The debut of CeBIT in 1986

Exhibitors, visitors and Deutsche Messe thus looked forward to the CeBIT premiere with a mixture of suspense and trepidation. The moment of truth came on 12 March 1986, when 2,142 exhibitors presented their products, systems and services on a net display area in excess of 200,000 square meters. In 1986 the display category "Telecommunications" was included in the CeBIT line-up for the first time - with a "modest" 190 exhibitors.

With 334,400 visitors the first independent CeBIT got off to a very good start. Nevertheless, the debate about the split continued for a number of years. After all, it was the most momentous decision ever taken by Deutsche Messe and one of the biggest operations ever carried out in the international trade fair industry. CeBIT soon carved out a stronger and stronger position in the trade fair market, due in no small part to continuous refinements to the concept by Deutsche Messe. The major display categories became ever more clearly defined, and exhibitors took advantage of the increased space capacity to present their products at larger stands and in more than one hall.