Visitors to BOE INTERNATIONAL 2025 on 15 and 16 January are set to experience an international line-up of exhibitors from all segments of the event industry. There will also be lots of presentations, panels, interviews on the main topic of artificial intelligence as well as captivating show performances on a total of four stages and as part of numerous special events covering all facets of the industry from knowledge and expertise to showmanship.

Dortmund, 15 January 2025 – The event industry is facing considerable challenges, characterised by the recent persistently high rate of inflation, sharp rises in energy prices and the consequences of the current economic situation. According to the IFO business climate index, after four downturns many businesses have now turned slightly more up-beat again about their current and future business positions. Nonetheless, uncertainty remains, and budgets are either being approved cautiously or being cut.

“In times of economic uncertainty and declining revenues, it's more important than ever to be networking, engaging and closing deals for the coming year at BOE INTERNATIONAL. This leading trade show for the event industry is a unique forum for finding solutions together and for shaping the future of the industry. This is clear once again from the strong presence of international businesses at the show,” said Sabine Loos, chief show organiser and Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue. Issues such as the rapid pace of technological advancement and heightened security risks at medium and large-scale events are also impacting the industry and are key topics of interest at this year's BOE.

Highly international. More exhibitors. More space.

Every January, BOE INTERNATIONAL marks the start of the new event year – a kind of kick-off event – taking an international approach and ensuring cross-border networking in the event industry. Joining German suppliers are exhibitors from ten other countries – neighbours from Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland, and organisations from Italy, Poland, Finland, Bulgaria and the People's Republic of China. BOE 2025 in Dortmund on 15 and 16 January is a diary-date MUST for event agencies, corporate planners and event specialists. BOE's high quality standards and international relevance have been recognised by its recent admission to membership of UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – and the certification this brings with it.

Wide variety of exhibitors

The show is once again spread over four exhibition halls and covers all relevant aspects of live communications, featuring market leaders, trendsetters and niche providers from all parts of the event industry. Leading equipment providers and full-service providers with the latest high-tech options in the areas of lighting, sound, video and rigging make up a large share of the exhibitors, with big-name exhibitors and start-ups in the fields of architecture, event security, venues, catering and show acts also in attendance.

Extensive on-stage programme

A large number of talks and panel discussions featuring respected experts from the industry and other parts of the business world as well as numerous show performances will focus on the key aspects of the event industry on all of four stages. The key topic of artificial intelligence is a common feature throughout much of the programme, with future orientation, the economy, marketing, skilled labour, community building and networking also on the agenda. 

LET'S TALK STAGE – Platform for leading-edge topics, approaches and opinions of the industry in highly informative talks and round table discussions

SAFETY & SECURITY STAGE – Presentation and consideration of measures, concepts, trends and requirements for making events safe and secure

DIGITAL & EVENTS STAGE – Day 1: From event applications to Hollywood blockbusters plus artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, chatbots and much more.

Day 2: People, sustainability, sports marketing, brands in festival environments, female dynamism, participation and event formats

ACTS ON STAGE – Four live one-hour shows serving up a unique mix of artistry, comedy, magic and music acts designed to get those goosebumps going

Special guests from business, racing and the music scene

Annahita Esmailzadeh – Head of Customer Success Account Management at Microsoft, bestselling author and one of the most influential business influencers in Germany/Austria/Switzerland, making this tech leader one of the top speakers at BOE on future-orientation. (16 January from 13:05 to 13:40 hrs, LET'S TALK STAGE, Hall 4 4.E16)

Tim Tramnitz – German racing driver and member of the Red Bull Racing junior team. He'll be offering fascinating insights into the world of motor sports and into mastering mental strength and resilience. His experience is of great value, especially to the event industry whose people are currently facing a host of challenges. (15 January from 15:15 to 15:50 hrs, LET'S TALK STAGE, Hall 4 4.E16)

Rolf Stahlhofen – Founder member of the 'Sons of Mannheim' and UN sustainability ambassador. As a 'Messenger of Truth', he is a passionate advocate for sustainability and universal access to clean water. (16 January from 11:30 to 12:00 hrs, DIGITAL & EVENTS STAGE, Hall 7 7.A24)

Big-name practical presentation tips for events

You should certainly make a diary note for the insightful keynote talk by Benjamin Desche, Google AI Expert and experienced trainer and speaker for the Google Future Workshop and YouTube Germany. He will share his knowledge of the latest trends and best practice in digital marketing and the influence of Google AI (15 January from 11:15 to 11:45 hrs), DIGITAL & EVENTS STAGE Hall 7 7.A24).  How to organise events and brand promotions even more successfully in the digital age and what to consider in live productions for social media are the exciting topics being addressed by Laura Bäck, Director of Social Media at RTL Germany. (15 January from 15:50 to 16:20 hrs, LET'S TALK STAGE, Hall 4 4.E16) 

For planners of super-sized events, the talk entitled 'Taylor Swift in Hamburg – Managing the Last Mile and Visitor Protection at Concerts of International Megastars' by event professional Marten Pauls will provide valuable insights into the special challenges posed by large commercial events. (15 January from 13:00 to 13:30 hrs, SAFETY & SECURITY STAGE, Hall 4 4.A26) There will also be interesting insights from Franziska Eckhardt, Research & Insights Manager at StepStone Group on the current sea-change in job searching and on the latest recruitment trends. (16 January from 14:30 to 15:00 hrs, LET'S TALK STAGE, Hall 4 4.E16)

The presentation by Jens Behler, Head of Media & Communications at Deutsche Sport Marketing GmbH, will focus on the Olympic Games with a case study looking at Live Communications in Sport: How to Convey Olympic Enthusiasm in one's own Country (16 January from 12:45 to 13:15 hrs, DIGITAL & EVENTS STAGE, Hall 77.A24). The world of sport will also be the subject of a discussion (in English) between Irina Graf, Event Content Creator at MICE BLOG, and Philipp Amber, Country Director at the Radisson Hotel Group. How do eSports events differ in terms of technological requirements? And what potential do eSports offer for connecting with Generation Z and a tech-savvy audience? (16 January from 13:15 to 13:45 hrs, DIGITAL & EVENTS STAGE, Hall 7 7.A24)

Special events at BOE INTERNATIONAL 2025 

fwd:STAGE– Inspiration and insightful talks every half hour on topics such as future viability, sustainability, diversity, leadership and mental health.

CAREER HUB – powered by Studieninstitut: focusing on this year's trends and challenges in the event industry on 15 January between 12:30 and 15:15 hrs.

FORUM EVENT – powered by IST University of Applied Sciences: The vocational training conference for young high-talent individuals from 9:30 to 13:30 hrs on 16 January offers vocational students, career changers and other interested parties opportunities to meet experts from the industry.

CULINARY HUB – the culinary trend monitor: Food expert Ulf Tassilo Münch from the Culinary Delight Connection dives into the modern world of cuisine in 20-minute slots with illustrious guests from the cookery and event scene.

STARTUP AREA BY SWOOFLE – the ideas pool for start-up entrepreneurs on 16 January where start-ups will find their topics of interest being addressed – from legal aspects such as idea and copyright protection to various funding opportunities.

BOE NIGHT – a great atmosphere, infectious rhythms and the opportunity to talk shop and party together. BOE NIGHT (also featuring exclusive presentation of the BrandEx Awards) is a special highlight every year.

GUIDED TOURS – free guided tours in the areas of Technology & Innovation, Sustainability and Artists & Acts

The presentation of the BRANDEX AWARDS – honours outstanding projects in the creative industry

The big-name, international panel of judges has shortlisted a total of 38 entries. Recipients of the coveted gold, silver and bronze trophies will be decided at the final – and public – meeting of the BrandEx judges a few hours before the awards ceremony. Anyone who wishes is welcome to follow the live meeting of the panel of judges between 11:00 and 16:00 hrs on 15 January either on site or via livestream on YouTube. A total of 141 projects have been submitted by 66 businesses. The BrandEx Awards ceremony will take place during the popular BOE NIGHT. Tickets

>>> Programme overview covering all stages and special events

The new digital highlights at BOE 2025

For the first time, BØ, the digital assistant for BOE INTERNATIONAL, will guide people through the events of this year's show, answering general questions on the show and providing information on all the services. Enhancements have also been made to the BOE show app (can be used without downloading) which helps you plan your visit to the show with a wealth of information on the various key topics, stages and special events, a comprehensive list of exhibitors and an interactive site plan. An AI translation app will also be used during the BOE supporting programme, enabling simplified translation into German and English – outputting written and spoken text as required. We recommend you to bring your own headset.

Content-rich digital show magazine now online

The fourth issue of our BOE Magazine focuses on key topics such as the future of live communications, artificial intelligence, sustainability, event safety, corporate culture and much more. The 'GOING PLACES WITH VOCATIONAL TRAINING' competition (German: WEITERBILDUNG MACHT KARRIERE) sees the magazine team up again with IST University of Applied Sciences to provide an incentive for taking that next step in your career.

>>> Click here for the new BOE eMagazine

New: JOBORAMA – the 'recruitment centre' at BOE INTERNATIONAL

In partnership with JOBORAMA the jobs website run by the IST Institute of Studies at IST University of Applied Sciences, BOE on 15 and 16 January is now offering a special service aimed at recruiting young talent, specialists and managers, filling internships and part-time positions and securing the best talent and newcomers through dual study programmes. Agencies and service providers in the industry can expand their search radius before and during the show with a free job advert on the website looking for suitable applicants in the event, media and business sectors. If you would like to visit the BOE recruitment centre in person, you'll find it in Hall 7 at the IST stand (A 32) right next to the DIGITAL & EVENTS STAGE.

Established associations and new partnerships

Numerous associations support BOE and offer visitors specialist added value, and these include the German Concert and Event Industry Association (fwd:), the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), the Congress and Seminar Industry Association (degefest), the German Event Safety & Security Association (bvvs), the Media & Event Technology Association (VPLT) – and, new this year, the German Industrial Communications Association (bvik).