Final report of polisMOBILITY 2022

+++ Successful event premiere in Cologne +++ 140 exhibitors from nine countries +++ 40 strong partners +++ Excellent conference programme with 200 speakers +++ Outstanding response to the new, innovative discussion platform +++ Focus on dialogue and networking +++ German-Chinese Alliance for Future Mobility +++ Plenary of the Association of German Cities scheduled parallel to polisMOBILITY for 2023 +++ polisMOBILITY 2023 – 24 to 27 May +++

The inaugural edition of polisMOBILITY closed its doors on Saturday in Cologne, firmly committed to continuing to serve as a discussion platform for the mobility transition. For four days, Koelnmesse and parts of the city centre were devoted to one question: “How do we want to shape mobility in our cities and regions in the future?” The roughly 140 exhibitors from nine countries put forward very different mobility concepts in line with the sectors in which they operate. In total, polisMOBILITY drew an audience of around 15,000 visitors from 30 countries. This figure includes those who attended events at the trade fair grounds as well as those who joined the action at the event venues in Cologne’s inner city, which also attracted large numbers of young people.

The huge response demonstrates that Koelnmesse took the right approach in deciding to stage the event both at its trade fair grounds and in Cologne’s city centre. At its premiere, polisMOBILITY has already firmly established itself as the discussion and networking platform for all stakeholders in the field of future mobility. The innovative trade fair format has provided impetus for tomorrow’s mobility and fostered a dialogue between decision makers from public policy and administration, the economy and science as well as members of civil society.

The Association of German Cities (Deutscher Städtetag) acted as the event’s patron in its inaugural year. In 2023, the association’s plenary will take place in parallel with polisMOBILITY. “That is a strong signal and gives us momentum going forwards. Together with our partners, we will take polisMOBILITY to an even higher level. Both the feedback from our exhibitors and visitors and our talks with our partners already show the direction that the journey will take: We will shift to using means of transport intelligently and efficiently instead of owning them. Intermodality is the key. We have the right concept at the right time for that,” added Oliver Frese.

polisMOBILITY’s international outlook was underscored by the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the German-Chinese Alliance for Future Mobility by partners China Auto Parts and Accessories Corporation (CAPAC) and Koelnmesse GmbH as the organiser of polisMOBILITY, Müller+Busmann GmbH & Co.KG as its service partner and automotiveland.nrw e.V. as the trade association for the automotive industry in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The concept for polisMOBILITY is based on three complementary pillars: Exhibition, Exchange and Experience. The exhibition section of the event was designed to foster dialogue. The plaza area at the heart of the action invited participants to exchange ideas and network, and was complemented by interactive areas for presentations and special events. The spectrum of exhibitors ranged from global players to emerging start-ups. A high-level exchange of ideas unfolded between members of the community. The participants’ expertise was unanimously praised by exhibitors and visitors.

The polisMOBILITY conference provided a discussion forum for an open expert dialogue – a debate that encompassed all industries and sectors as it sought to shape tomorrow’s mobility in cities and regions on a human scale. Around 200 distinguished speakers made an impression on the three stages hosting the conference programme. They addressed a spectrum of issues ranging from transport and urban planning to charging, mobility services and city logistics all the way through to self-driving vehicles and alternative drive concepts.

polisMOBILITY and the City of Cologne took a conscious decision to give local citizens the opportunity to experience the latest developments in mobility at the cityHUB, where the City of Cologne provided a test track for alternative means of transport along major thoroughfares that are the lifeblood of Cologne. Unfortunately, storm warnings on two of the four days meant that visitors had only limited access to the cityHUB.

Located alongside the cityHUB on Rudolfplatz was polisCAMP, hosted by the City of Cologne with the aim of allowing all interested citizens to take part in discussion panels. Figures from research, civil society, businesses, public policy and administration – and above all interested visitors and citizens – discussed visions of urban mobility and human-scale cities and regions as a collective undertaking concerning the shaping of the future. The debates and conversations were accompanied by opportunities for visitors to experience potential solutions.

Koelnmesse stages INTERMOT and THE TIRE COLOGNE, two major international trade fairs in the mobility segment, hosted at its trade fair grounds in Cologne/Germany. From 2022 Koelnmesse will expand its portfolio with polisMOBILITY, a new hybrid event that shows how mobility in cities can and must be designed in the future. Alongside tires and wheels, THE TIRE COLOGNE focuses on equipment for motor vehicle servicing and tire fitting centres and presents a comprehensive range of products and services for tire retreading and the recycling and disposal of old tires. INTERMOT is the show for motorised two-wheelers and presents the key innovations in electromobility, accessories, clothing, parts, customizing, touring and workshop equipment. The events serve as central, international business platforms, bringing the industry together with a carefully targeted approach to showcase the latest products, developments and innovations.

Further information on the Industry Trade Fairs