SPIEL 2026

Event Update

SPIEL 2026 will occur as a live event between 22.10.2026 and 25.10.2026. The trade fair will be held at the Messe Essen in Essen, Germany.

SPIEL – A Brief Introduction

SPIEL has almost 40 years under its belt and within that time has risen to be a defining moment for players in the board game business, which in recent years has been in a state of revival. The international fair is based in Essen, Germany and occurs every October for four days. Edition after edition, SPIEL has not stopped growing. The edition in 2019 registered its highest-yet attendance – more than 1200 international exhibitors and 209,000 visitors in total at the modern exhibition halls of Messe Essen. That’s more than a reason enough to head on over to SPIEL.

An Industry Profile

Board games have long since evolved beyond being a simple children’s toy. Today the market is a multi-million-dollar industry with games targeting the whole family, casual players and serious gamers who want to be challenged. SPIEL reflects these tastes in its variety of product groups that include board, card, movement, children's, adult, interactive, skill, computer and digital games. They also include comic and action books, as well as original comic artwork. Attendees can also examine action figurines. The audience is definitely varied, but it is safe to say the majority consists of end consumers.

Travel 2 Fairs Takes You There

As soon as you get your tickets for SPIEL, it’s time to plan your business trip to Essen, Germany – hotel prices only go up the closer you get to October. Act fast and decisively before you’re out of options. Hire Travel 2 Fairs ltd to discover the best deals at the best prices close to Messe Essen. You combine a quick commute with low prices and great comfort. A personal travel assistant works on your case so you get results within a single day. The size of your group is also no challenge – Travel 2 Fairs is good with three-four up to over twenty people!

Past Iterations

SPIEL 2021

The 2021 edition of SPIEL took place as a hybrid event. The trade fair consisted of a face-to-face exposition and a complimentary digital platform. The edition featured around 600 exhibitors who presented more than 1000 new products. The strict Covid-19 prevention measures that were put in place at the Messe Essen included social distancing regulations. 

SPIEL 2022

SPIEL 2022 was held as a face-to-face trade fair between 04.10.2022 and 09.10.2022 in Messe Essen. The venue did not include Covid-19 safety measures due to the removal of the related pandemic restrictions. The event received 147,000 visitors (a 53% increase in visitor participation rate compared to the previous edition) and 980 exhibitors from 56 nations. The exhibitors presented over 1,800 board games. 

SPIEL 2023

SPIEL ESSEN 2023 occurred as a live trade fair between 05-08.10.2023. It took place in Messe Essen and, similar to the 2022 format, did not feature coronavirus precautions. The iteration was attended by approximately 200 000 attendants. 

SPIEL 2024

SPIEL Essen 2024 was a live trade expo that occurred between 03-06.10.2024 in Messe Essen. It presented the wares of more than 900 exhibiting firms from 52 nations. It was attended by around 200 000 visitants.

SPIEL 2025

SPIEL Essen 2025 was a live trade expo hosted in Messe Essen between 23.10.2025 and 25.10.2025. The event was held on 77 500 m2 and presented more than 1 700 novel released via around 950 exhibiting firms from 50 nations. The trade expo featured 220 000 attendants.