Start-ups and innovation take centre stage at boe international 2027

AI-powered event planning, interactive experiences and innovative business models: On 20 and 21 January 2027 in Dortmund, boe international will bring start-ups together with trade visitors and decision-makers from the events industry. In Hall 5, start-ups will present their solutions for the events sector. Under the theme ‘Innovation • New Business • Next Generation’, the start-up & innovation stage offers a platform for new ideas and dialogue with the industry. One highlight will once again be the Founders Fight Night, featuring head-to-head pitch battles.

Dortmund, 4 November 2026 – Following the successful launch of the start-up focus at boe international 2026, the collaboration with the Founders Fight Club will continue at the upcoming edition. On the start-up & innovation stage in Hall 5, the focus will be on creative products, practical tools, innovative services and new business models, as well as the next generation of the events industry. Event agencies, organisers, venue operators and professionals from marketing, communications and HR will have the opportunity to discover new approaches and engage directly with the people behind the ideas.

From AI-powered event planning to interactive experiences

The diversity of these approaches is demonstrated, amongst others, by eBrain and The Event Cloud, which offer digital solutions for the planning and organisation of events. Whilst eBrain focuses on AI-powered event management, The Event Cloud uses a digital configurator to simplify event planning for venues and their clients.

Interactive experience formats are also represented: seed works UG, for example, is bringing mobile racing simulators to Dortmund for events and brand presentations through its ‘Society of Speed’ initiative. GimmiSys is presenting LumiTap, an interactive playing field that invites participants to play games together and take part in reaction duels. Rechargy combines mobile power bank stations with digital advertising and sponsorship opportunities for event organisers.

The companies mentioned are just a few examples of what’s on offer in Hall 5. Other young companies are invited to present their innovative solutions and business models to a specialist audience at boe international 2027.

Founders Fight Night: When start-ups step into the ring

On Wednesday, 20 January 2027, Founders Fight Night will once again feature on the programme at the start-up & innovation stage in Hall 5. Instead of traditional presentations, selected start-up teams will compete against one another in direct pitch duels. Without a slide show, they must convince the audience with their ideas and arguments. A panel of industry experts will ask critical questions, whilst the audience votes on the outcome of the duels. “I’m looking forward to boe again because it brings together two things that great events need: a thirst for something new and the experience of inspiring people. I’m fascinated by the moment when an organiser looks at a start-up idea and says: ‘This could transform our next event,’ says Jan C. Küster from the Founders Fight Club, curator of the start-up format.

Take part as a start-up at boe international 2027

Interested start-ups can still register to take part in the trade fair. Messe Dortmund is offering a special participation package for this purpose. The number of packages available is limited.

• Special participation package for start-ups: Start-up Area 2027 – Registration and terms and conditions

• Contact: [email protected] | [email protected]

Companies offering innovative solutions for the events and trade fair industry can find the terms and conditions of participation and registration documents on the boe international website.

• Information and registration: www.boe-international.de/informationen-aussteller

• Tickets for boe international 2027: shop.boe-international.de