Building & Construction Events in Köln
AQUANALE
The "Aquanale" stands out as a premier international trade fair dedicated to saunas, pools, and wellness ambiance, taking place biennially at the Cologne Fairgrounds in odd-numbered years every October or November. Organized by Koelnmesse GmbH, one of the world's leading trade fair organizers, this event is exclusively tailored for professional visitors, drawing industry leaders and innovators from around the globe.
At aquanale, attendees experience a vibrant showcase of the latest trends, products, and technologies in the wellness sector. The fair provides a platform for exhibitors to present their cutting-edge solutions, from luxurious private swimming pools to advanced public pool technologies. One of the notable aspects of this year’s event is the integration of the former "Solaria" trade fair, which focused on sunlight systems. This expansion enriches the offerings in the spa and wellness industry, presenting a holistic view of the market.
The range of categories featured at aquanale is both impressive and diverse. Visitors can explore the Private Swimming Pool Area, which showcases installations designed for home use, while the Swimming Pool Technology section highlights innovations for public facilities. The Sauna & Spa segment caters to a variety of preferences, offering everything from traditional experiences to modern wellness solutions. Additionally, the Private Spa category emphasizes the growing trend of personal wellness retreats within homes, and the GreenLiving Segment focuses on eco-friendly solutions, underscoring the industry's commitment to sustainability.
The concurrent staging of aquanale and the FSB, the international trade fair for recreational, sports, and pool facilities, adds even greater value to the experience. Together, these events provide a comprehensive perspective on the pool industry, covering everything from public recreational facilities to private wellness spaces, thus fostering valuable insights and collaborations.
Set in the renowned Cologne Fairgrounds, the event benefits from exceptional amenities and infrastructure, making it an ideal venue for exhibitors and attendees alike. With its focus on innovation and the latest developments in wellness, aquanale not only serves as a hub for industry professionals but also sets the stage for the future of saunas, pools, and holistic well-being. As the fair continues to grow, it remains a must-visit destination for those looking to explore and engage with the evolving landscape of the wellness industry.
DACH+HOLZ International
Dach + Holz is much more than just an exhibition; it is a pivotal event that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the roofing and woodworking industries. The biennial fair brings together some of the most influential figures from across the construction sector, including manufacturers, suppliers, industry experts, and decision-makers. The event has grown in stature and importance over the years, providing an excellent platform for companies to showcase their products, innovations, and services to a highly specialized audience.
Alternating between the cities of Cologne and Stuttgart, Dach + Holz has been able to maintain its prominence by consistently offering a space that caters to the diverse needs of its attendees. The venues in both cities offer excellent infrastructure, making it easy for exhibitors to showcase their products in an organized and accessible way while also ensuring that visitors have a seamless experience. The strategic location and exceptional organization make Dach + Holz a must-visit event for those involved in all aspects of roofing, timber construction, and building technology.
The range of professionals who attend Dach + Holz demonstrates the event’s wide-reaching influence across the building and construction industries. For roofers, carpenters, and plumbers, it is an opportunity to see the latest materials, tools, and techniques that can enhance their craft. Architects and planners come to gain inspiration for their next big projects, while real estate developers and property managers use the event to explore the latest solutions in building materials, energy efficiency, and construction practices. Additionally, local authorities and governmental organizations attend to understand new regulations, sustainability initiatives, and the latest trends in public infrastructure.
Dach + Holz not only serves as a platform for showcasing new products but also as a forum for addressing some of the most pressing issues within the industry. Sustainability and energy efficiency are prominent themes throughout the event. As global concerns about climate change continue to grow, the fair places a significant focus on the role of the construction industry in reducing environmental impacts. Many exhibitors present eco-friendly solutions such as sustainable roofing materials, energy-efficient insulation, and green building technologies that help reduce carbon footprints and increase energy savings. Additionally, the fair offers a stage for discussing industry-wide challenges like supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and labor shortages, providing valuable insights into how the sector can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Dach + Holz is not just about the products on display, but also the wealth of knowledge that is exchanged. The event offers various seminars, workshops, and presentations, where industry leaders and experts provide valuable insights into trends, regulations, and innovations. This educational aspect of the fair makes it even more essential for professionals who want to stay at the cutting edge of the industry. Whether it's learning about the latest technological advancements in timber construction or exploring new approaches to waterproofing, Dach + Holz ensures that attendees are armed with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in their respective fields.
The exhibition also fosters networking and collaboration among industry professionals. As one of the largest gatherings of its kind, it offers a unique opportunity for companies to forge new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and collaborate on future projects. In an industry as dynamic and fast-paced as construction, these connections can be invaluable, opening doors to new business opportunities and helping companies stay competitive in a challenging marketplace.
Dach + Holz is an essential event for anyone involved in the roofing, woodworking, or construction sectors. With its diverse range of products, focus on innovation, and emphasis on sustainability, the fair is a key platform for industry professionals to stay informed, network, and explore the future of construction. By bringing together a global community of experts and decision-makers, Dach + Holz not only showcases the best of what the industry has to offer but also helps shape the direction of the roofing and woodworking industries in the years to come.
digitalBAU
digitalBAU – The Future of Construction in the Digital Era
The construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation, one driven by data, connectivity, and sustainability. At the heart of this revolution stands digitalBAU, a pioneering trade fair that has been redefining how professionals approach the built environment since 2020.
Held biennially at the Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre in Cologne, digitalBAU has quickly evolved into one of Europe’s most influential events dedicated to digital solutions in construction. Organized by Messe München GmbH, the same institution behind the world-renowned BAU trade fair in Munich, digitalBAU serves as a platform where innovation meets application uniting technology providers, architects, engineers, contractors, and urban planners under one roof.
Bridging Traditional Construction and Digital Innovation
The name digitalBAU reflects the fair’s central mission: to integrate traditional construction processes with digital transformation. Far from replacing the craftsmanship that defines the industry, digitalization complements it offering tools that make building processes more efficient, transparent, and sustainable.
This fusion of analog and digital approaches creates entirely new opportunities for collaboration, design, and execution. Through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and case studies, visitors experience how data-driven technologies are reshaping every stage of a construction project — from concept to completion and even beyond, into maintenance and reuse.
Thematic Pillars Defining the Future of Building
digitalBAU organizes its extensive exhibition program around four main thematic areas, each addressing a key challenge in modern construction and urban development. These themes form the conceptual backbone of the event, providing a structured overview of current trends and future directions.
1. Connectivity – Building Bridges Between the Digital and Physical Worlds
The Connectivity theme focuses on the seamless interaction between digital tools and traditional construction processes. It showcases how technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Metaverse, and robotics are revolutionizing design coordination, project management, and on-site collaboration.
Connectivity also explores how integrated data platforms and IoT solutions can improve workflow communication across teams and stakeholders. By linking the digital model of a building with its physical counterpart, construction becomes smarter, faster, and more precise.
2. The Digital Construction Site – Efficiency Through Technology
Another major focus of digitalBAU is the Digital Construction Site, which illustrates how innovation directly enhances on-site operations. The fair presents technologies that optimize construction logistics, safety, and precision — creating the foundations for the next generation of job sites.
Some of the cutting-edge applications featured in this segment include:
Drone surveying and mapping, enabling real-time progress tracking
3D printing of construction components, reducing waste and material use
Smart construction software, integrating project data and scheduling
Robotic systems and automation, boosting productivity and worker safety
These solutions demonstrate that the future of construction will rely heavily on digital coordination and intelligent machinery, transforming how buildings are designed and built.
3. Circular Construction – Sustainability as a Core Principle
Sustainability stands as one of the most pressing priorities in the global construction industry, and digitalBAU addresses it head-on through the Circular Construction theme. This area focuses on rethinking how materials are produced, used, and reused, applying the principles of a circular economy to reduce environmental impact.
Visitors can explore topics such as:
Recycling and reuse of building materials
Design for disassembly, enabling easier component recovery
Life cycle analysis (LCA) and material tracking via digital twins
Resource-efficient planning supported by advanced software tools
Through these innovations, Circular Construction highlights how digitalization can make sustainability not just a moral choice, but an economically viable and scalable approach for the industry.
4. Smart City – Digital Solutions for Urban Living
The final thematic focus of digitalBAU, Smart City, looks beyond individual buildings to the broader urban context. It explores how digital infrastructure, intelligent traffic management, and data-driven city administration can improve quality of life in rapidly growing urban environments.
From smart sensors that regulate lighting and energy use to platforms that enhance public safety and mobility, the Smart City zone illustrates how technology supports the creation of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces. It embodies the fair’s vision that cities of the future must not only be built efficiently, but also operate intelligently.
A Hub for Collaboration, Learning, and Business Growth
Beyond its extensive exhibition, digitalBAU serves as an essential networking and educational forum. It attracts a broad audience that includes:
Architects and engineers seeking to integrate digital tools into their workflows
Construction firms exploring automation and data management systems
Software developers and technology providers offering innovative solutions
Urban planners and policymakers addressing sustainability and infrastructure challenges
The fair’s program of conferences, workshops, and presentations adds depth to the experience. Industry experts, researchers, and innovators share insights on emerging technologies, standards, and regulatory developments. These sessions create an environment where knowledge exchange and inspiration are just as valuable as the technologies on display.
digitalBAU as a Catalyst for Industry Transformation
Since its debut in 2020, digitalBAU has established itself as a catalyst for change within the construction industry. Its unique positioning between architecture, engineering, IT, and urban design allows it to connect sectors that traditionally operated in isolation.
As digitalization becomes the backbone of modern construction, the event fosters dialogue on critical topics such as data security, interoperability, and automation ethics. It encourages collaboration between start-ups and established players, helping the industry move from fragmented digital initiatives to truly integrated ecosystems.
Cologne – The Perfect Host for a Global Vision
The city of Cologne provides the ideal backdrop for this forward-looking event. Known for its international spirit and rich architectural heritage, Cologne combines innovation with tradition, mirroring the very essence of digitalBAU’s mission. The Koelnmesse exhibition center, with its modern facilities and global accessibility, reinforces the event’s reputation as a hub of international collaboration and technical excellence.
Where the Future of Construction Comes to Life
In summary, digitalBAU stands as one of the most important trade fairs for digital transformation in the construction industry. By focusing on Connectivity, Digital Construction Sites, Circular Construction, and Smart Cities, it covers every aspect of how technology is redefining the way we build and inhabit the world around us.
More than an exhibition, digitalBAU is a movement toward intelligent, sustainable, and connected construction. It brings together visionaries who understand that digitalization is not simply an option, but the foundation for a smarter, greener, and more efficient built environment.
For anyone shaping the future of architecture, engineering, or urban design, digitalBAU in Cologne is not just an event it’s where the future of construction truly comes to life.
International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports
The International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports, also known as the IAW, has established itself as the premier event for promotional goods, seasonal impulse items, trend products, and volume business in Germany. Held biannually in Cologne, this distinguished trade fair has become an essential platform for both exhibitors and buyers, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to showcase their innovative products and services while connecting with key decision-makers from major retail chains. As the retail sector continues to evolve, the IAW stands at the forefront, presenting the latest trends and shifts that shape the future of consumer products.
With its deep-rooted connection to the city of Cologne, the IAW has become a magnet for international buyers from across Europe, solidifying its position as a key industry showcase. The fair, organized by the North West German Trade Fair Company Bremen-Hannover mbH, is an event of great significance, attracting a steadily increasing number of exhibitors and attendees from all over the world. The diversity of products on display ranges from promotional goods to cutting-edge trend assortments, catering to various segments of the retail sector. Retailers looking to stay ahead of the curve will find the fair an invaluable resource for discovering new and innovative products that meet the ever-changing demands of consumers.
Held at Koelnmesse, one of the foremost exhibition venues in Europe, the IAW benefits from its exceptional location in the heart of Cologne. This venue not only provides state-of-the-art facilities but also offers easy access for both visitors and exhibitors, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. Cologne, a vibrant and dynamic city, offers a perfect backdrop for the event, with its rich culture and hospitality further enhancing the experience for all attendees. The city's charm and accessibility make it an ideal destination for those attending the fair, ensuring that their visit is both productive and enjoyable.
The IAW's biannual format, typically in March and September, ensures that it remains a relevant and timely event, always reflecting the latest industry trends. It is a platform where retail professionals from a wide range of sectors—including furniture and hardware stores, purchasing consortiums, and online retailers—can come together to explore new business opportunities. For buyers, the fair offers a chance to engage with key suppliers, build relationships, and discover products that will drive success in the competitive retail market.
Beyond its role as a trade fair, the IAW is also a hub for networking and collaboration. It facilitates meaningful interactions between exhibitors and attendees, helping to foster long-term partnerships and business growth. As a key industry event, the IAW continues to attract leading names in retail, and its reputation as a vital meeting point for both established players and emerging businesses remains strong.
For those involved in the retail industry, the International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports in Cologne is not just an event—it's an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve, gain insights into the latest market trends, and connect with some of the most influential figures in the industry. As the retail world continues to evolve, the IAW remains a critical touchpoint for anyone looking to thrive in this fast-paced and competitive landscape.
FILTECH
FILTECH emerges as a distinguished global event that highlights the filtration industry and its associated sectors, establishing itself as the largest and most impactful gathering of its kind. This unique platform not only showcases cutting-edge technological innovations but also serves as a melting pot for experts, researchers, and industry professionals to confront critical challenges that affect our world today. Issues such as air pollution, climate change, and health risks from pathogens take center stage, prompting discussions that aim to enhance the efficiency of solid and liquid separation processes.
What sets FILTECH apart is its comprehensive approach to filtration and separation technologies. The event is designed to address the diverse needs of various industries, providing tailored solutions that resonate across multiple sectors. Attendees can delve into advanced air filtration methods and explore innovative solutions that address the complexities of liquid and solid separation. This breadth of focus ensures that participants leave with a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of filtration technology.
The exhibition not only serves as a showcase for the latest advancements but also as an essential communication platform for industry players. Exhibitors have the opportunity to present their innovations to a discerning audience, fostering connections and sparking collaborations that can drive the industry forward. Meanwhile, trade visitors gain access to invaluable insights into emerging trends, cutting-edge products, and the latest service offerings. This exchange of knowledge fuels the ongoing evolution of filtration and separation technologies, ensuring that the industry remains at the forefront of addressing global challenges.
Ultimately, FILTECH is more than just an exhibition; it embodies a collaborative spirit that champions progress in filtration and separation. By bringing together diverse voices and ideas, the event helps to pave the way for innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner and safer environment. As participants engage with the latest developments and share their expertise, FILTECH not only highlights the importance of filtration but also emphasizes its role in shaping a sustainable future.
