Miniature model enthusiasts of all ages flocked to Messe Dortmund exhibition centre for four days to attend INTERMODELLBAU, the world's largest model building and model sports show, between 20 and 23 April 2023. The wide range of demonstrations, technical talks, action shows and tens of thousands of models covering all segments of the market served as a source of great inspiration to experienced modellers and newcomers, and provided superb entertainment for the whole family. An international audience, opportunities to talk shop with other industry representatives, engaging face-to-face with one's target audience and a public that was keen to make purchases all ensured an up-beat, exuberant mood among those taking part.

Dortmund, 24 April 2023 – 'INTERMODELLBAU's finally back!' – was likely the thought on the minds of everyone at this year's show. “INTERMODELLBAU packages inspiration, information, interaction and experience into one show and has been doing this for over 40 years,” emphasised Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Messe Dortmund. “The show is a permanent fixture in Dortmund. It offers a cross-generational programme including opportunities for young people and for skills training, and looking at the sheer diversity of what's on offer here, it's one-of-a-kind worldwide. We want to build on this again next year – as the place where the model making scene gets together,” she continued. Wieland Viessmann, Managing Director of Viessmann Modelltechnik was also keen to stress the show's importance: “INTERMODELLBAU in Dortmund is the most important show that's open to the general public. It connects a trade audience with the public at large and helps us and other companies spread the enthusiasm for model making to society in general. As this is something we can only achieve in partnership, we also appreciate the presence of the other companies and associations.”

Engaging face-to-face, meeting others and enjoying live experiences

According to a survey conducted during the show by an independent market institute, visitors always enjoy coming to INTERMODELLBAU because they discover ideas for their own projects as well as learning about new products and obtaining information on specific products. This enables manufacturers and dealers to talk directly to their target audience and find out first-hand how their products are being received, said Andreas Bittlinger, Director of Marketing at the Carrera Revell Group. “We're not just here to sell, we're also here to enjoy the direct contact with customers and the proximity to our potential target audience. Being from North Rhine Westphalia ourselves, we have the most important show right here on our doorstep.”

This kind of person-to-person market research really does have its rewards because, naturally, people also come to the show with the aim of acquiring new products and the latest go-to offerings. Suppliers such as NMJ were able to see for themselves that there is a great willingness to buy: “For over 20 years, INTERMODELLBAU has been the premier show for our company, and this year we succeeded in making record sales on the very first day,” said Finn G. Moe, owner of NMJ. “Equally, of course, it's delightful to see the beaming faces of visitors as they enter the hall.”

The Roco and Fleischmann brands are completely delighted with the atmosphere at this year's INTERMODELLBAU: “We were already wondering on Day 1 whether any year had ever gone as well as this one,” said Thomas Neumann, Regional Sales Manager for Germany/Austria/Switzerland & Eastern Europe at Modelleisenbahn GmbH. “Levels of interest, eagerness to buy and the mood among the visitors were fantastic.” Many manufacturers are not in direct contact with end customers every day – but INTERMODELLBAU gives them important information for their business: “So we're delighted to be engaging face-to-face, presenting our innovations and getting direct feedback,” said Neumann. “We were also surprised to see how diverse and international the audience was. We'll definitely be back next year.”

And no wonder either, given the quality of visitors from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the BeNeLux countries, the UK, France, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and even New Zealand who, together with the international exhibitors, created a highly diverse gathering of the model making scene in the exhibition halls.

Entire world of model making united at one show

Railway modelling proved especially popular this year. Visitors were also very interested in plastic and cardboard modelling, car, ship and remote-controlled vehicle modelling as well as aeromodelling. In addition, many took the opportunity to stock up on model making materials, accessories and tools. The entire range of offerings, including all innovations and the latest trending products, was rated 'good' overall (equivalent to a 'B' school rating).

Once again, the programme was also a big hit with visitors. The enjoyable demonstrations, exhibitions and action shows were welcome stops on people's shopping rounds and a must for nearly every visitor to INTERMODELLBAU. New programme items were also very well received, with the LEGO® fan exhibition, for example, enjoying great popularity, and the new IGEMA interactive area also proving a popular place to head for. Families and school classes were able to let off steam in the new creative area for big & small organised by Faller, Märklin and others.

Among the traditional programme highlights, hardly anyone could miss the attractions in the water basin, at the RC car racing days, in the model railway demonstration layouts and the demos by working model makers, as well as the air displays and the ride-on track created by the NRW Steam Model Railway Enthusiasts. The entire programme was given a rating of 'good' (= 'B'), with the highest rating going to the steam model railway ride through the exhibition hall.

Looking forward to seeing each other again in 2024

“We're already looking forward to being back in 2024,” said people like Eric-Michael Peschel, Head of Event Marketing at Märklin & Cie.. Asked why, he continued: “The halls were full from morning till evening right from Day 1, the audience covered all age groups, and the footcount was unparalleled.” Another reason for exhibitors to come back is the “high-quality, international and diverse audience”, said Thorsten Rechthaler, Managing Director of aero-naut Modellbau. The company has exhibited at INTERMODELLBAU since the very beginning and is always happy to be here. This is a view shared by around 93% of suppliers, who have made firm plans to attend INTERMODELLBAU 2024.

Local enthusiasts LEGO® Modellbaufans Rheinland have also announced they will be back next year with an exhibition set: “We've also already begun planning what we're going to present next year,” said Jörg Brormann, Chairman of the association.

Like the exhibitors, the visitors also remain loyal to the show, with around 88% planning to visit the world's largest model making and model sports show again in 2024.

The next INTERMODELLBAU will be held at Messe Dortmund again from 18 to 21 April 2024.

EXHIBITION AT A GLANCE

INTERMODELLBAU – WORLD’S LARGEST EXHIBITION FOR MODEL MAKING AND MODEL SPORTS

Once a year, the world’s largest exhibition for model making and model sports opens its doors to everyone interested in experiencing the world scaled down to miniature proportions. Here, a huge range of exhibitors, models, layouts and products from all over the world delight experienced model builders, new enthusiasts as well as the entire families. Whether it is aircraft, railways, boats, ships or cars – either working models or cardboard modelling – there is something for everyone. Visitors can also experience model making – literally – at first hand at Dortmund Exhibition Centre, as numerous hands-on activities, demonstrations and feature shows await them at INTERMODELLBAU.

DATE:

20 – 23 April 2023

NEXT DATE:

18 – 21 April 2024

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

CONCEPTUAL SPONSORS:

• Deutscher Minicar Club e.V. (DMC)

• Deutscher Modellflieger Verband e.V. (DMFV)

• Interessengemeinschaft Modelleisenbahnausstellungen (IGEMA)

• Modellbahnverband in Deutschland e.V. (MOBA)

• nauticus e.V. – Deutscher Dachverband für Schiffsmodellbau und Schiffsmodellsport e. V.

TARGET GROUPS:

Experienced model builders, newcomers and families

HALLS OCCUPIED:

Halls 3 to 7

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS 2023:

intermodellbau.de/en-gb/programm-highlights

PROGRAMME (selected items):

Railway modelling

• Over 30 demonstration layouts (Halls 4 and 7)

• Model railway seminar area (Hall 4)

• IGEMA interactive area (Hall 4)

• Creative area for young & old powered by Faller & Märklin (Hall 4)

• Junior College Europa (BDEF, Hall 7)

• Rides on a miniature steam locomotive (Hall 6)

Model shipbuilding (Hall 3)

• Model ship demonstration in the 23 x 23 sqm water basin

• Sea captain's licence for children (nauticus e.V.)

• Making mini boats (nauticus e.V.)

• Exceptional models

o Miniature models in 1:1250 (Miniaturschiffe Weiß & IG 1250)

o Offshore wind power assembly platform (European Offshore Scale Models)

o 7-metre tender Tünnes

o Historic naval vessels and winning models (Hungarian Association of Shipmodel)

VISITOR NUMBERS:

Approx. 60,000 visitors

EXHIBITORS:

Approx. 355 exhibitors from 17 countries

o 40 submarines (IG SONAR)

• Naming ceremonies for sailing vessel and offshore platform

• Naval painting artworks by Olaf Rahardt

Vehicle modelling

• Working model demonstration layouts with cars, trucks and off-road course (Halls 5 & 6)

• RC-CAR race days (DMC, Hall 5)

• Race of Champions for school classes (Hall 5, DMC)

• Hands-on mini race track (Hall 5, DMC)

• RC DRIFT CAVE 59 (Hall 5)

• Scaler action course and hands-on area (Hall 6)

• Children's RC truck driver's licence (Hall 6, mini-Truck-Club Recklinghausen)

• Snow groomer course (Hall 6)

Aeromodelling (Hall 3)

• Special exhibition with approx. 25 model aircraft

• Spectacular air shows

• JUMP! with flight simulator (young model flyers, DMFV)

• Throw-glider making for children (DMFV)

• Drone Race (Aircrasher)

• Drone Soccer (MFSD)

• Tello Drohnen (MFSD)

Other highlights

• LEGO® fan exhibition (MBFR, Hall 7)

• Mad Metal Machines (German-Roboteers-Association, Hall 3)

o Robot battles (Sat & Sun)

o Robot control (Thurs – Sun)

• Cardboard model making (Hall 5)

• Science Fiction & Fantasy Models (Halls 5 and 6)

• Fire fighting models & layouts (Hall 6)

• Police models & layouts (Hall 6)

• Funfair and circus model making (Hall 6)

Further infos The 2023 show in pictures Programme for 2023

INTERMODELLBAU – what partners and exhibitors had to say

Marcel Möcking, Trade Fair and Event Manager at the German Model Aviation Association (DMFV)

“The focus of our presence at the show is to make contact with our members and with future model flyers. The visitors to INTERMODELLBAU showed a lot of curiosity and interest and had very specific questions about our work, which of course we were happy to answer. Our youth section JUMP! is also getting an opportunity to introduce young people to model flying.”

Monika Geistmann, Chair of Minicar Club Dortmund which is affiliated to the German Minicar Club (DMC)

“INTERMODELLBAU has a special significance because for us it signals the start of the outdoor season and preparation for the championships. Our target audience is everyone who loves mini model cars. We have members of all ages and a variety of different sections and interests within the community. Also, our umbrella organisation, the German Minicar Club, is active throughout Germany and can pinpoint the right point of contact for every interest. The many different target audiences which INTERMODELLBAU addresses, and the large catchment area are of course a perfect mix when it comes to inspiring new members to get involved in model sports and become members.”

Jürgen Wiethäuper, Chairman of the German Model Railway Association (MOBA)

“The mood at INTERMODELLBAU has been upbeat throughout. After Covid, the visitors have had a lot of catching up to do. The pleasure at getting going again is written all over their faces. Sure, the show is about partnerships and association activities, but it's more than that for us because we're passionate about INTERMODELLBAU and we want to develop things further, inspiring people anew for model making and showing them the many facets of this fascinating hobby.”

Dieter Matysik, Senior President of nauticus – German umbrella organisation for model shipbuilding and model marine sports

“Following the pause made necessary by Covid, INTERMODELLBAU 2023 is like a new beginning and has been a resounding success. People want to have fun again and enjoy the wonderful attractions that our national and international exhibitors bring along. The success is plain to see in the happy faces of visitors of all ages.”

Thorsten Rechthaler, Managing Director of aero-naut Modellbau

“Things went swimmingly again this year. The combination of model ship builders and aeromodellers in one hall was in particular ideal for us. Also, the quality of the surrounding exhibitors and exhibitions is just brilliant. We've been part of INTERMODELLBAU since the very beginning and always enjoy coming back. Here we encounter a high-quality, international and diverse audience that includes modelling experts stocking up on specialist items as well as prospective customers, beginners and families who like using our model-making kits.”

Andreas Bittlinger, Marketing Director at Carrera Revell Group

“We have been exhibitors for many years and are pleased that INTERMODELLBAU has now got off to such a good start again. “We're not just here to sell, we're also here to enjoy the direct contact with customers and the proximity to our potential target audience. Being from North Rhine Westphalia ourselves, we have the most important show right here on our doorstep.”

Jörg Brormann, Chairman of enthusiasts' club LEGO® Modellbaufans Rheinland

“We decided to come again right on the first day of INTERMODELLBAU. The support from the trade show team has been great, and our enquiries were always addressed right away. We're not used to this level of commitment at other events. We've also already begun planning what we're going to present next year.”

Dirk Weber, Salesperson at Lenz Electronics

“The organisational aspects have been great. We're very satisfied with the number of visitors and have been able to reach not just our German audience, but international visitors too. All in all, INTERMODELLBAU 2023 has been a great event.”

Eric-Michael Peschel, Head of Event Marketing at Gebr. Märklin & Cie.

“The halls were full from morning till evening right from Day 1, the audience covered all age groups, and the footcount was unparalleled. “We're already looking forward to being back in 2024.”

Marcus Berlinski, owner of Modellbau Berlinski

“INTERMODELLBAU has gone really well. The organisational work by the exhibition centre and the collaborations went flawlessly, and the mood among visitors has been great. We wanted to use the show to re-establish personal contact with our customers, to promote ourselves to dealers and, of course, to make direct sales. Our expectations have definitely been met, and we'll be happy to come back.”

Thomas Neumann, Regional Sales Manager for Germany/Austria/Switzerland & Eastern Europe at Roco Modelleisenbahn / Fleischmann Modelleisenbahn

“We were already wondering on Day 1 whether any year had ever gone as well as this one. Levels of interest, eagerness to buy and the mood among the visitors were fantastic. As we don't have a sales function of our own, we have little contact with the end customer. So we're delighted to be engaging face-to-face, presenting our innovations and getting direct feedback. We were also surprised to see how diverse and international the audience was. We'll definitely be back next year.”

Max Krüger, Head of Model Flight Operations at the German Model Leisure Aircraft Association (MFSD)

“Our presence at INTERMODELLBAU goes back a long way, and we're always happy to be here. The show comprises exciting technology, highly varied shows and lots of opportunities to try things out. In this way, it also attracts a younger audience in particular. This is ideal for our attendance – focusing, as it does, on youth activities and tomorrow's aviators.

Nico Bosch, Exhibition & Equipment Manager at NOCH

“INTERMODELLBAU is the most important and the best ultimate consumer show for us. Dortmund is also important to us, as an international location. We're happy to be here again, and to be able to take part. Dortmund's definitely worth the trip.”

Finn Gunnar Moe, owner of NMJ – Norsk Modelljernbane AS

“For over 20 years, INTERMODELLBAU has been the premier show for our company, and this year we succeeded in making record sales on the very first day. Equally, of course, it's delightful to see the beaming faces of visitors as they enter the hall. We decided straight away to come back and would also like the same stand location.”

Uwe Hoffmann of Customer Service at Tillig Modellbahnen

“We've been satisfied regulars at INTERMODELLBAU for many years now. We've had varied and interesting discussions with the visitors and have succeeded in acquiring new customers across Germany and beyond.”



Wieland Viessmann, Managing Director of Viessmann Modelltechnik

“INTERMODELLBAU in Dortmund is the most important show that's open to the general public. It connects a trade audience with the public at large and helps us and other companies spread the enthusiasm for model making to society in general. As this is something we can only achieve in partnership, we also appreciate the presence of the other companies and associations.”