SPIEL remains a trade fair in Essen. Carol Rapp, Managing Director of Merz Publishing, left no doubt that the Ruhr metropolis will remain the location for the leading trade fair in the future.
This year, SPIEL is almost completely utilizing the halls at Messe Essen. With the addition of Hall 7, the total area has grown to approximately 77.500 square meters. Is it getting tight? No, especially since it's still unclear whether pure growth will be the top priority for SPIEL. Carol Rapp, Managing Director of Merz Publishing, firmly dismissed any rumors of a relocation: "I'm ruling out a relocation at this point," said Rapp.
The trade fair has a long history in Essen, a point the publishing director also pointed out. "And there aren't that many exhibition centers that could accommodate us. That will be difficult." With this, Rapp also took the wind out of the sails of those critics who have been criticizing Messe Essen's capacity for years as too limited – from the organizers' perspective, it's apparently different.
By reopening Hall 7, the organizers initially created ample space to accommodate major publishers, which ultimately relieves congestion in the other halls. Visitors and exhibitors alike have expressed their desire to add another hall to Merz-Verlag, reports Carol Rapp. "We're listening to both sides. And if we receive appropriate feedback, we'll consider it," Rapp replies when asked about a further expansion. Hall 8, in particular, is still under discussion as it's unused. But: "It's not necessarily the very first thing on my wish list for next year," Rapp says.
Merz-Verlag isn't pursuing growth at any cost – its medium-term focus is on improving the visitor experience. One of these goals was already achieved last year with wider aisles – this year, the app has been given new features. The smart tool is already attracting interest from fans: the developers have recorded around 66.500 downloads so far. This number is expected to rise even further with the official launch of the trade fair.
By expanding the exhibition space by opening Hall 7, they have also "created space for all the other thematic areas to grow as well." Carol Rapp explains that the family area has also grown overall. The same applies to the hobby and expert areas. Also new is a stage in Hall 4, where the trade fair organizers will offer various talk formats and launch interactive activities.
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