• Largest trade show open to general public since lockdown
• Around 40,000 visitors flocked to Messe Dortmund for the largest model making show
• 325 exhibitors from 13 countries covered the full span of the model making industry
• Exhibitors met target audiences – visitors discovered latest trends and went Christmas shopping
• Looking forward to meeting again in April 2022

Dortmund, 23 November 2021 – Approximately 40,000 visitors did not want to miss the largest model-making event of the year between 17 and 20 November 2021 at Messe Dortmund. Despite current debates about the COVID pandemic, the atmosphere at the show was excellent, and the pleasure at being able to meet face-to-face again was visible everywhere. “Together with exhibitors and partners, we were finally able to offer visitors a 'live' face-to-face experience once again. We are therefore delighted with the restart of INTERMODELLBAU and can hardly wait to welcome everyone back to Messe Dortmund in April,” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Group of Companies.

A great Winter Edition: exhibitors and visitors well satisfied

For decades now, INTERMODELLBAU has been a superb destination for families and experienced model makers of all ages with its wide range of products from all segments of the model making world, and its varied programme line-up. The Winter Edition, likewise, did not fail to impress: “The way INTERMODELLBAU 2021 was held, and the business deals we were able to make, remind me of the days before the pandemic,” said Matthias Frank, Operations Manager at BREKINA-Modellspielwaren GmbH.

Even though there was initially some uncertainty among the exhibitors, in the end they were positively surprised and satisfied with the outcome: “We decided to take part in this 'experiment' in the midst of the pandemic, and we're really happy with the decision to be here as an exhibitor,” emphasised Christian Weiß, manager at Bachmann Europe plc.

A great many exhibitors were especially pleased with the way in which the show was staged under the difficult conditions during COVID. Hendrik Mielke, Head of Research & Development at Gebr. FALLER GmbH, praised “the organisation and running of the show. The monitoring of hygiene measures was also carried out well. We're seeing happy, grateful faces on visitors and are thrilled by the great atmosphere here on site.” Birgit Weinert, owner of Weinert Modellbau, was also “very favourably surprised” by the way the show was conducted, and by the atmosphere in the hall: “The organisation of the show – including the security checks, etc. – was really impeccable. Visitors to the show in Dortmund were also very considerate of each other, helping ensure all COVID measures were accepted and implemented,” she said. It was really good to get together once more, she added: “I met a lot of interested visitors who were over the moon to be able to visit a trade show again. The same goes for me – it was great to be in attendance and get the benefit of direct contact.”

The Märklin stand, too, was a hive of activity. “Despite the pandemic, the show went really well. The visitors were delighted to find us here. Here we have the opportunity to bring our concerns to the experts and present our products live to a large audience. That's why we're already looking forward to INTERMODELLBAU 2022 and plan to bring our new 2022 products along,” said Eric Peschel, Head of Events at Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH.

Show with a long tradition and a winning venue

Many exhibitors appreciate Dortmund because of its location: “You get an international audience here, mainly because Dortmund is an ideal exhibition venue for many different regions. INTERMODELLBAU has a long tradition. This is an important consumer show for us and is constantly growing,” said Matthias Frank from BREKINA-Modellspielwaren GmbH. The quality of the visiting public is also remarkable, according to Thomas Göbel, owner of model railway trader Modelleisenbahnen Ankauf-Verkauf: “The consumers come from the most diverse regions and countries. They show a lot of interest and make purchases. It's not just that the Dortmund show is superbly organised, it's also worth coming back from a purely business perspective.”

Winter Edition attracted visitors from across Germany and beyond

Visitors to INTERMODELLBAU are not deterred by long distances. According to a survey conducted by an independent trade show market research institute, all German states were represented at the show. In addition to North Rhine Westphalia, large numbers came from Lower Saxony, Hesse and Baden-Württemberg, among others, while around 9% of visitors came from abroad, including even Australians and Africans. The Benelux countries were strongly represented again this year.

The new online ticket shop, which is easy to navigate and provides a fast ticketing experience, came in for special praise. The online ticket shop shepherds people to their tickets, and the visitor tour during the show helps them find their way around the event. The thematic hall layout was very much appreciated by many. The entrance situation and the friendliness and helpfulness of staff and cleanliness of the halls also received top marks. Visitors felt at ease and gave the overall atmosphere at the show a score of 2 on a scale of 1–6 (good to bad).

Top themes: model railways, accessories and RC model making

Around 70 percent of people stressed that visiting INTERMODELLBAU was a necessity in pursuit of their passion. There was a particularly high level of interest in railway modelling at the fair, followed by modelling materials, accessories, tools and RC model making. Aeroplanes, cars, plastic and cardboard models are also in great demand.

The demonstration layouts in Halls 4 and 7 and the Expert Forum on Model Railways in Hall 4 also scored highly. The miniature sea with model ship builders in Hall 5 plus daily demonstrations of unusual model ships and the cardboard model builders with their workshops in Hall 8 were also among the top-rated programme highlights. Among visitors, the range of products and services at INTERMODELLBAU scored 2 on a scale of 1–6 (good to bad).

Live again – at last: smiles all round as exhibitors and visitors enjoy the trade show atmosphere

Visitors and exhibitors alike were delighted to see INTERMODELLBAU held as a Winter Edition. This way, exhibitors were finally able to interact face-to-face once more, presenting their products and meeting the next generation.

INTERMODELLBAU is an ideal opportunity to address customers who do not visit any other show. This is because almost 40% of visitors do not attend any other trade show with a comparable theme – only INTERMODELLBAU. This time, over 70% were also regular visitors to the show in recent years.

The visitors told the survey they like to visit INTERMODELLBAU to get new ideas and discover innovations and trends, and to obtain detailed information on products and make purchases at the show – a package that only a real-life trade show can offer. And with that, the compact Winter Edition of INTERMODELLBAU also scored 2 on a scale of 1–6 (good to bad). The 325-or-so exhibitors were also surprised by the visitor numbers, indeed around 90 percent of visitors and 83 percent of exhibitors are already in favour of attending INTERMODELLBAU once more in 2022. In fact, they do not have to wait all that long, because the next fair is scheduled to take place in April. Messe Dortmund will be opening its halls to amateur model makers, experts, families and newcomers for the next INTERMODELLBAU show on 7 – 10 April 2022.

Tickets are already available at intermodellbau.de/en/tickets-2022.

For coverage of all aspects of INTERMODELLBAU, please head for the show's channels on Instagram, Facebook and the show website, or get your information by newsletter.

INTERMODELLBAU 2021 –

What partners and exhibitors say:

Karl-Friedrich Ebe from Trade Show Organisation & Marketing at MOBA (the German Model Railway Association)

“The show went very well for us. We expected fewer people due to the pandemic, but in fact the influx was striking. The international model railway displays play an enormous part in making INTERMODELLBAU such a success. There are always large queues of people at the layouts. I have spoken to a few manufacturers, all of whom appreciate the quality of public here. They are people who get enthusiastic about model railways as a hobby and go home armed with new ideas after the show. We are strategic partners of Messe Dortmund and will of course also be there next year at INTERMODELLBAU 2022.”

Dieter Matysik, President of nauticus e.V., the German umbrella association for model shipbuilding and model ship sports

“INTERMODELLBAU 2021 surprised us very pleasantly despite the COVID pandemic. Above all, you have time to talk to the public. The customers are really keen on interacting and come across all happy and relaxed because they finally have the chance to breathe new life into their hobby again. Dortmund and the surrounding area are indispensable for us as a market, not just because Messe Dortmund is a shining example with excellent access roads and walkways, great connections and fantastic exhibition facilities. The new North Entrance makes INTERMODELLBAU 2021 even more attractive and is especially eye-catching. As a model ship builder, I have been the sole person responsible in this area for 12 years and I say unequivocally: Dortmund is what floats these boats. INTERMODELLBAU is – and remains – unique and is truly the undisputed Number 1. We will be back next year, no question about that.

Werner Schwarz, Vice President of the German Minicar Club e.V. (DMC)

“We're very happy with the visitor numbers. You could see an increase from each day to the next. Young people were also there at INTERMODELLBAU, so we were able to stimulate their interest in remote-controlled cars. We're therefore already looking forward to being part of it again next year.”

Lothar Melchior, Vice President of the German Model Aviation Association (DMFV)

“We introduced the DMFV Junior Academy at our stand this year. It went down extremely well with the visitors. In this way, the youngsters learn important basics of aerodynamics early on and get their first experience of building model aircraft – it’s important to familiarise tomorrow's aero-modellers with techniques at an early stage.”

Eric Peschel, Head of Events at Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH

“Despite the pandemic, the show went really well. The visitors were delighted to find us here. Here we have the opportunity to bring our concerns to the experts and present our products live to a large audience. That's why we're already looking forward to INTERMODELLBAU 2022 and plan to bring our new 2022 products along.”

Robin Brand, Senior Manager at ScaleART OHG

"We're delighted to be able to exhibit once again, presenting new additions and improvements. This trade show in Dortmund is essential for us because we have lot of customers in the region. We have been exhibiting at INTERMODELLBAU for 32 years now. The show is an integral part of our activities, so we would keep on coming back.”

Ralf Bäumener, President of MFSD e.V.

“There were a lot of interested people at our stand with whom we were able to have excellent discussions. The spectators were particularly enthusiastic about our drone balls. Many model makers and model pilots live in the Ruhr conurbation. That's what makes INTERMODELLBAU in Dortmund an ideal place to meet up.”

Hendrik Mielke, Head of Research & Development at Gebr. FALLER GmbH

“The organisation and running of the fair are really commendable. The monitoring of hygiene measures was also carried out well. We are seeing happy, grateful faces on visitors and are thrilled by the great atmosphere here on site. Dortmund is part of the industrial heartland, so we really do meet our target audience here. Model making is a very widespread hobby in this part of the world, and accordingly there are a lot of dealers present. There is a lot of interest in our satellite-controlled model vehicles, but the Bran Castle limited edition anniversary model is also attracting loads of visitor attention. As soon as the show opens its doors in 2022, we'll be back.”

Robert Werner, Managing Director of Auhagen GmbH

“INTERMODELLBAU in Dortmund is one of the key trade shows we like to visit each year. Dortmund and area are definitely a major market for us as exhibitors, so we'll also be in attendance next year.”

Matthias Frank, Operations Manager at BREKINA-Modellspielwaren GmbH

The way INTERMODELLBAU 2021 was held, and the business deals we were able to make, remind me of the days before the pandemic. You get an international audience here, mainly because Dortmund is an ideal exhibition venue for many different regions. INTERMODELLBAU has a long tradition. This is an important consumer show for us and is constantly growing. I think Messe Dortmund is also pretty special from an interpersonal point of view because I appreciate the uncomplicated processes and the friendly, highly attentive staff. We look forward to seeing the repeat visitors each time and will be happy to be at next year's event.”

Jochen Gabbert, General Sales Manager at BRAWA Artur Braun Modellspielwarenfabrik GmbH + Co.

“INTERMODELLBAU went unexpectedly well for us. People are especially interested in our latest design work, and new products are in great demand too. The exhibition centre in Dortmund is very advantageous as a catchment area for the model making industry. We'll gladly be back, COVID permitting.”

Maciej Radke, owner of MBR model

“We're going through a pandemic right now – it went really well with that in mind. April 2022 is therefore firmly in our diaries. And we'll certainly be making an even stronger appearance.”

Thomas Göbel, owner of Modelleisenbahnen Ankauf-Verkauf

“The visitor numbers are really surprising. The quality of the visiting public, especially, is remarkable. The consumers come from the most diverse regions and countries. They show a lot of interest and make purchases. It's not just that the Dortmund show is superbly organised, it's also worth coming back from a purely business perspective.”

Michael Krumm, Chairman of BDEF, the National Association of German Railway Friends

“We had the opportunity to meet many of our club members again and to catch up with each other after a long time. Essentially, however, it is important to us at INTERMODELLBAU 2021 to introduce young people to the world of model making with our Junior College Europe (JAC) programme. We are delighted to see the many school outings here. INTERMODELLBAU is the only large catchment area that also attracts many visitors from abroad and has thus established itself as an attractive and highly respected show. Personally, we like the wide aisles this year, which enable social distancing, and something that has especially caught our eye are the many seating opportunities for visitors. Messe Dortmund has staged the show very well indeed. We always feel very welcome at INTERMODELLBAU and will be happy to come back next year to keep the dialogue going and pursue our youth work.”

Christian Weiß, Manager at Bachmann Europe plc

“INTERMODELLBAU 2021 has run nice and smoothly despite the current circumstances. We decided to take part in this 'experiment' in the midst of the pandemic, and we are really happy with the decision to be here as an exhibitor. We especially value the direct contact with consumers that we have here. The decision to be an exhibitor at INTERMODELLBAU 2021 was certainly not easy for us, as other trade shows are also taking place at the same time. Nevertheless, we deliberately chose to come to Dortmund. This was particularly due to the many traders represented in North Rhine Westphalia and the sheer diversity of customers. Dortmund is very close to our neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, etc., so there are also lots of international visitors.”

Birgit Weinert, owner of Weinert Modellbau

“INTERMODELLBAU 2021 surprised me in a very positive way. The organisation of the show – including the security checks, etc. – was really impeccable. Visitors to the show in Dortmund were also very considerate of each other, helping ensure all COVID measures were accepted and implemented. I met a lot of interested visitors who were over the moon to be able to visit a trade show again. The same goes for me – it was great to be in attendance and get the benefit of direct contact. After experiencing the atmosphere at INTERMODELLBAU 2021, we'll be happy to come back in April!”

EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

INTERMODELLBAU – THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXHIBITION FOR MODEL MAKING AND MODEL SPORTS

Once a year, the world’s largest exhibition for model making and model sports opens its doors to everyone interested in experiencing the world scaled down to miniature proportions. Here, a huge range of exhibitors, models, layouts and products from all over the world delight experienced model builders, new enthusiasts and entire families. Whether it is aircraft, railways, boats, ships or cars – either working models or cardboard modelling – there is something for everyone. Visitors can also experience model making – literally – at first hand at Dortmund Exhibition Centre, as numerous hands-on activities, demonstrations and feature shows await them at INTERMODELLBAU.

DATE: 17 – 20 November 2021

EVENT ORGANISER: Messe Dortmund GmbH

CONCEPTUAL SPONSORS:

• Deutscher Minicar-Club e.V. (DMC)

• Deutscher Modellflieger-Verband e.V. (DMFV)

• Interessengemeinschaft Modelleisenbahnausstellungen (IGEMA)

• Modellbahnverband in Deutschland e.V. (MOBA)

• nauticus e.V. – Deutscher Dachverband für Schiffsmodellbau und Schiffsmodellsport e. V.

TARGET GROUPS:

Experienced model builders, newcomers and families

HALLS OCCUPIED:

Halls 4 to 8

EXHIBITORS:

Approx. 325 exhibitors

VISITORS:

Around 40,000 visitors

PROGRAMME ITEMS:

Railway modelling

• Over 30 demonstration layouts (Halls 4 and 7)

• Model Railway Expert Forum (Hall 4)

• Junior College Europa (JCE /BDEF) (Hall 7)

• Ride on a miniature steam locomotive (Hall 8)

Aeromodelling

• DMFV Junior Academy (Hall 5)

• Special exhibition with approx. 30 model aircraft (Hall 5)

• DMFV Flying Zeppelin (Hall 5)

• Flight simulator (Hall 5)

• Drone balls (Hall 6, DAEC/MFSD)

Model shipbuilding (Hall 5)

• Demonstration of model ships on the 500+ sqm water basin

• Sea captain's licence for children (nauticus e.V.)

• Make-your-own mini paddle steamers

• High-speed model exhibition (nauticus e.V.)

• Lighthouse exhibition (SMC Oberhausen)

• Naval painting artworks Olaf Rahardt

Vehicle modelling

• DMC Race of Champions – Race for teenagers (Hall 8)

• DMC hands-on track (Hall 8)

• Snow groomer course (Hall 6)

• Model truck and off-road courses (Halls 6 and 8)

• Military model course (Hall 8)

Other highlights

• Cardboard model making incl. workshops (Hall 8)

• Science Fiction & Fantasy Models (Halls 7 and 8)

• Fire fighting models and equipment (Halls 6)

• Police models and equipment (Halls 6 and 8)