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Monthly Archives: May 2025
Top Gamescom Event Venues in Cologne for B2B Meetings and Networking
May 11, 2025
Top Gamescom Event Venues in Cologne for B2B Meetings and Networking
During Gamescom, many B2B exhibitors go beyond the convention floor to host business meetings, press briefings, and networking receptions in carefully selected venues across Cologne. These off-site Gamescom event venues in Cologne offer more control over branding, atmosphere, and guest experience—especially for exhibitors with a limited presence on the show floor.
Choosing the right venue is critical. It should not only reflect the spirit of Gamescom but also align with your brand tone and logistical needs. Key considerations include proximity to Koelnmesse, guest capacity, rental conditions, and whether the space holds symbolic value within Cologne’s cultural or business landscape.
In this guide, you’ll find a curated list of trusted venues used by global brands during Gamescom. While costs vary depending on setup, season, and duration, early planning and local insight make all the difference. If you’re planning a B2B activation, these venues are worth your shortlist.
Koeln Sky
Located just steps away from Koelnmesse, Koeln Sky offers a premium rooftop space with breathtaking panoramic views of Cologne and the Rhine. This venue is renowned for hosting both high-end corporate events and private occasions, including weddings, thanks to its elegant ambiance and versatile spaces.
With a total event area of 450 square meters, Koeln Sky can accommodate up to 400 guests for standing receptions and approximately 150 guests for seated banquets, making it ideal for various event formats.
- • Type: Rooftop event venue
- • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approximately 5 minutes by car
- • Website: koelnsky.com
Flora Köln
Flora Köln is a historic botanical garden venue that offers a classical and elegant setting, perfect for upscale dinners, sponsor receptions, or formal gatherings. The venue blends traditional architecture with lush garden surroundings, making it especially attractive for evening events or brand showcases with a premium tone.
- • Type: Heritage event hall / botanical venue
- • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 8 minutes by car
- • Website: flora-koeln.de
Balloni Hallen
Balloni Hallen is a renovated industrial venue located in a former crane factory, offering a blend of character and advanced technical capabilities.
Its centerpiece is a 500 sqm multifunctional hall—fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern lighting, audio, projection systems, and full HD streaming infrastructure. This makes it an ideal location not only for product showcases and creative workshops, but also for hybrid events, live broadcasts, and streaming productions.
- • Type: Industrial-style venue
- • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 17 minutes by car
- • Website: balloni.de/hallen/
Chocolate Museum
For brands seeking a unique and memorable setting, the Chocolate Museum offers a charming riverside venue with versatile spaces.
You can host your event in the exclusive Bel Etage overlooking Cologne Cathedral, the panorama restaurant along the Rhine, or even inside the working chocolate factory for a truly immersive experience. These flexible options make the museum a popular choice for casual networking, themed press events, or VIP meetups. Due to its iconic status, this venue tends to attract strong interest, especially during Gamescom season.
- • Type: Cultural/museum space
- • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 10 minutes by car
- • Website: schokoladenmuseum.de/en/
Ludwig Museum
Ludwig Museum offers one of the most iconic event backdrops in Cologne—located directly between Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, it provides an unforgettable atmosphere that blends art, architecture, and city energy.
During the summer, the venue’s outdoor terrace becomes a true urban oasis, allowing guests to celebrate under open skies in the very heart of the city, right in the shadow of the Cathedral.
This cultural institution is ideal for press briefings, executive gatherings, and brand events seeking both sophistication and strong visual impact. The museum can accommodate up to 500 guests depending on the format, and its central location makes it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
- • Type: Museum / cultural venue
- • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 12 minutes by car
- • Website: ludwig-im-museum.de
Hilton Cologne
Hilton’s central location and professional service make it a reliable choice for corporate meetings, hospitality lounges, or sponsor events. The hotel offers a full range of services and adaptable meeting rooms for various group sizes.
- • Type: Hotel ballroom and meeting space
- • Distance from Koelnmesse: Approx. 13 minutes by car
- • Website: Hilton Cologne
If you’re preparing a networking event, media conference, or private showcase during Gamescom and want to know the expected costs or booking timelines for any of the venues above, feel free to reach out to us.
We have on-the-ground staff based in Germany to support smooth communication and coordination throughout the planning process.
📌 View our networking & conference portfolio
📩 Contact us for venue booking support and pricing inquiries
Gamescom Booth Cost FAQ for 2025 Exhibitors
May 3, 2025
One of the most frequently asked questions from companies preparing for Gamescom is, “How much does it cost to exhibit?”
Gamescom booth costs vary depending on booth type, size, application timing, and additional fees. This section provides a complete overview—from B2B/B2C booth costs to ONL sponsorship and extra fees—to help exhibitors make an informed budget plan.
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Booth costs vary by booth type (e.g., terrace, corner, island), area (㎡), and application timing. You can use the Gamescom Stand Cost Calculator to get a real-time quote.
A Terrace Stand has one open side facing an aisle:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €183.50/㎡ → approx. €1,651.50 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €163.50/㎡ → approx. €1,471.50 per booth (9㎡)
A Corner Stand has two open sides:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €190.00/㎡ → approx. €1,710.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €171.00/㎡ → approx. €1,539.00 per booth (9㎡)
A Two-corner Stand has three open sides:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €197.00/㎡ → approx. €1,773.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €177.00/㎡ → approx. €1,593.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 1,000㎡ (~111 booths): €157.50/㎡ → approx. €1,417.50 per booth (9㎡)
Above 1,001㎡: €129.50/㎡ → approx. €1,165.50 per booth (9㎡)
An Island Stand has aisles on all four sides:
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €184.00/㎡ → approx. €1,656.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 1,000㎡ (~111 booths): €163.50/㎡ → approx. €1,471.50 per booth (9㎡)
Above 1,001㎡: €135.50/㎡ → approx. €1,219.50 per booth (9㎡)
To qualify for a B2B booth at Gamescom, you must first apply for a B2C booth if your company targets end-users. The B2B booth size can be up to 1.5 times larger than your B2C booth.
The maximum B2B booth size must not exceed 1.5 times the area of your B2C booth. For example, if your B2C booth is 50㎡, your B2B booth can be up to 75㎡.
What additional costs are there besides the Gamescom booth fee?
Additional mandatory costs include:
- • Energy fee: €16 per ㎡
- • AUMA fee (German Exhibition Promotion Fund): €0.60 per ㎡
- • Gamescom now Package (Marketing Promotion Package):
- – B2C exhibitors: €975
- – B2B exhibitors: €330
❗️Please note, prices listed by Gamescom are before taxes, so expect about a 20% increase in total costs.
How much does ONL sponsorship cost at Gamescom?
Opening Night Live (ONL) is the official opening event of Gamescom and one of the most high-profile live-streamed game marketing stages globally. Sponsorship costs vary by video duration:
| Video Duration | ONL Sponsorship Cost |
|---|---|
| 30 seconds | €140,000 |
| 60 seconds | €205,000 |
| 90 seconds | €270,000 |
| 120 seconds | €335,000 |
| 150 seconds | €400,000 |
| 180 seconds | €465,000 |
ONL is not just an advertisement; it’s the moment your IP makes its first impression. High-impact trailers and smart creative planning are crucial—especially if you plan to showcase more than one title.
To apply for ONL sponsorship, exhibitors must have a B2C booth of at least 100㎡ or operate an official B2C activation (e.g., demo zone).
ONL is a pre-approved program so your game content and marketing strategy must meet Gamescom’s evaluation criteria.
Gamescom parking permit fee: €50.58 (including tax)
Exhibitors must purchase an Exhibitor Parking Permit in advance. Upon arrival, clearly display the permit on your dashboard, and the parking staff will guide you accordingly.
Gamescom service purchase page (Link)
Eidetic Marketing: Your Agency for Global Exhibitions
👉 Visit the Eidetic Gamescom Portfolio for real examples and insights.
