10.11.2011 Starting in 2012: Free WiFi at all Messe Frankfurt fairs in Frankfurt

Growing use of digital services during events

In 2004, Messe Frankfurt was the first trade fair organiser to introduce WiFi throughout its grounds. The company is now taking this a step further: starting in January 2012, wireless internet access will be free on the entire exhibition grounds at all of Messe Frankfurt’s own fairs. “Messe Frankfurt is the first German organiser to provide its visitors and exhibitors with free WiFi services throughout its site”, remarks Dr. Andreas Winckler, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Medien und Service GmbH and Vice President of Services.

Surfing, sending email or establishing a secure wireless connection to one’s own company network is now possible thanks to the extensive WiFi infrastructure. The only thing required is a laptop with standard WiFi capability or a smart phone. Free internet access means international guests can avoid often expensive roaming charges from their mobile providers. Messe Frankfurt continues to offer customised WiFi solutions for exhibitors requiring greater bandwidths at their stands.

“Mobile internet access will quickly become the standard for exhibitors and visitors”, comments Kai Hattendorf, Vice President of Digital Business. “In fact one in eight visitors to this year’s Musikmesse installed our smartphone app on their iPhone or Android mobile.” Digital services such as apps (small mobile phone programs, including for instance the complete exhibitor catalogue, hall plans and up-to-the-minute information on the current fair) have been offered by Messe Frankfurt since 2010 to complement all of its own events. “Free access to the internet makes it even easier to use these complementary services”, adds Dr. Winckler.

Providing free wireless internet access is just another aspect of Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to providing innovative new services to its customers. The first event to feature free WiFi will be Heimtextil 2012, which will open its doors on 11 January 2012.

Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser, with 448.3 million euros in sales and more than 1,600 active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries, five branch offices and 52 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations around the globe. In 2010, Messe Frankfurt organised 87 trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany.
Messe Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds, featuring 578,000 square metres, are currently home to ten exhibition halls and an adjacent Congress Center. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent.