aquanale and FSB are the definitive marketplaces for the industry. The co-located events are the hub for groundbreaking technology, product innovation, process enhancements and visionary plans. These events bring the industry together, sparking business opportunities, nurturing collaboration and facilitating partnerships that last. There's every reason this year to be a part of the fair duo and benefit from all it has to offer.
Located in Cologne, aquanale and FSB provide an easily accessible destination for professionals to meet in October 2021. Nevertheless, all aquanale and FSB exhibitors and visitors should plan their travel early to ensure that the trade fair duo is a safe and successful experience for all industry participants. The two basic rules that apply are digital and mobile: All bookings are digital-only, and all proofs must be presented on a mobile device (smartphone).
To make your arrival easier and optimally prepare for your visit, please check below what you'll need to fully enjoy the fair experiences in complete safety.
aquanale and FSB are the definitive marketplaces for the industry.
1. Professional travel:
B2B trade fairs are fundamentally different from sports events and public festivals. The focus at trade fairs lies on one-on-one conversations and establishing business contacts. The German Federal Government classifies trade fair exhibitors and visitors as "business travellers with an important reason". As a consequence, there are no longer any formal, fundamental obstacles to participating in a trade fair in Germany. Further information is available on the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community website and from AUMA , the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry.
2. Approved vaccines in Germany and in the EU:
The following vaccines are currently approved in Germany and the European Union: BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Further projects are at an advanced stage. Any individuals who have been vaccinated with another vaccine that has not been approved in the EU are additionally required to present a valid PCR test or another test taken within the last 48 hours before commencing their journey. It is also important to check the travel regulations and restrictions for Germany and Europe applicable to the country of departure, either by consulting the website of the German Embassy in the respective country or the website of the country of departure's embassy in Germany.
3. Visas:
As previously, citizens of countries subject to visa requirements who are travelling to Germany to attend, or exhibit at, a trade fair require a business travel visa. Koelnmesse can support applicants by providing an official letter of invitation. The required information can be submitted to Koelnmesse via the following pages of the respective event's website: Support with a visa application | aquanale or support with a visa application | FSB (fsb-cologne.de)
Further information on the visa application process, the requirements for issuing a visa, visa fees and application forms are available in various languages on the visa regulations page of the Federal Foreign Office.
Entrance of the show 2019
4. Exhibitor, visitor and press tickets:
All admission tickets, which are valid for one day only for tracking reasons, will be issued in digital form exclusively. Recognised digital proof of complete vaccination, testing or recovery must be provided when ordering or activating any tickets.
5. Hotel bookings:
The Koelnmesse hotel booking portal offers a range of accommodation options in all price categories and star categories. Hotels in Cologne and the wider vicinity have implemented individual hygiene protocols that are based on the same requirements. They will be happy to provide information on the hygiene measures in place in their establishments on request. The portal can be reached at: Overnight accommodation in hotels, private rooms and apartments | aquanale or Overnight accommodation in hotels, private rooms and apartments | FSB (fsb-cologne.de)
6. Arrival and transportation:
Thanks to its central and convenient location in Europe, visitors can reach Koelnmesse quickly by plane, train, car and public transport from many cities in Germany and abroad.
As a Koelnmesse partner, the Lufthansa Group is offering exclusive discounted ticket prices and special terms for participants, visitors and exhibitors. The arrival by airplane page on the aquanale and FSB websites has further recommendations: Just a few clicks will take visitors directly to the online booking platform, where discounted prices and special rates are available: https://www.aquanale.com/participation-and-planning/travel-and-accommodation/ or https://www.fsb-cologne.com/participation-and-planning/travel-and-accommodation/
The ICE railway station Köln Messe/Deutz and the excellent connections to local public transport make arriving by train from across Europe an extremely convenient option. Additional information on safe travel with Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company, during the coronavirus pandemic can be found at: bahn.com/corona. Deutsche Bahn has a special offer with discounted prices on participants' preferred routes. To book directly, click here: https://www.aquanale.com/participation-and-planning/travel-and-accommodation/arrival/arrival-by-train/ and https://www.fsb-cologne.com/participation-and-planning/travel-and-accommodation/arrival/arrival-by-train/
Ten motorways are connected to the Cologne beltway, which leads directly to the trade fair grounds without any intersections or traffic lights. Drivers should simply follow the green signs for Koelnmesse. On arriving at the trade fair grounds, they should follow the signs to the designated exhibitor and visitor car parks. The car parks have excellent connections to the entrances to the fair grounds.
The digital day admission tickets for aquanale and FSB double as travel tickets for the Rhine-Sieg public transport network (VRS). Thanks to the fair ground's outstanding infrastructure connections, trade fair visitors can use the regional express trains, suburban trains, trams and city buses free of charge to reach the Köln Messe/Deutz station and the trade fair itself quickly and conveniently.
Further questions and answers can be found at: FAQs - Frequently asked questions | aquanale and FAQs and FAQs - Frequently asked questions | FSB (fsb-cologne.de)
