Economy

The driving force behind it: How companies benefit from trade fair appearances with LEG Thüringen .

For the first time, Thuringian companies will present themselves at InnoTRANS 2026 with a joint stand. As LEG Thüringen, we support companies in taking the step to international trade trade fairs.

Published

30.09.2026

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Author

Olivia Großmann

From the first idea to the finished trade fair stand

That happened two years ago when the idea was first floated of presenting at InnoTRANS, an internationally respected leading trade fair for products and innovations in rail transport, with a Thuringian joint stand. “There was interest from Thuringian companies and industry associations. That is important for us, our work and the decision as to which Trade Fairs we ultimately include in our program in coordination with the Ministry of Economic Affairs,” said Katja Wetzel. The path there is not a one-way street, meaning: “We do not rigidly dictate to companies, research institutions or associations which Trade Fairs we attend; we respond to the needs in the Free State. We thoroughly review proposals from industry and see how they fit into our portfolio for publicizing Thuringian technologies.“

Twelve companies and institutions followed our call to Berlin in September and presented themselves with us as LEG Thüringen at InnoTRANS for the first time as part of a Thuringian joint stand. A total of 26 companies from Thuringia were present at the leading trade fair for rail transport. An independent trade fair appearance that generates the desired attention thanks to its size, design and stand location is difficult for many smaller and medium-sized companies to manage alone. „At an international leading trade fair like InnoTRANS, we are talking about around 3,000 exhibitors. Being able to keep up here in the competition for a good stand placement is usually difficult for a single small company to organize alone, especially at a premiere.“

Economic development that delivers

The Free State of Thuringia supports trade fair appearances by companies under the umbrella of a Thuringian joint stand as part of its economic development. This is economic development in action and has proven successful over many years, similar to other federal states. Katja Wetzel sums up the advantage for companies presenting at such a joint stand in our conversation: “With an almost all-round service, we make a trade fair appearance as easy as possible for our exhibitors. To this end, we take care of the complete organization, planning and implementation, so that companies essentially just come to the Thuringian joint stand and can concentrate on their customers, new Contacte and new market opportunities.“

The premiere of the Thuringian joint stand at InnoTrans shows what contribution joint trade fair appearances can make to the visibility of Thuringian companies. By taking over planning, organization and implementation as the state development company, companies can concentrate on what matters at an international trade fair: new Contacte, new business opportunities and new markets.

Briefly explained: What advantages does a Thuringian joint stand offer?

What is a Thuringian joint stand?
A Thuringian joint stand bundles several companies and institutions under a common state presentation at international trade trade fairs. The selected Trade Fairs are distinguished by their particular significance for Thuringia's growth industries and technology fields.
What advantages does a joint stand offer?
Companies benefit from lower organizational effort, a professional trade fair presence, greater visibility and joint networking opportunities. LEG Thüringen assumes the complete preparation, execution and follow-up of the trade fair participation. This includes in particular:
- the selection and securing of an attractive booth location
- the coordination with the trade fair organizer
- the organization of booth construction, equipment, and catering
- the coordination of all relevant trade fair services, such as exhibitor passes, advertising packages, etc.
- the design of your exhibitor area within the joint booth
- the organization of a Thuringia event as an accompanying networking event
For the trade fair appearance, Thuringian companies only need their company information, image material as well as details of products or services and the booking of their additional services via the LEG system.
What role does the LEG Thüringenplay?
LEG Thüringen plans, organizes and supervises joint stands on behalf of the Free State of Thuringia as an instrument of economic development. At selected leading international trade fairs in Germany and abroad, companies and institutions of the Free State of Thuringia thus have the opportunity to present themselves visibly in various growth industries and technology fields and to establish important business contacts.
In addition to established Trade Fairs, which are regularly represented in the program, new Trade Fairs are added annually. These are based on current market and technology trends as well as on suggestions and needs of companies, networks, and other actors from Thuringia. The Trade fair program is published every year on September 1st.
Why is LEG involved at InnoTrans?
InnoTrans is the world's leading trade fair for transport technology and rail transport and offers Thuringian companies access to international customers and partners.
Where can I learn more about the trade fair program of LEG Thüringen?
For 2027 and 2028, we currently have 16 international trade fairs in our program. Our trade fair page provides detailed information about the individual trade fairs and how companies can register and have their appearance funded by the Free State of Thuringia.