RO-KA-TECH 2025 - A leading international trade fair sets new standards

RO-KA-TECH took place for the 17th time from May 13 to 16, 2025 - and for the tenth time on the extensive grounds of Messe Kassel GmbH. What began in 1996 as a regional trade exhibition has since developed into one of the most important leading international trade fairs for underground wastewater infrastructure. This year's edition surpassed all previous records - both in terms of exhibition space and visitor numbers.

Record numbers and international participation

320 exhibitors and co-exhibitors from 23 countries presented themselves on around 33,000 square meters of gross exhibition space - impressive proof of the continuously growing importance of the trade fair. With 20,696 trade visitors from 77 countries, RO-KA-TECH 2025 was the most successful event in its history to date. Never before has the interest been so great, never before has the reach been so international.

With these figures, the VDRK (Association of Pipe and Sewer Technology Companies) as the organizer impressively underlines the fact that Kassel has now become the global center of the sewer and pipe technology industry - at least every two years in May.

Industry platform for technology, exchange and visions for the future

The trade fair concept impressed with a clever mix of product presentation, knowledge transfer and practical demonstrations. State-of-the-art vehicle technology, innovative camera systems, powerful suction and flushing vehicles and trenchless rehabilitation methods were demonstrated live not only in the exhibition halls but also on the 5,300 m² outdoor area. More than 80 companies took advantage of the space to present technology to trade visitors up close and in an application-oriented manner - and for the first time in high-quality stand structures.

The trade fair offered space for intensive technical discussions, networking and concrete business contacts. As one exhibitor put it: “For us, RO-KA-TECH is not just a sales fair - it is the platform where the industry sets the pace.”

Digitalization meets paper tradition

Once again on board: the RO-KA-TECH trade fair app, which has been expanded to include indoor navigation and lead scanning. While the new features were used extensively, it became clear that printed trade fair maps are still popular. Visitors appreciate analogue orientation aids - a finding that the organizer will address next time with a larger print run of printed maps.

The infrastructure around the exhibition grounds was also visibly improved. Thanks to new parking lot logistics, improved signage and additional parking guidance, significantly more parking spaces were made available. In particular, the conveniently located spaces on the A49 ensured an even distribution of visitor traffic and quicker entry at both main entrances.

Challenges and learning effects

Despite the consistently positive results, new challenges also emerged in some areas. For example, the Telekom and Vodafone mobile networks were overloaded at times - an effect that had not yet occurred in this form at previous trade fairs. For 2027, the VDRK has already announced talks with the network operators to implement temporary network reinforcement during the trade fair.

International appreciation: Invitation from Saudi Arabia

A particularly noteworthy request came from a Saudi trade fair organizer who would like to organize an event based on the RO-KA-TECH model as part of an environmental congress in their own country - with a focus on wastewater infrastructure. This was arranged via Dr. Stein, a long-standing international partner of the trade fair. Even though the VDRK as an association is primarily committed to the interests of its members and does not see itself as a professional trade fair exporter, the request impressively demonstrates the global appeal of the event.

Curious side note: MT Melsungen makes way again

A small side note with local charm: Bundesliga handball club MT Melsungen, traditionally the home team of the Rothenbach-Halle, once again had to make way for the trade fair and move its home games to the Nordhessen Arena. The VDRK shows understanding for the effort and promises with a wink: “At least every two years there is an opportunity to thoroughly clean up under the stands.”

Looking ahead to 2027

The date for the next edition has already been announced: RO-KA-TECH 2027 will once again take place in Kassel from April 20 to 23. Planning has already begun - with the clear aim of not only maintaining the high level of the event, but also expanding it once again.

Summary

RO-KA-TECH 2025 was more than just a trade fair - it was a record-breaking international industry gathering, a driving force for innovation, a place for networking and an exclamation mark for the importance of modern wastewater infrastructure in a global context. Kassel can be proud to be the home of this forward-looking platform.