As part of the internationalization process, the company's first foreign subsidiaries are established on three continents in 2002. One task of these subsidiaries is to attract exhibitors and visitors for the trade fairs in Cologne and provide them with the services they need. The subsidiaries also establish their own local trade fairs dealing with the same themes as the events in Cologne. Koelnmesse provides services for its customers at these events, which are held in important target markets.

The company approves the Masterplan 2010, which is aimed at ensuring a top-quality infrastructure over the long term. The Masterplan comprises all of the projects implemented by Koelnmesse to further develop and improve the quality of its exhibition grounds. The goal is to further enhance the trade fair experience for exhibitors and visitors - a crucial factor in maintaining the company's competitiveness. Furthermore, the construction of new trade fair halls is aimed at increasing capacity and flexibility, making it possible to bring even more variety into the trade fair program. A new entrance into the trade fair grounds will provide direct access to the new InterCity Express railroad terminal in Cologne-Deutz. Completed in 2002, this ICE terminal is the one used primarily by trade fair visitors from abroad.

The development of concepts for new events is the top priority. An innovative format is developed at the end of 2002 for communicate! - a conference-model trade fair that clearly focuses on small and midsized companies. In 2003, three new trade fairs celebrate their premiere: Eu'Vend - the International Trade Fair for the Vending Industry; exponatec, a fair focusing on products and services for exhibitions, galleries and museums; and aquanale, an event that showcases the worlds of pools and saunas. These are examples of the target group-oriented concepts developed by Koelnmesse in order to expand and deepen its areas of expertise.