Traditional trade fair in Pasewalk: Surviving the crisis through new ideas!

Traditional trade fair in Pasewalk: Surviving the crisis through new ideas!

The traditional trade fair in Pasewalk is looking for new perspectives in 2025. On Saturday, the chairman of the exhibition association, Werner Hackbarth, opened the event, which looks back on a 33-year history. During this time, more than 3,000 exhibitors presented their products and welcomed an estimated 900,000 visitors. However, the last trade fair showed significant declines: the number of exhibitors fell from 120 in the previous year to just 82, which is primarily attributed to the effects of the corona pandemic and the move forward into the holiday season. Nordkurier reports that the fair is now fighting for its existence.

This development is not an isolated case. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit economies worldwide, particularly the cultural and creative industries. According to Statista, the economic damage to this sector could be up to 28 billion euros in the worst case scenario. Events were canceled, artistic projects postponed or canceled entirely. This situation has exacerbated the precarious situation of many artists and creative people and led to a 0.1 percent decline in gross domestic product in Germany.

Strong together for the traditional event

The exhibitors at the trade fair emphasize the importance of the traditional event and are calling for more support from politicians. Detlef Horn, real estate agent, and Dietmar Schulz, managing director of Dein Autozentrum Pasewalk, urgently advocate a continuation of this meeting. Anja Hapke and her team from the Asklepios Klinik Pasewalk offered health measurements during the trade fair, while Annett Zahn and Susann Mirasch from Sparkasse Uecker-Randow underlined their responsibility for the region and pointed out their long-standing participation.

Nicole Wetzel from the Heringsdorf beach chair factory reported positive experiences and new orders that she took away from the trade fair. Frank Medrow from the Darguner Brewery also sees potential in the region and has already gained customers there. The atmosphere at Cora and Nik P.'s performances was exuberant - many visitors danced and sang along. The next exhibition is planned for 2026, but the final decision depends on the results of this event.

The future of the cultural and creative industries

The challenges facing the cultural and creative industries should not be underestimated. A recent study commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education sheds light on the difficult situation in this industry. The results of this study show that systematic change is needed to save nuclear power plants in Germany and Europe. These include, among other things, creating a fair working system and promoting digital culture.

The signs are clear: the traditional trade fair in Pasewalk could be a way to initiate part of this economic renewal. With creativity and the right commitment of those involved, it may be able to bring many exhibitors and visitors together in the future.