WHERE ENCOUNTERS BECOME ECONOMIC POWER
What does her office look like? It’s impossible to answer that question, because Maria Kofidou doesn’t have one. “Each and every one of us clears their desk every day and moves to a different room,” she explains. What was initially met with scepticism is now part of a management culture based on flexibility, trust and responsibility. Maria Kofidou likes to break new ground, viewing change as an opportunity and combining modern leadership with an entrepreneurial vision for the future of Düsseldorf Congress.
Congratulations, Maria Kofidou – your contract as Managing Director of Düsseldorf Congress has been extended early by the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf until 2031. Where do you see the greatest challenges in the future?
We manage Düsseldorf Congress in a consistently entrepreneurial and economically responsible manner, with a clear focus on the market. Competition among conference and event venues is intensifying, with many cities investing in modern infrastructure and strengthening their international positioning. Düsseldorf has a great deal to offer in this regard, including a strong trade fair centre, the CCD Süd and the CCD Stadthalle, short distances, proximity to the airport, an international business environment and a large-scale event infrastructure. Our task is to make these strengths more visible, tap into new markets and further develop the location in the long term.
As a subsidiary of the city and the trade fair organisation, Düsseldorf Congress plays a key role in the city’s congress and events sector. Your work makes a significant economic contribution to the city. You are responsible for the company’s turnover, results and strategy. Could you describe your role in more detail?
Three pillars define our business: Firstly, we operate the CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf for congresses, conferences, corporate events and events held in conjunction with major trade fairs. Secondly, we organise general meetings and staff meetings, as well as specialist events with accompanying exhibitions. Thirdly, on days when there are no trade fairs, we market the event spaces at the exhibition centre. This enables us to organise a variety of formats: from community events and TV productions to special events with specific security or logistical requirements – such as, the annual DoKomi, Germany’s largest anime and Japan convention, which most recently attracted 230,000 visitors. In 2025, there were 876 events spread over 249 days. from community events and TV productions to special events with specific security or logistical requirements – such as, the annual DoKomi, Germany’s largest anime and Japan convention, which most recently attracted 215,000 visitors. In 2025, there were 876 events spread over 249 days.
What appeals to you about your role as Managing Director?
I want to promote Düsseldorf Congress internationally as a platform for exchange, knowledge and networking, and bring formats to the city that suit the location’s strengths. Our goal is to collaborate closely with Messe Düsseldorf, the Economic Development Agency and the Convention Bureau to showcase Düsseldorf Congress as a driver for economic growth the city. One focus is on the health economy: Düsseldorf brings to the table leading trade fairs in this field, as well as medical expertise, a network of clinics, science and business, as well as experience with high-calibre specialist formats. A the same time, we emphasise bringing knowledge and future-oriented topics back to the city. With AI education formats such as the Smart Lab series, we are creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and a dialogue between business, science and urban society – even outside the congress centre. This creates spaces where topics are not merely discussed, but continue to have an impact.
„Our task is to bring people together, create the right conditions and ensure that these encounters have a lasting impact“
ABOUT MARIA KOFIDOU
Maria Kofidou has been Managing Director of Düsseldorf Congress GmbH since 2019. The head of 60 staff runs the CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf and markets the exhibition centre’s event spaces for congresses, corporate events, community formats and major international events. With a total area of over 300,000 square metres and capacity for events of up to 100,000 visitors, Düsseldorf Congress is one of Europe’s leading event and congress platforms. Born near Thessaloniki, the business graduate and mother of an adult son moved to Germany with her family in 1970. She has lived in Düsseldorf for more than 30 years.
You are committed to ensuring that women empower one another and take on responsibility. As one of four initiators, you launched the first cross-network B2B event for women.
Networks represent economic power and are a strategic lever. With the Female Network Festival Düsseldorf, we have demonstrated the potential that arises when women in leadership roles come together across industries. The 1,000 participants at the first festival speak for themselves. Our aim is to expand this platform: as a place for exchange, visibility and new connections – for women who take on responsibility, and for a location that sees diversity as a strength.
Good HR and leadership work is crucial for corporate development. Where do you place your priorities?
As a leader, power is not my focus. What matters to me is recognising talent, supporting people and entrusting them with responsibility. Especially in our business, we need teams that think independently, make quick decisions and find solutions together. Good leadership creates clarity, trust and space for development.
You are seen by many as a role model because you come across as spirited yet level-headed, rational, assertive and empathetic. Are there situations that keep you awake at night?
No.
How do you keep yourself fit for the job?
I make sure I have a good work-life balance. Exercise, culture and spending time with close friends and family help me clear my head.
Are you more German or more Greek?
Both. I don’t feel half German and half Greek, but fully both.
What does Greece have that Germany doesn’t?
Sun, sea, a cheerful mood and joie de vivre. •
Text: Dagmar Haas-Pilwat
Pictures: Düsseldorf Congress/Peter Weihs, Düsseldorf Congress/Michael Lübke
