AUMA praises inclusion of important trade fair topics in coalition agreement

AUMA has thoroughly examined the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD and has come to a differentiated, overall positive conclusion. From the association's point of view, numerous important points that are of central importance to the trade fair industry have been taken into account. Many trade fair topics that have been repeatedly called for in recent years are now clearly anchored in the coalition agreement. For AUMA, this is an important signal to the industry, even if the decisive factor remains how consistently the announced measures are implemented. The association sees the inclusion of these points as recognition of the economic importance of trade fairs for Germany as a location for exports and innovation. At the same time, AUMA emphasises that political agreements alone are not enough. Only concrete legal and financial steps will show whether the announced plans will actually have an effect.

Strengthening trade fair promotion, improving accessibility

For years, a central concern of the trade fair industry has been to strengthen the promotion of foreign trade. The coalition agreement provides for additional funds to be made available for this purpose in order to provide more targeted support to companies in developing international markets. For many exhibitors, trade fairs abroad are a decisive factor in establishing new business contacts and securing existing markets. AUMA therefore considers this commitment to be an important step. In addition, the coalition agreement addresses the issue of accessibility. The planned expansion of rail and air connections is intended to better connect German trade fair locations to the international transport network. Good accessibility is a decisive criterion when choosing a trade fair location, especially for international visitors and exhibitors. The association also welcomes tax and energy price relief, as these can have a noticeable impact on the cost structure of companies and event organisers.

Reducing bureaucracy, simplifying reporting requirements

Another focus is on reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The coalition agreement provides for relieving companies of extensive reporting obligations. Particularly relevant here is the announced abolition of the national supply chain law and the fundamental revision of European regulations. From AUMA's point of view, small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, which have had to bear a high administrative burden up to now, could benefit from this. One point that the association expressly welcomes is the planned classification of municipal companies under the SME definition. AUMA had already raised this demand on several occasions, as many trade fair companies under municipal ownership had previously been excluded from relief measures. The inclusion of this aspect in the coalition agreement is seen as a sign that the specific structures of the trade fair industry are being taken into account to a greater extent.

Strengthening foreign trade and creating planning security

In addition to trade fair promotion and the reduction of bureaucracy, AUMA also attaches great importance to the foreign trade policy statements in the coalition agreement. The new federal government has announced that it will push ahead more quickly with free trade agreements and stabilise existing trade relations. Reliable international framework conditions are a decisive factor for export-oriented exhibitors. Trade fairs act as an interface between politics, business and international markets. The clearer the trade policy outlook, the better companies can plan their trade fair participation. AUMA sees this as an important basis for securing the long-term international competitiveness of German trade fair locations.

Making working hours more flexible – relevance for trade fair operations

The association also considers the planned flexibilisation of working hours to be practical. The introduction of weekly working hours instead of daily maximum limits could better meet the special requirements of trade fair set-up and dismantling. Rigid regulations are often difficult to implement, especially during intensive event phases. AUMA sees this as an important step towards taking real working conditions in the trade fair environment into account. At the same time, the association emphasises that flexibility must always be implemented with a sense of proportion in order to protect the interests of employees.

Implementation remains crucial

Despite the positive assessment, AUMA makes it clear that the coalition agreement only provides a framework. The decisive factor will be how quickly and consistently the announced measures are implemented. The association has announced that it will closely monitor further political developments and actively participate in shaping them. For the trade fair industry, the trade fair topics anchored in the coalition agreement are an important signal. However, only practical implementation will show whether this will lead to sustainable improvements.