End of an Era for Hannover's CEBIT Computer Show
CeBIT, the annual computer show in Germany, is scrapped, after having drawn tech enthusiasts to Hannover for more than three decades.
Deutsche Messe announced on Wednesday that it is streamlining its event portfolio: it will integrate CEBIT's industry-related topics into HANNOVER MESSE while also developing additional CEBIT topics into specialist events for decision-makers from vertical industries. The realignment is due to reduced space bookings for CEBIT 2019.
Technological developments within the digital economy have reduced demand for horizontal tradeshows such as CEBIT in recent years. As such, many of CEBIT's traditional core exhibitors have turned to events targeting these industries to generate new business.
The event began in 1986 and was once billed as the biggest computer show in the world, drawing around 800,000 visitors at its peak around the turn of the century.
The latest CEBIT concept consisted of an exhibition, conference and festival. The fair attracted 120,000 visitors. Most large technology companies prefer to launch new consumer products at CES in Las Vegas or the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.