest AUMA study by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry on the added value of trade fairs, conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Harald Zeiss, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Tourism at Harz University of Applied Sciences. 61 percent of participants stated that business contacts could not have taken place in the same quality digitally: especially when it comes to networking (65.7 percent) and initiating business and exchanging information (62.7 percent).

The 3,000 respondents recorded an average of 13 contacts per day. A visit to a trade fair therefore replaces an average of five business trips. International guests even avoid an average of eight trips with one trade fair visit. 45 percent of visitors consciously plan further appointments around their trade fair visit. As a guest of NürnbergMesse, efficiency can also be increased by simple means - and with further sensible decisions, the ecological footprint is also smaller.

Travel planning is the biggest lever for arriving quickly and comfortably - and, thanks to a smart approach, also respecting the needs of the environment. Tim Spranger, Executive Director Marketing Expo & Conference at Nürnberg Messe, recommends "coordinating with business contacts before the start of the trip and also checking travel routes, transportation options and accommodation bookings for the lowest-emission options possible."

Every single conscious decision triggers change. But: "Researching, comparing and booking sustainable travel options takes time," he says. Time pressure is the decisive opponent: "We also know this from our sustainability projects. Time provides freedom of choice and keeps options open."

At the same time, no one should be discouraged if not every trade fair book can be realized sustainably in detail. "Learning effects take us further. We are on a journey together, and step by step we are gaining more routine in acting responsibly."

NürnbergMesse offers its guests ideal connections to the long-distance travel network. "Train journeys are a sensible way to cover distances, at least within Germany, comfortably, quickly and with an eye on the impact on the climate," says Tim Spranger. "German local and long-distance trains run on 100 percent green electricity and are CO₂-neutral." A study shows that this is not at the expense of time: a third of short-haul flights within Europe can be covered by train in less than six hours. And the U1 subway line runs directly from the main station to the exhibition grounds.

For those traveling by (electric) car, the following applies: a considered driving style can reduce consumption, save costs and cut emissions. "Many guests appreciate the greater flexibility compared to the train. "With strategic travel planning, you can combine other business trips with your visit to the trade fair," advises Tim Spranger. In this way, our visitors benefit from additional contact points along the route. They also reduce the ecological footprint of their journey to NürnbergMesse," advises Tim Spranger.

However, Tim Spranger points out that international guests often cannot avoid flying. "But if you book economy class and cover distances by train, you are choosing the more environmentally friendly option."

Whichever way visitors decide to travel: NürnbergMesse supports its guests in reaching their destination quickly, comfortably and in the most climate-friendly way possible.

With these services, we make it easier for our guests to travel efficiently:

• Free use of public transport and discounted rail tickets for travel to and from all trade fairs and congresses for which we as NürnbergMesse are the organizer
• Expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric cars on the exhibition grounds: NürnbergMesse guests currently have access to 104 charging points on the exhibition grounds. We are expanding this further: almost 100 more are planned. Fast-charging points can be reserved at the innovative Audi charging hub. All locations at a glance!

As an exhibition company, we want to set a good example

As one of the 15 largest trade fair companies in the world, we are aware of our responsibility. Sustainability is therefore the compass of our actions. We are particularly proud of three successes:

1. Some of our halls are DGNB-certified.
2. We produce our own electricity thanks to a photovoltaic system with a second-life battery on the roofs of our exhibition halls.
3. Our energy and environmental management is ISO-certified.

Our visitors are literally at the right address for valuable contacts - with fewer journeys and lower emissions compared to individual business trips. We support the most sustainable travel to and from the event with efficient options such as free public transport, discounted train tickets and the expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric cars on the exhibition grounds. Our goal: to bring like-minded people together as a platform for sustainability - and to create the best conditions for the most resource-efficient travel possible.