2024-11-18 14:30:00
Following the withdrawal of the international trade fair operator RX Global from Austria, the Vienna Trade Fair will again be operated by the City of Vienna in the future. Specifically, WSE Wiener Lageentwicklung GmbH, which is part of Wien Holding and which already owns Wiener Messe Beteiligung GmbH (MBG), will take over RX Wien GmbH.
A corresponding agreement between both sides was reached today. Together with RX Wien GmbH, the rights to the “Messe Wien” brand as well as to important public and trade fairs (holiday fair, Vienna real estate fair, Wohnen & Interieur, Intertool and Austropharm) are also acquired.
From next year, a city-owned company will once again be responsible as a “venue” or location operator for the marketing and leasing of the Vienna Trade Fair. The organization and organization of congresses and trade fairs should continue to be carried out by specialized partner companies and licensees in the tried and tested division of labor.
Significant step for Vienna’s economy
With this step, the city is underlining its commitment to Vienna as a trade fair and congress location, whose international importance is to be further expanded through the new design and development opportunities. “The Vienna Trade Fair is an important driver of our economy and contributes significantly to the international visibility of our city. We are pleased to now have more leverage to further expand Vienna’s leading position as a conference and congress destination,” said City Councilor for Economic Affairs Peter Hanke.
“With the independence gained, Vienna as a trade fair location will not only be secured in the long term. “We can therefore further develop Messe Wien in a form that best meets the city’s strategic goals and the needs of our economy,” adds Vienna Holding Director Oliver Stribl. The agreement reached ensures that the City of Vienna will be able to act more independently than before in the further development of the location.
Seamless continuation of operations ensured
“After more than 20 years of successful collaboration, it was not easy for us to say goodbye to Vienna. However, we are proud that we were able to find a solution together that ensures the greatest possible continuity for our employees, customers and partners. That was always a big concern for us,” said Ivo Sklenitzka, Managing Director of RX Wien GmbH, about the upcoming change of ownership.
The takeover ensures a seamless continuation of the existing trade fair and conference operations. All employees of RX Wien GmbH will be taken on. Provided that all the necessary resolutions and approval procedures, including a still required review by the Federal Competition Authority, go according to plan, the takeover should take effect around the turn of the year.
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What are the expected economic benefits for Vienna following RX Global’s withdrawal from the Trade Fair?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Schneider, Head of Economic Development for Vienna**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Schneider. Thank you for joining us today. Can you summarize the significance of RX Global’s withdrawal from Austria and what it means for the Vienna Trade Fair?
**Dr. Schneider:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. RX Global’s withdrawal represents a pivotal moment for Vienna. The city will regain direct control over the Trade Fair through WSE Wiener Lageentwicklung GmbH, ensuring that local interests are prioritized. This move is about not just continuity but also about growth and innovation for our trade fair landscape.
**Interviewer:** What are the primary goals for the Vienna Trade Fair moving forward under this new management structure?
**Dr. Schneider:** Our primary goals include enhancing Vienna’s reputation as a premier trade fair and congress destination. We aim to leverage the assets we’re acquiring, such as the “Messe Wien” brand and several key public and trade fairs, to enhance visitor experience and attract a broader range of international events. This will significantly strengthen our economic position.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on the role of specialized partner companies in this new arrangement?
**Dr. Schneider:** Certainly. While WSE will be responsible for the overall management and marketing of the venue, we will collaborate with specialized partner companies to carry out the organization of congresses and trade fairs. This division of labor allows us to benefit from the expertise of established industry players while maintaining a city-oriented vision.
**Interviewer:** How do you envision the long-term impact of this transition on Vienna’s economy?
**Dr. Schneider:** We see this as a significant step in boosting our local economy by attracting more global events, which in turn brings tourism, promotes local businesses, and creates jobs. With the city’s involvement, we’re confident that we can develop new opportunities and increase Vienna’s visibility on the international stage.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Schneider, thank you for your insights. It sounds like an exciting future for the Vienna Trade Fair!
**Dr. Schneider:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to what’s to come and are committed to making Vienna a leading hub for trade and congresses.