Getting to Cologne and Confex

Due to Koelnmesse’s central and convenient location in Europe, visitors can reach Koelnmesse quickly by car, train, airplane and public transport from many cities in Germany and abroad.

By Air

Cologne-Bonn Airport makes Koelnmesse easy and convenient to reach by air from all of Europe’s major cities. Around 30 airlines connect the Airport to over 130 domestic and international destinations in 39 countries. The airport is located approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) east of Central Cologne and within easy reach of the city centre. Centrally located between Terminals 1 and 2 is the underground train station Köln/Bonn Airport.

By Train

You can reach Cologne quickly, comfortably and in an environmentally friendly manner from major German and European cities. Highlights of the service include the international high-speed trains that connect Cologne Central Station with London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Koelnmesse can be quickly reached by trains from many cities in Germany and abroad. In addition, the Köln Messe/Deutz station for high-speed trains is located directly next to the exhibition grounds.

By Car

Ten motorways are linked with the motorway ring around Cologne. This leads you directly to the fair grounds without being held up by crossroads or traffic lights.

Entry Regulations

Germany is part of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. EU citizens do not require a visa to visit Germany for any amount of time, but they will need to carry a valid passport or national identity card.

You can find here the overview of visa requirements and exemptions for entry onto the Federal Republic of Germany. Additional information regarding the visa application procedure, requirements for the issue and application forms in different languages are available at the website "visa regulations" of the German Foreign Office.


How to reach the congress venue Confex

Confex

The UFI Congress venue Confex is embedded in the southwest section of the Koelnmesse grounds and is located right next to the ICE train station Köln Messe / Deutz.
Address: 
Confex
Barmer Straße, Gate H
50679 Cologne

Transport 
From the central station/cathedral:
Railway lines S6, S11, S12 or S13 (towards Köln-Nippes, Neuss or Worringen) to the “Köln Messe / Deutz” station. 
From there it is about a 2-minute walk to Confex.

From Cologne/Bonn Airport:
Railway line S19 (towards Düren) to the “Köln Messe / Deutz” station.
From there it is about a 2-minute walk to Confex. 

Arriving by car:
There are plenty of parking spaces within walking distance of Confex. 
Please enter via Gate H (Barmer Straße) to reach the onsite parking area. 


Click on the map to open full screen:

Registration Area and Opening Times

The UFI Registration Desk will be located at Confex on the ground floor and will be open at the following times:

Tuesday, 19 November: 15:00-17:30
Wednesday, 20 November: 8:00-17:30
Thursday, 21 November: 8:00-17:30
Friday, 22 November: 8:00-16:00

Be sure to bring your personal QR code, available in your profile on the UFI Events app to print your badge.

Transport from hotels to the venue Confex:
Private buses will be available each day from the official hotels (Hyatt, Radisson, and Dorint) to the congress venue, Confex and back to the hotels.

Download the bus schedule below:
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE
GET PDF FILE: "HOW TO PRINT YOUR BADGE"

Speed Matchmaking

Wednesday, 20 November at 11:00 am

Join our Speed Matchmaking session and have 6 one-to-one meetings with potential business partners before the start of the main Congress.

Powered by Expoplatform, for this session you do not need to register in advance, you just show up on the day at 10:45 to register and check-in.
Session starts at 11:00 sharp!

Meet Lionel the Robot

Social activities, dress code and meeting points

🎉 Welcome Reception

Date and time: 19:30-22:00 on Wednesday, November 20
Dress Code: Business Casual
Venue: Gaffel am Dom
Address: Bahnhofsvorpl. 1, 50667 Cologne, Germany

Transport:
Private buses will be available from the congress venue, Confex, and from the official hotels (Hyatt, Radisson, and Dorint) to Gaffel am Dom, and back to the hotels.

Download the bus schedule below:
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

🏃 UFI Sports Club

Take your sports gear and join us for the UFI Running Club in Cologne!

Date and Time: 6:30-07:45 on Thursday, November 21
UFI T-shirts will be provided

Running
Meeting point at 6:30 am in the the official hotels lobby - Radisson and Dorint.
Meeting point at 6:45 am in the official hotel lobby - Hyatt.

🍽️ Congress Dinner Programme

Date and time: 18:30-23:00 on Thursday, November 21
Dress Code: Business Casual – Make sure to bring a warm jacket

Venues: 
  • Exclusive Concert at the Cologne Cathedral 
  • Dinner at Flora Köln
Meeting Point: Meet in the lobby of each official hotel (Hyatt, Radisson, Dorint) at 18:30.

Transport:
Private buses will be available from the congress venue, Confex, and from the official hotels (Hyatt, Radisson, and Dorint) to the Cathedral, and back to the hotels from Flora.
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

🏢 Exclusive Venue Tour by Architect JSDW

We are thrilled to offer UFI delegates an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Confex Venue, led by its renowned architect, JSDW. This special tour will not only showcase the iconic design and architectural features that make Confex unique but will also provide an in-depth look into the venue's back-office operations. Join us for a rare opportunity to experience the thought and innovation that shape Confex from the inside out.

Time and Date: 
Thursday 21 November: 17:30-18:00
Friday 22 November: 16:00-16:30

🦁 Koelnmesse Sustainability Safari Tour

Join us for the Koelnmesse Sustainability Safari Tour, a guided visit through the halls of Koelnmesse that highlights the venue’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Time and Date:
Friday 22 November: 16:00-17:00

📷 Post-Congress Tours

Date and time: 9:00-12:00 on Saturday, November 23

For each tour, meet the guide in the lobby of each official hotel (Hyatt, Radisson, and Dorint) at 9:00 am.

Each tour will conclude with a group lunch at 12:00 at Rheinterrassen Köln.

Participants joining the post-congress tours may bring their luggage on the buses. Shuttles to the 3 official hotels (Hyatt, Radisson, and Dorint) and to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf) will be provided at 14:00.

Dress Code: Casual – comfortable shoes.

Tour 1 - Discover the historic old town of Cologne
Tour 2 - Sticky and Sweet – The Chocolate Museum
Tour 3 - Footsteps of the ancient Romans
Click here for more details. 

Please contact the UFI team at events@ufi.org with your tour preferences and the names of participants. 
DOWNLOAD BUS SCHEDULE

🎄Christmas Markets in Cologne

Experience the magic of Cologne’s Christmas markets! From the stunning Cathedral backdrop to the cozy, festive stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and holiday treats. This year, the Christmas markets open on November 18th! More info at Christmas Markets in Cologne.

🌤️ Weather Forecast

In mid-November, Cologne typically experiences cool and humid weather, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Rain is common, so it’s advisable to have an umbrella handy. Overcast skies are frequent, making for a cozy autumn atmosphere.

📱 Social Media

Twitter: @UFIlive
UFI Congress Hashtag: #uficongress
YouTube: www.ufi.tv
 

Swapcard Table Tennis Tournament

The Swapcard Table Tennis Tournament is back for its fourth year at the UFI event.
Find a partner and sign up with a Swapcard team member onsite.

Download the UFI Events App

Get the event photos live and network with your colleagues and peers attending the event.
The UFI Events app is the easiest way to stay informed about this year's event. Stay up to date with programming, sessions and social activities. Use it to make new connections and network with colleagues and industry peers.

When you download the event app, follow these steps:
1. Enter your email address, the one you used to register for the event
2. You will then receive a code by email
3. Submit it in the dedicated box
4. Select the 91st UFI Global Congress event
5. ENJOY!

If you previously installed the UFI Events App for another event, please click "Switch Event" and select the 91st UFI Global Congress event. 
Download for iOS and Android
DOWNLOAD PDF