Summary
- Imaging World is moving to Cologne and will take place on 24–26 September 2027.
- The event will be called “Imaging World inspired by photokina”, but it is not a revival of photokina.
- Koelnmesse will become the organiser while RINGFOTO remains a key partner.
- PTTL covered photokina on location in Cologne in 2014 and 2018.
Event Details
Imaging World is moving to Cologne and from 2027 will take place at Koelnmesse under the new name “Imaging World inspired by photokina”, bringing a major photography and imaging event back to the city long associated with photokina.
The first edition at the new venue is scheduled for 24–26 September 2027. Koelnmesse will take over as organiser, while RINGFOTO, which created and organised the two previous editions in Nuremberg, remains a key partner.
Photokina is not returning — but its legacy is clear
Koelnmesse explicitly states that Imaging World is not a revival of photokina. It is an independent event, while drawing on the experience, international contacts and imaging heritage that photokina built in Cologne over decades.
Imaging World is built around a more contemporary creator-focused model: hands-on product testing, workshops, live formats and direct contact with manufacturers, professionals and creators. Alongside photography, its scope includes video, audio, lighting, software, printing, smartphone applications and content-production technologies.
PTTL covered photokina on location in Cologne
For PTTL, the return of a major imaging event to Cologne has particular significance. We attended photokina and covered it on location, bringing announcements, new products and developments from the show floor to the Greek photography community.
Our presence is documented as early as photokina 2014, while in 2018 PTTL returned to Cologne with coverage of press events, attendance at Sony’s press conference and a special Angle of View programme after the show discussing what we saw there. The article image comes from PTTL’s archive from photokina in Cologne.
What Imaging World will bring to Cologne
The event aims to combine product exhibition, hands-on equipment testing, creative education, community and business. Koelnmesse also says selected photowalks and community formats in the city of Cologne are planned for the future, extending part of the experience beyond the exhibition grounds.
Participating companies, the detailed programme and ticket offers for 2027 will be announced later.
What we think
The return of a major imaging event to Cologne matters, especially after the photography market changed dramatically from the photokina era. The key question is whether Imaging World can combine Cologne’s former international weight with a more modern, hands-on and open format for photographers, filmmakers and content creators.
Frequently asked questions
When will Imaging World 2027 take place?
The first Cologne edition will take place from 24 to 26 September 2027.
Is photokina returning?
No. Koelnmesse explicitly describes Imaging World as an independent format, not a relaunch of photokina.
Where will it be held?
At the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds in Cologne, Germany.
