The Leipzig Trade Fair and its history
Highlights of the Trade Fair History
The Leipzig Trade Fair is one of the oldest Trade Fairs in the world. Leipzig was at the crossroads of two important trade routes: Via Regia (Paris–Novgorod) and Via Imperii (Bergen–Rome). This location was particularly advantageous for long-distance trade, which led to Leipzig becoming the starting point for international trade fair operations.
1165 - Leipzig is officially founded and bestowed with city and market rights
1497 - Emperor Maximilian I grants the city imperial trade fair privileges
1894 - Transition from Goods to Sample Trade Fair - in 1895, the first Sample Fair was held
1896 - Opening of the "Städtisches Kaufhaus", the first Messehaus (Trade Fair Hall) in the world.
1918 - First technical Trade Fair
1938 - Leipzig is appointed as the Reich's Trade Fair city
1991 - The last "Universal Trade Fair" is held, specialist and public fairs were to ensue
1996 - Grand opening of the New Trade Fair grounds of the Leipzig Trade Fair
2017 - 100 years of the double 'M' logo
