Imaging World moves to Cologne in 2027: Photography industry's comeback at Koelnmesse

<p>The photography industry is watching Cologne closely: Imaging World, the festival for photography, video and content creation, is leaving its current location in Nuremberg and moving to the Koelnmesse venue from 2027 onwards. Under the new name "Imaging World inspired by photokina", a format is being created that builds on the city on the Rhine's long trade fair tradition while simultaneously charting its own independent course.</p><h2>A location change with significant impact</h2><p>The decision was announced by Ringfoto and Koelnmesse on October 2 during this year's Imaging World 2026 in Nuremberg – as part of the TIPA World Awards Ceremony. The new event celebrates its debut from September 24-26, 2027 at the Koelnmesse venue. This marks the return of a central industry meeting point to a location that shaped the international photography and imaging world for decades: Cologne was the long-time host of photokina, which was considered the world's leading trade fair in the industry.</p><p>Important for understanding the new format: "Imaging World inspired by photokina" is not a revival of photokina itself, but an independent concept that deliberately draws inspiration from history without copying it. The organizers emphasize that technology for live testing, creative practice and personal exchange within the imaging industry should be at the center – elements that have already distinguished the previous Imaging World concept.</p><h2>Strong partners, clear division of roles</h2><p>By taking on the role of organizer from 2027, Koelnmesse brings its international trade fair expertise and its network developed over decades to the new platform. Ringfoto remains closely involved as a central partner and contributes its market knowledge, its network in industry and specialist retail, as well as formative components of the previous event concept.</p><p>"With Imaging World inspired by photokina, we are bringing an established event format with a clear profile and a very engaged community to Cologne," explains Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse. "Together with Ringfoto, we want to preserve these strengths and develop them further in a targeted manner. We also draw on Koelnmesse's extensive expertise in the imaging sector and the international industry contacts that have been built up over decades through photokina. Cologne offers excellent conditions for this with its trade fair infrastructure, international accessibility and a strong media and creative environment."</p><h3>Cologne as a location with reach</h3><ul><li>Approximately 22 million people live in the city's catchment area</li><li>International trade fair infrastructure of Koelnmesse</li><li>Established media and creative environment in the Cologne region</li><li>Decades-long history as an imaging venue through photokina</li></ul><h2>Initial reactions from the industry</h2><p>According to the organizers, initial reactions from exhibitors and visitors to the announcement were extremely positive. This underscores that the industry perceives the move as a logical further development – away from a mere location question, towards a strategic realignment with a clear focus on technology, creative practice and personal exchange.</p><p>Movement is currently also evident in the photo retail sector itself: for example, Foto Erhardt is expanding by taking over a former Fuji store in Nuremberg to become a cross-brand full-line retailer. Such developments illustrate that the imaging industry as a whole is in motion – an environment in which a newly positioned industry format like Imaging World inspired by photokina should find fertile ground.</p><h2>Conclusion and outlook</h2><p>With the move to Cologne and the combination of an established concept and new name, many industry observers see a circle closing: The city, which for decades served as an international meeting point for the photography and imaging world through photokina, will once again have a central platform for photography, video and content creation with "Imaging World inspired by photokina" from 2027 onwards. Whether the new format can match the brilliance of photokina will only become clear at the premiere in September 2027. However, the partners Koelnmesse and Ringfoto have announced that they will align the format closely with the market and gradually increase its visibility – an ambitious yet promising fresh start for the German imaging industry.</p>