Page content

Press Release

October 31, 2024

Messe Berlin creates new Mobility Division

The new division concentrates all mobility-themed events, with Kai Mangelberger as its head from November.

Whether the focus is on InnoTrans, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology, or ILA, the international aerospace exhibition, or BUS2BUS, the leading expo for Europe’s bus and supply industry, or on the IZB, the International Suppliers’ Fair – mobility is a key topic at Messe Berlin. These events are on course for growth. InnoTrans, which recently concluded, was - in terms of display area - not only the world’s largest transport trade fair, but also the largest event ever to be held in Berlin. This year, around 170,000 visitors from 133 countries came to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, representing yet another increase in numbers and international participation on pre-Covid levels.

Railway tracks at InnoTrans

With an attendance of around 95,000, this year’s ILA, the international aerospace exhibition, was a major visitor attraction. Tickets for the general public sold out quickly, and members of the federal government, including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, were also strongly represented at the event. This year’s BUS2BUS also registered a visitor increase, and had information on forward-looking topics such as AI, the mobility transition and the future of bus tourism. The team of Messe Wolfsburg, a wholly owned subsidiary of Messe Berlin GmbH, has been the technical partner of the IZB since 2008. With close to 40,000 trade visitors and 843 exhibitors from 33 countries, the results here are positive too.

“Whether by rail, road or air – the mobility transition is in full swing“, says Kai Mangelberger, who in November becomes head of the Mobility Division at Messe Berlin. “Climate-friendly drive systems, digitalisation and the use of AI, new forms of mobility and a new customer experience – there are so many topics here and a great desire for discussion. With our events, we provide the ideal platform for finding out about the innovations in the market and exchanging views on the latest industry topics.”

Kai Mangelberger

Kai Mangelberger has over 20 years of event expertise and wide-ranging knowledge of the mobility sector. Previously, he was project manager of FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading trade fair for the global fruit trade. In 2022 he was project manager of IFA, the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances. Prior to that, he was on the team of the world's leading trade fair InnoTrans for over ten years, including as deputy project manager.

Divisional head Matthias Steckmann, who from 1996 onwards helped create InnoTrans and made it the major event that it is today, is retiring.

About InnoTrans

InnoTrans is the world’s leading trade show for transport technology and takes place every two years in Berlin. The five segments at InnoTrans comprise Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH. The 15th InnoTrans will take place at the Exhibition Grounds of Messe Berlin from 22 to 25 September 2026. For more information: www.innotrans.com