Final report of aquanale 2023

After four days, the co-located events aquanale and FSB drew to a successful close on Friday, 27 October 2023. The two leading International Trade Fairs for Swimming Pools and Wellness and for Public Space, Sports and Leisure Facilities attracted an audience of around 25,000 trade visitors from 123 countries to Cologne. In total, 824 exhibitors from 45 countries presented pioneering products, technologies and concepts from 24 to 27 October. The trade fairs’ clear focus on sustainability caught the spirit of the times. The next editions of aquanale and FSB will be hosted in Cologne from 28 to 31 October 2025.

The excellent atmosphere in the trade fair halls was clear evidence of the tremendous response to the events, which was also reflected in the impressive figures. After a successful relaunch under challenging circumstances in 2021, this year, the trade fairs returned to the level of the strong results achieved in 2019. The co-located events attracted a total of 824 participating exhibitors from 45 countries.

As it marked its 20th edition, aquanale once again attracted almost the entire line-up of the German and international market leaders. Around 272 exhibitors from 31 countries presented new products and designs for constructing modern, sustainable and innovative swimming pool and wellness facilities. From energy efficiency and water management to digitalisation and the shortage of skilled workers, the trade fair responded to the latest topics and trends, and impressed visitors with a diverse event programme.

The event’s partners from the industry and the retail sector were also very satisfied with the trade fair. Dietmar Rogg, President of the German Federal Association for Swimming Pools and Wellness (bsw), which serves as aquanale’s conceptual sponsor, emphasised this in his verdict on the trade fair: “Once again, aquanale was a complete success. This edition is yet further proof that, every two years, Cologne becomes the place to be for the industry and a forum with international appeal. It is the only event where the full spectrum of our capabilities as an industry is presented in a unique exhibition. We’re already looking forward to supporting aquanale again in 2025 with our expertise,” said Rogg.

Central to the programme was the 10th International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum, at which issues such as sustainability, the new EU energy standard and the shortage of skilled workers were discussed. As part of the forum, aquanale’s partner country Switzerland also shared interesting insights into how it is tackling current challenges. The highlight of the first day of the trade fair was the presentation of the 2023 EUSA Awards. In cooperation with industry partner Sauna from Finland, visitors were able to learn about saunas and enjoy a first-hand introduction through workshops, tours and live sauna experiences.

With 552 exhibitors from 42 countries, FSB offered a comprehensive overview of products from the public spaces, playground equipment, outdoor fitness, sports equipment, sports flooring and stadium infrastructure segments. This year’s edition took a holistic view of the issue of sustainability and shone a light on the topic from every angle – environmental, economic and social. “As in previous years, FSB 2023 set the course for a sustainable and successful future for the industry. The quality of the conversations and discussions was again at the usual high level. This dialogue between countries and continents makes the event the place to be for all decision makers in the international sports and leisure facilities industry,” summed up Dr Stefan Kannewischer, President of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), FSB’s conceptual sponsor.

The IAKS Congress once again lived up to its reputation as the most important international forum for the planning, construction, financing and management of sports and leisure facilities. Around 500 people attended this 28th edition to learn about the latest trends and innovations. This year, the congress has adopted “Building resilient communities through sports and leisure facilities” as its motto. Further highlights of the wide-ranging event and congress programme included the 2nd German Sports Facilities Day, the plannerFORUM and SPORTNETZWERK.FSB. The IOC IPC IAKS Architecture Prizes were also awarded once again. On day three, the final event of the trade fair was the NEW LIFE Climate School Day, where participants came together to discuss climate protection and schools.