Imaging World 2027: Photo Festival Relocates to Cologne

<p>Imaging World is turning a new page: The festival for photography, video and content creation is leaving its previous location in Nuremberg and moving to Cologne in 2027. With the move, not only the location changes, but also the name of the event – a step that evokes memories of the legendary photokina, which shaped Cologne as an international meeting place for the imaging industry for decades.</p><h2>The Announcement: New Location, New Name</h2><p>The change was announced at the TIPA World Awards Ceremony at Imaging World 2026 in Nuremberg. Ringfoto and Koelnmesse announced that the festival will now operate under the name <strong>"Imaging World inspired by photokina"</strong>. The premiere at the new location is scheduled for <strong>September 24-26, 2027</strong> at the Koelnmesse venue.</p><p>With the naming, the organizers deliberately draw on the tradition of photokina, but without promising a classic revival of the former world-leading trade fair. The organizers explicitly emphasize that Imaging World remains an independent format that brings new content and its own profile.</p><h2>Koelnmesse Takes Over as Organizer</h2><p>The change of location also brings a change in organizational responsibility: Koelnmesse will now assume the role of organizer and brings its international trade fair expertise and industry network to the table. Ringfoto remains closely involved as a central partner and contributes its market knowledge, its network in industry and specialized retail, as well as defining elements of the previous event concept.</p><p>"With Imaging World inspired by photokina, an event format already established in the market with a clear profile and an engaged community is coming to Cologne," explained Koelnmesse CEO Oliver Frese at the announcement. Cologne offers excellent conditions for further development of the format with its trade fair infrastructure, international accessibility, and a strong media and creative environment.</p><p>Ringfoto CEO Thilo Röhrig announced that the proven concept of classic trade fair exhibition, interactive playgrounds, and a comprehensive workshop and seminar program will be consistently developed further in Cologne. Both partners want to expand the format together in a market-oriented manner and gradually increase its visibility.</p><h2>Concept: Trade Fair, Practice and Exchange Under One Roof</h2><p>Imaging World understands itself as a mix of product experience, creative practice, community and business. The concept includes:</p><ul><li>A classic exhibition space with products from renowned manufacturers</li><li>Interactive playgrounds for direct hands-on experience of technology</li><li>Workshops and seminars for beginners and professionals alike</li><li>Opportunities for exchange with manufacturers, retailers, professional users and creatives</li></ul><p>Thematically, the festival covers a broad spectrum: In addition to classical photography, video, audio, lighting, software, printing, smartphone applications and content production are in focus. With this, Imaging World positions itself as a cross-industry platform that appeals to both traditional photography enthusiasts and the growing community of content creators.</p><h3>Photokina Legacy as Brand Core</h3><p>The name addition "inspired by photokina" is more than a nostalgic reference. It aims to incorporate Cologne's significance for the international photo and imaging industry, which has grown over decades, and to serve as a quality promise for the new event. At the same time, the organizers make clear that this is not a revival of the historical photokina, but rather a modern, independent format with new ambitions.</p><h2>Conclusion: Fresh Start with Tradition in Tow</h2><p>With the move to Cologne and the renaming to "Imaging World inspired by photokina", Koelnmesse and Ringfoto are making a strategic fresh start that combines proven success factors with the symbolic power of a traditional trade fair location. This creates a new central platform for the photography, video and content creation industry that should benefit from Cologne's international reputation. The organizers plan to announce concrete details about program content, participating companies and ticket offers at a later date. Until the premiere on September 24-26, 2027, it remains to be seen how the new format will develop in practice – the industry can look forward to seeing whether the balancing act between tradition and reorientation will succeed.</p>