Imaging World Relocates to Cologne in 2027: Fresh Start with photokina Spirit

<p>The photography industry is eagerly awaiting 2027: The <strong>Imaging World</strong>, previously based in Nuremberg, is moving to the Koelnmesse grounds and will launch there under the new name <strong>"Imaging World inspired by photokina"</strong>. This marks a return of the festival for photography, video and content creation to a location that has shaped the industry for decades.</p>

<h2>The Relocation at a Glance</h2> <p>The decision was announced by representatives of <strong>RINGFOTO</strong> and <strong>Koelnmesse</strong> during the TIPA World Awards Ceremony at Imaging World 2026 in Nuremberg. The premiere at the new location is scheduled for <strong>September 24-26, 2027</strong>. With the move, Koelnmesse assumes the role of organizer, while RINGFOTO remains on board as a central partner.</p> <ul> <li>New name: "Imaging World inspired by photokina"</li> <li>Venue: Koelnmesse</li> <li>Date of premiere: September 24–26, 2027</li> <li>New organizer role: Koelnmesse, Partner: RINGFOTO</li> </ul>

<h2>An Established Format with a New Stage</h2> <p>"After two successful editions in Nuremberg, Imaging World is ready for the next step," explains <strong>Thilo Röhrig</strong>, CEO of RINGFOTO. The event has established itself as a meeting point for technology, creative practice and personal exchange within the imaging industry – a concept that is now to be continued on a larger scale.</p> <p>Koelnmesse is also convinced of the format's potential. "With Imaging World inspired by photokina, an event format already established in the market with a clear profile and engaged community is coming to Cologne," says <strong>Oliver Frese</strong>, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse. "Together with RINGFOTO, we want to maintain these strengths and develop them further in a targeted manner. In doing so, we also draw on Koelnmesse's extensive imaging expertise and the international industry contacts that have been built over decades through photokina." Cologne offers excellent conditions for this with its trade fair infrastructure, international accessibility and a strong media and creative environment, Frese adds.</p>

<h3>More Than Just a Product Exhibition</h3> <p>Content-wise, Imaging World inspired by photokina combines product experience, creative practice, community and business. Visitors can discover new products, try equipment directly, participate in workshops and live formats, and exchange ideas with manufacturers, retailers, professional users and creatives. Ambitious hobby photographers are also given the opportunity to test new technology under real conditions and develop their creative and technical skills.</p> <p>Photography remains the core component of the event. At the same time, video, audio, lighting, software, printing, smartphone applications and content production technologies are already part of the fixed topic spectrum – an offering that is to be expanded in Cologne. Photo walks and community formats in Cologne's city center are also planned, which will carry the trade fair experience beyond the exhibition grounds into the city.</p>

<h2>Not a Relaunch, But a Return to Tradition</h2> <p>The organizers emphasize the distinction from photokina itself: Imaging World explicitly does not see itself as a relaunch of it, but remains an independent format. Nevertheless, the event consciously builds on Cologne's imaging tradition – that legacy which has shaped the international photography industry for decades. With this move, the industry symbolically returns to a place that is inextricably linked to its history.</p>

<h2>Conclusion and Outlook</h2> <p>The relocation of Imaging World to Cologne marks a significant step for the photography industry in Germany. With Koelnmesse as the new organizer and RINGFOTO as an experienced partner, a format is emerging that combines established strengths with new infrastructure and international reach. Whether Imaging World inspired by photokina can build on the photokina tradition while sharpening its own profile will be revealed at the premiere in September 2027. The industry can look forward to seeing how the festival for photography, video and content creation develops in its new home on the Rhine.</p>