Pitch instead of slide battle: How boe international 2027 brings together founders and decision-makers in the event industry
boe international is the place where suppliers and buyers in the event industry first meet each year. In 2027, a second role will be added: an early warning system for new business models. In Hall 5, on January 20th, startups will compete against each other in pitch duels, without slides and in front of a critical jury.
By Urs Seiler || November 9, 2026
The boe international at Messe Dortmund is the industry's annual kick-off event and covers the entire supply chain from exhibition stand construction, technology and event IT to locations, catering and acts.
On the buyer side are not only agencies, but also event managers from all over the economy, from marketing, HR and procurement to corporate communications.
The start-up and innovation stage in Hall 5 also makes the trade fair an early warning system for new business models. Its real value lies in the access: decision-makers meet suppliers and learn about the next big things in the industry within just two days.
Join us as a start-up at boe international 2027
In Hall 5, startups will present their solutions for the event industry. The startup & innovation stage, under the motto "Innovation • New Business • Next Generation," offers a platform for new ideas and networking within the industry. A highlight is the Founders Fight Night, featuring head-to-head pitch duels.
From AI-powered event planning to interactive experiences
The diversity of approaches is demonstrated by companies like eBrain and The Event Cloud, which offer digital solutions for planning and organizing events. While eBrain focuses on AI-powered event management, The Event Cloud simplifies event planning for venues and their clients with a digital configurator.
Interactive experience formats are also represented: Seed works UG, for example, is bringing mobile racing simulators for events and brand launches to Dortmund with Society of Speed. GimmiSys presents LumiTap, an interactive playing field that invites collaborative games and reaction duels. Rechargy combines mobile power bank stations with digital advertising and sponsorship opportunities for event organizers. These companies are representative of the offerings in Hall 5. Other young companies are invited to present their innovative solutions and business models to a professional audience at boe international 2027.
Founders Fight Night: When start-ups enter the ring
On Wednesday, January 20, 2027, the Founders Fight Night will once again take place on the start-up & innovation stage in Hall 5. Instead of traditional presentations, selected startup teams will compete against each other in direct pitch duels. Without slideshows, they must convince the audience with their ideas and arguments. A panel of experts will ask critical questions, while the audience votes on the outcome of the duels. "I'm looking forward to boe again because it brings together two things that make for good events: a passion for new things and experience in inspiring people. I'm interested in the moment when an organizer, upon seeing a startup idea, says: 'This could change our next event,'" says Jan C. Küster of the Founders Fight Club, curator of the startup format.
TAKE OUT
January 20 – 21, 2027, boe international
January 20, 2027, boe night
January 19, 2027, BrandEx Award
TAKE OUT FOR EXHIBITORS
BOE INTERNATIONAL – INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR FOR INNOVATIVE EVENT SOLUTIONS
boe international is the leading international trade fair for the event and trade fair industry, kicking off the event season every January. Under the motto "People. Events. Innovations.", this leading trade fair in Dortmund showcases the future of events. boe brings together exhibitors from the fields of exhibition stand construction, equipment, technology, and event IT, as well as venues, catering, and performers, with trade visitors, agencies, companies, and strategic decision-makers from marketing, HR, and procurement. At the same time, boe is aimed at event managers from across the economy – from office managers to corporate communications – who organize events such as anniversaries, trade fairs, or employee events and are looking for reliable partners and creative solutions. In addition to practical insights and networking opportunities, the leading trade fair offers a supporting program with lectures, panels, and side events. Talented individuals and students also use it as a career platform and springboard into the industry. The professional sponsor of the trade fair is the fwd: German Association of the Event Industry (Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e. V.).
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