In her capacity as Director, Claudia Maurer has been running spoga+gafa since 1 November 2024. After 15 years in the USA, the 47-year-old is now returning to Germany and provides insights into her motivation for managing the world's largest garden and BBQ trade fair in Cologne - as well as her personal experiences and changes. The next spoga+gafa will take place from 24-26 June 2025.

What impresses you about spoga+gafa?
I find spoga+gafa's combination of themes unique and very exciting. The trade fair represents the garden industry in its entire diversity – from garden furniture and decoration, appliances and machines, through to BBQs and outdoor kitchens. That turns it into an important international meeting point for the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor lifestyle section.
Through international trade fairs like the HPB Expo in the USA, I have already gained an insight into the outdoor world and know how valuable the global exchange is. spoga+gafa offers the garden sector a central platform – a place where future-looking garden and BBQ trends and solutions take shape and new ideas arise. I am looking forward to promoting these dynamics further and strengthening the trade fair in its pioneer role.

Which experiences from the USA will you be able to put to use here?
As a result of working together with international stakeholders for many years, I have a deep understanding for cultural differences and know how important it is to align events to meet the needs of global target groups. The close exchange with the stakeholders is decisive in integrating different perspectives and developing a strategy that are successful at both regional and international level. I will also consistently pursue this goal at spoga+gafa.

What does your personal green space look like?
My personal green space was rather limited up until now. During my time in the USA, I used a lot of indoor plants, cut flowers and herbs to create a pleasant atmosphere and increase the living quality. However, I am hoping to have a larger balcony or terrace with comfortable furniture, a BBQ and a wet bar here in Cologne – perfect for having friends over and pampering them with culinary delights.

About spoga+gafa:
spoga+gafa is the world's biggest garden and BBQ trade fair. As an international trade fair at the location in Cologne, it sets impulses for the entire garden world. At the leading global trade fair, the green industry talks about the line-ups and trends of the coming season and presents solutions for current and future challenges. The focus of spoga+gafa lies on trends and innovations from the sections garden bbq, garden creation & care, garden living and garden unique. The unique range of offerings turns the trade fair into the place-to-be for the purchasing managers of all trading forms. The Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG) is the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa.