Export-Messe 1947 Hannover

Consequently, on 18 August 1947, the first "Hannover Export Fair" was opened in five former production halls of the Vereinigten Leichtmetallwerke (United Light Metal Works). The aim was to present exportable post-war products bearing an official "Made in Germany" sticker from the so-called Bi-Zone, and the results were impressive. After 21 days, 736,000 visitors from 53 nations had attended. Some 1,300 exhibitors had presented products over a total display area of 30,000 sqm. This led to some 1,934 export agreements being signed, valued at around US$ 31.6 million. The symbol chosen for this event was the profile of Hermes, the God of trade, and even today this symbol continues to symbolize HANNOVER MESSE.

At first, almost everyone was skeptical about Hannover's chances of overtaking Leipzig - the former "exhibition capital" of the defunct German Reich. But in the years that followed, HANNOVER MESSE became a symbol of Germany's economic miracle. Back in 1948, the first telephone connection was established between the trade fair company and New York. In 1950, the first exhibitors from abroad took part in the renamed "Deutsche Industrie-Messe" ("German Industrial Fair") and, in 1961, the term "HANNOVER MESSE" was officially adopted. It soon became a renowned, world-class event for cross-communication between technology and industry.

Since cleaving off CeBIT from HANNOVER MESSE in 1986, both shows have become the trendsetters for industry and the flagship tradeshows among the many different trade fairs and exhibitions staged by DMAG in the state capital. Other events which regularly take place at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds are also recognized as world leaders in their respective fields.