Event highlights and special events at spoga+gafa 2025

Cologne will once again be the international meeting point of the garden and BBQ industry from 24 to 26 June 2025. Exhibitors from all over the globe will present themselves to a global trade audience at spoga+gafa. In addition to the extensive product show, a diversified event programme with new stages, trendsetting special events and trusted get-togethers awaits the visitors.  

Thematic diversity on three stages 
In 2025, the lecture programme of spoga+gafa is being held in different locations of the fair grounds – each with an individual thematical focus. 
In the garden unique Bistro, a new stage will address the current furniture and decoration trends as well as the top theme "Design Gardens". The journalist and trend researcher Frank Reinhardt will talk about the furniture and decoration trends of the coming season, whilst Leif Hallerbach (Broekman+Partner) will give insights into the significance of "Design Gardens" for the industry. Following this, guided tours will offer the opportunity to experience both themes in detail on-site. 

The new Green Stage on Boulevard North brings knowledge, discussion and practice together. Among others, the programme addresses the themes: 

• "The art of outdoor living - Plants as protagonists of stylish gardens – Garden design focusing on plants, with Alexandra Lehne 

• "Point of Sale Panel – Outdoor Adventure at the POS – how to get the big boys dreaming" with Oliver Mathys 

• "The secret power of colours – Colour psychology between science, well-being and design" with Prof. Dr. Axel Buether 

• "Slow living garden - Modern self-sufficiency, biodiversity and health awareness," with Swetlana Osmers 

• "The spoga+gafa interview - Judith Rakers on stage" with Judith Rakers and Claudia Kordes (presenter) 

Once again this year, the Outdoor Kitchen World Show Kitchen offers a diversified live programme with BBQ professionals, meat sommeliers and BBQ experts. Including BBQ shows, professional impulses and thematic guided tours through the BBQ halls – focusing on current trends and culinary diversity. 

Selected programme items: 

•  The "young and wild" challenge the big boys and how "top dogs" reinvent themselves! Daily impulse lecture and guided tour with Camillo "Don Caruso" Tomanek? 

• "The King of Steaks: Cooked in three different ways" with Jack Rowbottom 

• "Fusion BBQ - ASIA meets American Classic BBQ Flavours” with Marco Greulich 

Special events: Inspiration for the trade and space 
The POS Green Solution Islands provide practical tips on how to design sales areas - seasonally decorated for the spring, summer, autumn and winter. Whether a large garden centre, DIY shop or small specialised trade: The special events offer concepts for every company size – and address the different living environments of the customers. It is enhanced by the product world "Home farming by Judith Rakers", which sets fresh impulses for a contemporary product range with a manifold selection of sustainable products for growing vegetables on a balcony, terrace or in the garden. 

The Boulevard of Trends & Ideas unites the former Outdoor Lifestyle Trend Show and Boulevard of Ideas formats. The new presentation area offers a compact overview of the new products and innovations of this year's exhibitors. 

The theme island BBQ for every wallet shows that pure BBQ enjoyment doesn't depend on the size of the wallet. Whether at beginner or high-end level: Grills in different price categories are presented here in a compact and clear manner. Every category shows an appropriate selection of different BBQ types such as charcoal, gas, pellet, electric, plancha or pizza ovens.  

Theme-based tours of the fair 
In the scope of guided tours, the participants receive a compact overview of key industry trends. After a brief impulse lecture, our experts will guide the participants to selected highlight stands - with a professional categorisation and exciting insights demonstrated directly on the product. 

The tours focus on the following main themes: 

• Furniture and decoration trends 2025/2026 

• Design Gardens 

• garden BBQ 

• POS Green Solution Islands 

Industry events 

• VDG Happy Hour powered by spoga+gafa 

The VDG is presenting itself to the industry at spoga+gafa once again in 2025. After the welcome by Director Claudia Maurer, the Happy Hour of the garden centre begins – an ideal opportunity for a personal exchange, industry discussions and new contacts. 

Tuesday, 24.06.2025 from 5:00 p.m. at the stand of the VDG (Boulevard M 010) 

• Prime BBQ Night 

The Prime BBQ Night invites guests to bring the first day to a relaxed close in the fantastic atmosphere of the Rheinterrassen in Cologne - with a view over the Rhine and Cologne Cathedral. The evening offers manifold networking opportunities within the BBQ community as well as a varied food parcours with grilled specialities. 

Tuesday, 24.06.2025, from 6:00 p.m., Rheinterrassen. Ticket required. 

• BIAG Industry Champagne Breakfast powered by spoga+gafa 

The BIAG is inviting guests to a champagne breakfast and expert exchange under the motto "Setting Standards for Unforgettable BBQ Nights". The occasion is the successful introduction of the revised norm EN 1860 – Appliances, solid fuels and firelighters for barbecuing.  

• IVG Garden Party powered by spoga+gafa 

The Garden Industry Association (IVG) is inviting guests to attend the traditional industry get-together during spoga+gafa. The perfect opportunity to engage in conversation, cultivate contacts and bring the trade fair to a pleasant close. 

Wednesday, 25.06.2025, 5:30 p.m., at the stand of the IVG (Hall 6, C22) 

• BHB Garden Summit 

A first-class programme at the half-day event offers garden market companies an informative stage for the intensive exchange of ideas and opinions. The Gourmet Barbecue traditionally brings the event to a close. 

Thursday, 26.06.2025, 2:00 p.m., Congress Centre North. It is necessary to register. 

The full event programme can be found here.