Messe Dusseldorf enjoys continuous success both as a trade fair complex and as an organiser of international events. The fairgrounds cover the impressive 305,727 sq m - 262,727 sq m of indoor exhibition space and 43,000 sq m of outdoor exhibition area. Aside from its 19 halls, Messe Dusseldorf provides 2 convention centres. With an overall capacity of 7500 persons, CCD (short for Congress Center Dusseldorf) has 37 functional rooms, each suitable for up to 2100 persons. CCD Ost has 3 rooms which can accommodate up to 650 persons.
More than 30 large-scale trade shows and exhibitions take place at Messe Dusseldorf on a regular basis, bringing there close to 1,400,000 people annually.
The very first industrial exhibition in the city was held in 1811 and was followed by many other events, which paved the way for the establishment of the NOWEA organisation in 1947. NOWEA - now known around the world as Messe Dusseldorf - gradually outgrew its local character and gained an international significance, hosting and organising events in all major sectors. Starting with merely 4800 sq m, the organisation needed more space even after expanding its initial Ehrenhof premises. In 1971 Messe Dusseldorf moved to the venue in Stockum it still occupies today.
The transformation of Messe Dusseldorf continues with the 2030 Masterplan. So far halls 6, 7, 8a and 8b were built as part of it, as well as the North Entrance, while halls 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 were modernised. The latest developments involved halls 1 and 2 being consolidated into the new multifunctional hall 1 featuring meeting rooms and additional space. This stage of the 2030 project was completed in 2019, along with a new glass-enclosed South Entrance and adjacent parking facilities.
