Over the past six decades, it has become a key event in the global electronics industry, showcasing the latest products, technologies, and innovations every two years. In 2024, the show will mark its 60th anniversary, running from 12-15 November and, for the first time, occupying all 18 exhibition halls. The event will centre on the vision of an all-electric society.
Back in 1964, a Munich newspaper ran the headline “electronica was better than its reputation” in its review of what it described as a “novelty in the German trade fair industry.” At the time, West Germany was the second-largest producer of electronic products in the Western world, second only to the United States, making it an ideal location for such a trade fair.
Launched at the behest of international companies, the first electronica in Munich in October 1964 was met with some scepticism but soon proved to be a major success. A total of 407 companies from 16 countries exhibited, with two-thirds of the participants coming from abroad, mainly from the US, followed by the UK and France. Over eight days, approximately 14,000 trade visitors descended on Munich’s old exhibition grounds at Theresienhöhe, where innovations were displayed across 4,100 square metres. A notable highlight was a model of the Syncom III communications satellite, which had been lost for five days during transit from the U.S. before being found at Munich Airport just in time for the event.
A platform for technological breakthroughs
The second electronica, held in 1966, saw the number of exhibitors nearly double to 800, with 22,000 visitors attending. A Munich newspaper hailed the event as a “spectacular success in the professional world,” noting that electronica had cemented its reputation as a must-attend event for key industry players. Since then, the trade fair has experienced continual growth, evolving into a major hub for the international electronics industry. Many groundbreaking innovations have made their debut at electronica, including the microchip, with the event marking key milestones such as the introduction of microprocessors in the 1970s, the rise of mobile communication in the 1980s and 1990s, and the advances in digitalisation and wireless internet in the 2000s.
The largest electronica yet in 2024
For six decades, electronica has provided a comprehensive market overview and showcased emerging trends.
“electronica has become an indispensable platform for all companies in the electronics industry, from key players to startups,” said Katja Stolle, Exhibition Director.
“The current booking status proves that once again, as 2024 will be the first time we fill all 18 exhibition halls, together with SEMICON Europa in two halls,” added Caroline Pannier, Deputy Exhibition Director. “That shows that electronica is more important than ever for tackling the challenges facing society at a time when electronics is shaping our everyday lives more than ever.”
