Imaging World 2027: Moving from Nuremberg to Cologne

<p>The photography industry is watching Cologne closely: From 2027, Imaging World, the festival for photography, video and content creation, will no longer take place in Nuremberg, but on the grounds of Koelnmesse. Under the new name <strong>"Imaging World inspired by photokina"</strong>, the format is intended to connect to the decades-long tradition of the former world leading trade fair for imaging – without, however, being a relaunch of photokina itself.</p><h2>Location change with clear timeline</h2><p>As Ringfoto and Koelnmesse announced at the TIPA World Awards during Imaging World 2026 in Nuremberg, the first edition at the new location is scheduled for <strong>September 24-26, 2027</strong>. With the move, Koelnmesse will assume the role of organizer in the future, while Ringfoto remains involved as a partner. This constellation is intended to combine the strengths of both sides: Koelnmesse brings international reach, trade fair infrastructure and contacts built up over decades from the photokina network, while Ringfoto contributes market knowledge and close relationships with industry and specialist retailers.</p><h2>Building on photokina tradition, but not a comeback</h2><p>The name addition "inspired by photokina" makes the connection to Cologne's history as an international meeting point for the photo and imaging industry clear. However, the organizers explicitly emphasize that this is not a revival of the former world trade fair. Imaging World is intended to remain an independent format with new content that merely benefits from the historical prestige of the location. For Koelnmesse, taking over also means an expansion of its portfolio in the field of photography, video and content creation.</p><h3>Proven concept to be further developed</h3><p>The previous format of Imaging World combines traditional trade fair exhibition with interactive practical formats and a comprehensive workshop and seminar program. This concept of exhibition, practice and exchange is to be continued at the new location and deliberately further developed. According to the organizers, Cologne provides ideal conditions for this: modern trade fair infrastructure, good international accessibility and a strong media and creative environment. Furthermore, the potential of the Cologne university and photography community is to be utilized – from a long-term perspective, selected photo walks and community formats in the Cologne city area are even planned, which go beyond the mere trade fair grounds.</p><h2>Open questions about the 2027 launch</h2><p>Many details of the first Cologne edition are still pending. Information on the planned exhibition space, the number of exhibitors or a possible international expansion of the format are not yet available. Specific program content, participating companies and ticket offers are also to be announced at a later date. The current edition of Imaging World 2026 in Nuremberg, where the move was announced, still ran under familiar conditions: more than 120 exhibitors were on site, day tickets cost 15 euros.</p><h2>Conclusion and outlook</h2><p>With the move to Cologne, Imaging World is repositioning itself and deliberately linking itself with the photokina legacy without assuming its direct successor role. For the photography industry, this creates an exciting opportunity: an established, community-focused format meets the international infrastructure and experience of Koelnmesse. Whether this will develop into a new permanent fixture for the imaging industry in the long term will be seen at the latest at the premiere in September 2027. Until then, it remains to be seen what concrete content, exhibitors and formats the organizers will announce for the new start in Cologne.</p>