This was the first time SPIEL Essen has sold out of badges. The grand total of attendees for the show was 204,000 people, which was up from 193,000 visitors in 2023 (see "Biggest Event Ever"), which is about 6% growth in attendance.
“This year’s SPIEL was a complete success and again shows how closely the team works with the community and how well it copes with the many challenges of a leading global fair,” said Florian Hess, managing director of Merz Verlag and board member of Spielwarenmesse eG. “The fair is heading in a fantastic direction, and we have great plans ahead to keep SPIEL current and appealing for exhibitors and visitors from around the world.”
The sellout of badges coincides with a sellout of exhibitor booths, which was announced in June (see "Spiel Essen 2024 Sells Out Exhibitor Space"). Additionally, the show set a record for square footage occupied by the fair.