ASIA: ‘The formats cross-fertilise each other’, believes Dirk Hoffmann, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Berlin, reflecting on the reasons why the trade fair organiser has opted to launch an Asian edition of the market-leading InnoTrans show.
Speaking to Railway Gazette International’s sister title Eurailpress a few days after InnoTrans Asia was announced on June 30, Hoffmann explained that the two shows would benefit from each other: ’the Asia edition brings Berlin closer to the Asian market, enables new contacts, provides important market insights, and it makes Berlin’s leading trade fair even more relevant for international target groups. Internationalisation strengthens the brand, expands the network — and ultimately brings clear added value to all parties involved.’
InnoTrans Asia will take place on September 7-9 2027 at the Singapore Expo site, one of the largest events hubs in southeast Asia. Hoffmann explained that it is ‘aimed specifically at the growth market in the Asia-Pacific region’, and it would act as a supplement to the trade fair in Berlin.
‘The aim is to establish InnoTrans Asia as a link between emerging markets and global innovations. Asia is investing massively in modern rail infrastructure — whether in China, India or southeast Asia. In Singapore, we offer InnoTrans Asia as a central platform for the region, which promotes exchange within Asia as well as networking with the global market.’
Asked why the company picked Singapore as its venue for the expansion, Hoffmann said the city is ‘centrally located in the Asia-Pacific region, is easily accessible and is considered safe, business-friendly and innovation-oriented. With the Singapore Expo event site located close to the airport, we also have modern, well-equipped infrastructure at our disposal. Another important aspect is Singapore’s neutrality: our goal is to bring together different rail markets in the region on a common platform – without focusing on a single country. Singapore offers the right environment for exactly this aim.’
Outdoor area is Berlin’s distinguishing feature
In terms of what the inaugural event will look like, Hoffmann said that the show would be divided thematically along similar lines to its parent in Berlin, with zones focused on Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. Asked if the tracks and outdoor display area that is such a feature of the Berlin biennial would be replicated in Singapore, Hoffmann was guarded. ‘The track and outdoor area remains the unique selling point of the world’s leading trade fair in Berlin’, he said. ‘Participants at InnoTrans Asia can also expect an accompanying supporting programme that specifically addresses the needs of the Asian market. InnoTrans Asia sees itself as a satellite of InnoTrans in Berlin, which clearly stands out from InnoTrans Asia due to its size and global orientation.’
Nevertheless, he was optimistic that the Asian event would attract visitors from Europe and around the world. He reported that at the last InnoTrans in September 2024, 10% of the attendees came from Asia, and Hoffmann said the Singapore event would act ‘as a bridge between the markets — and this bridge naturally works in both directions’.
Messe Berlin already has experience of growing events from its home market to serve emerging regions around the world. Hoffmann cited travel and tourism trade show ITB, which is based at the Berlin venue but also has editions tailored to local needs in China, India, Singapore and — from next year — Mexico.
Looking ahead to the inaugural InnoTrans Asia event in 2027, Hoffmann was cautious about predicting attendance. ‘A size cannot be seriously estimated at this first event’, he said ‘But what is certain is that expectations are high. We currently expect an event at a scale 10% to 15% of Berlin to take place, which would already be considerable given the size of InnoTrans with a gross area of 200 000 m2.’
