A highlight to kick off the year

According to the trade fair company, well over 180,000 visitors attended the Bau trade fair in Munich this year; although this was around 10,000 (5 percent) fewer than in 2023, the fair was shortened by one day for the first time and took place from January 13 to 17. The grounds of Messe München were fully booked by the 2,230 exhibitors (2023: 2,260) from 58 countries (2023: 49 countries) for the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems, as Bau is positioned, in addition to the number of participating countries, the international share of exhibitors also reached a new high of 52 percent. On the visitor side, the international share was 44 percent.

After a somewhat more restrained first day, the fair picked up speed: dense crowds in the halls dominated the picture. “Our stand was actually always full,” says Flex product manager Ralf Paertmann, looking back.

“The trade was there from day one with large teams” – such statements, which explicitly included the major DIY store chains, were heard again and again in the discussions conducted by the diy editorial team. The prevailing attitude was rather confident – both with regard to the past months and the outlook for the coming months. A number of suppliers also reported sales growth thanks to new products and new customers. The renovation sector played an important role here.

Michael Oppermann, managing director of the Storch Ciret Group, drew a very positive conclusion: “In particular, the increasing number of international guests has enriched our stand. In addition, we were pleased to welcome numerous processors who showed great interest in our products and concepts.” In particular, the trade cooperatives showed great interest in the new developments presented. “But we also entered into dialogue with decision-makers from the construction market,” says Oppermann.

Marketing Director Jens Bayer looks back on the trade fair for paint manufacturer Meffert: “The Bau trade fair in Munich attracted numerous interested parties from a wide range of construction trades – all united by their interest in sustainable solutions. We were pleased with the high visitor numbers and the intensive discussions at our stand.”

For Franz Neuhofer, owner and CEO of FN Neuhofer, Bau has been “a highlight for many years and a successful start to the new year”. He reported “inspiring discussions with existing and potential customers, as well as partners and suppliers”

For Sika, Bau was “a very special trade fair” in the words of Managing Director Daniela Schmiedle, because the product brands PCI, Schönox and Thomsit were also presented at two stands: “We are thrilled with the countless positive responses we have received from all sides. We were able to hold many good discussions with our customers and partners, make new contacts and grow even closer as a team.”

Michael Egger jun., Group Manager Sales/Marketing at Egger, calls Bau an ideal setting “to present our comprehensive product portfolio. In particular, our innovative solutions for timber construction were well received by visitors.” He is “very satisfied with the feedback from our customers regarding our exhibition stand and the products we presented. The personal discussions and the exchange on site are always an important inspiration for us.” And Moritz Steinruck, Head of Product Management at Egger Building Products, adds: “Our customers have shared their enthusiasm for our latest innovations. It was great to hear their positive voices.”

Harald Lüdtke, Managing Director of Soudal Germany and Regional Director Central Europe, speaks of a complete success. “We had a great many constructive discussions and intensive technical dialogues. Our product demonstrations proved to be a particular attraction.” From his point of view, “the consistently positive mood at the trade fair was remarkable – despite the low number of building permits issued for new construction. This basic optimism corresponds to our philosophy: ‘We are not taking part in the crisis’”.

Matthias Geuking, Sales Manager DIY/Retail at Kip, also draws an “all-round positive conclusion”, explicitly praising the interest shown by visitors from the building materials trade and DIY stores. “The numerous discussions were very constructive and promising,” he said.

However, not all exhibitors saw it that way. One of the exhibitors from diy surveyed had many visitors at his stand who were very interested in his products. “However, the desired target group of national and international buyers and decision-makers was rather underrepresented. Overall, the trade fair was very sobering for us. We are considering whether to participate again,” he concluded.

The trade (but not only the trade) also noted with some criticism that some big names were missing from the list of exhibitors. A market overview – an important reason for visiting the trade fair – was not always provided, especially since the more strongly represented suppliers from the Far East were not seen as a real alternative.

Overall, the trade fair company's assessment is – unsurprisingly – positive. “Expectations for Bau 2025 were initially muted due to the economic environment,” said Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Messe München. “However, the response to Bau from exhibitors and visitors is clearly positive. Especially in these times, Bau is encouraging and inspiring.”