Wuppertal/ Dortmund – Every two years, the E/D/E Branchentreff spezial is a valuable platform for top decision-makers from the fittings industry. It offers them the opportunity to exchange ideas with many important partners, including those from other European countries, in the shortest possible time and to obtain a comprehensive picture of the sector at the same place at the same time.
For over 20 years, the event with its “trade fair in reverse” concept has been highly regarded by representatives from industry and trade. Every 30 minutes, E/D/E contract suppliers visit the distributors at their dialog islands. They use the time to hold personal discussions and initiate or intensify business relationships.
Around 350 participants accepted the invitation to Dortmund in 2025. The evening before, visitors had the opportunity to exchange ideas and get in the mood for the next two days. Managing Director Dr. Christoph Grote welcomed the attendees to BVB at Signal Iduna Park before making valuable contacts and discussing current prospects and developments outside of daily operations in a relaxed atmosphere and good mood. A highlight of the evening for many was the exclusive tour of the stadium, during which not only soccer fans were given fascinating insights behind the scenes of the sport.
With the positive charge from the previous evening, the next morning we went straight into the planned discussions. A special feature this year: not only were the door, window and furniture fittings, fire protection and safety engineering sectors represented at the event, but the building components sector was also keen to attend. EuroBaubeschlagHandel AG (EBH) and E/D/E cooperation partners Baubeschlag-Union (BU) were also represented with their own stand. “Market developments in recent years have led to the individual segments growing ever closer together,” says Dr. Stefan Drefke, one of the heads of E/D/E member management. “Thanks to the participation of numerous building components suppliers at the industry get-together special, members were able to discuss their key topics even more comprehensively and efficiently – all in one place.”
Good atmosphere at the E/D/E industry get-together special
The Industry Get-Together Special is a good opportunity for companies to reflect on the topics from the annual meetings in the first quarter. This allows them to make the most of the upcoming final quarter – with the aim of starting the new year in a stronger position. “Right now, the personal exchange with the manufacturers is crucial for us. The advantage of the format is that we also get to talk to suppliers that we don’t encounter so often in our daily operations. The event offers us a lot of inspiration, which is particularly valuable in view of the current challenging market situation,” says Florian Koch, Managing Director of Koch Freiburg GmbH, explaining the good atmosphere at the industry get-together special.
Stephanie Roßmar, Managing Director of B. Vomberg GmbH & Co. KG, took part in Branchentreff spezial for the first time in 2025: “I was particularly impressed by the consistency with which this event is implemented. My diary was full throughout and all participants were disciplined in sticking to the specified half-hour cycle. The discussions with the suppliers were extremely goal-oriented. This is very important, as the management team can spend two days away from daily operations. The exchange with the other distributors also proved to be valuable. In everyday life, you often move in your own orbit – so it’s helpful to get to know other perspectives.”
The ongoing digitalization of door and access systems was just one of the topics that participants discussed. The increasing customer requirements for holistic and individual solutions were also on the minds of many trade fair visitors. In addition to technical innovations, the industry representatives in attendance were also concerned about regulatory changes: the German government’s infrastructure pact has raised hopes among distributors. The KRITIS umbrella law, which defines uniform minimum standards for the physical protection of critical infrastructures throughout Germany, is also expected to open up new business prospects for many companies.
The Branchentreff spezial is much more than just a format: it is an expression of partnership in action. The intensive, personal communication between members and contract suppliers shows how important direct encounters are, especially in challenging times. The fact that around 350 decision-makers from the sector came together in Dortmund underlines the importance of this platform. “We would like to thank all participants for their valuable time and the constructive discussions, which pave the way for joint solutions and a strong future,” explains Dr. Andreas Trautwein, Chairman of the E/D/E Management Board, who also used the event to exchange views on the current market situation in close and intensive discussions with members and suppliers.
“With this year’s E/D/E Branchentreff spezial, we once again showed how important personal encounters are for our network. For two days, our partners from industry and trade were able to exchange ideas and engage in intensive discussions – in keeping with our role as an association organization. My colleagues from the Management Board also greatly appreciate the exchange,” summarizes Dr. Christoph Grote, Managing Director of E/D/E Supplier and Product Group Management.
ETRIS BANK: Factoring as an interesting financing alternative
ETRIS BANK used the event to present its extensive service portfolio to trade fair visitors. The bank focuses primarily on medium-sized customers and offers E/D/E members a particularly attractive range of banking services. “Once again, the special industry get-together provided our team with an ideal setting to engage in personal discussions with numerous customers and interested parties,” said Uwe Müller, Chairman of the Managing Director of ETRIS BANK. The discussions focused in particular on the topic of factoring – an interesting financing alternative for many companies, especially in challenging times like these. ETRIS BANK always stands by its customers as a reliable partner – with the aim of sustainably strengthening their future viability.
E/D/E Services and trademarks
In order to give participants a more comprehensive overview of the many advantages of E/D/E, the various in-house services such as the eDC Data Center, CLOUD360 and MRO Connecting Solutions were also presented at the trade fair. With Toolineo and the Fortis personal protective equipment collection, strong brands within E/D/E were also represented. The ELEMENtec specialist group, an E/D/E cooperation with EBH AG, which specializes in the holistic planning of door systems including technology such as door closers and access controls, was aimed precisely at the needs of visitors.
About the industry meeting special:
The E/D/E Branchentreff spezial takes place every two years – in 2025 at Messe Dortmund. Branchentreff spezial is one of the most important events for the fittings industry, as its concept enables members and suppliers to hold efficient and constructive discussions in a pleasant atmosphere. The networking concept is traditionally continued in two evening events, which offer participants an additional framework and thus enable a targeted exchange.
E/D/E Industry get-together special 2025: A valuable communication platform in challenging times
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Pictures: E/D/E industry meeting special on 30.09.25 and 01.10.2025 in Dortmund. Photos Jakob Studnar
