The infa, then still known as the "Lower Saxony Home Economics Exhibition", is launched.

The organizer at the time was the "Lower Saxony State Association of the German Housewives' Federation" and the "Lower Saxony Rural Women's Association".

The exhibition was managed by Heinrich Heckmann from Karlsruhe, who had already organized a similar exhibition with his company "Heckmann Ausstellungen" with the German Housewives' Association DHB in Goslar and had moved to Hanover in 1954.

At that time, the exhibition still took place in the Stadthalle, more precisely in the Kuppelsaal, the Niedersachsenhalle and the Glashalle. Admission was just 1 mark, for husbands only 50 pfennigs.

The number of exhibitors at that time was 300 and the number of visitors amounted to 62,000 in the end

There were exhibitors such as: Bauknecht, Germania Teppichhaus, the State Guild of Hairdressers, Vorwerk Kobold, Singer sewing machines, Miele and many others. There were also numerous special and educational shows.

Wilhelm Weber, then Lord Mayor of Hanover, wrote in the booklet accompanying the fair:
"The organizers have set themselves the goal of awakening understanding in wide circles for the need to make women's work in the household easier. (...) Helping the housewife to find time and peace, but also for other activities, is one of the most important aims of the event."

After just a few years, the Stadthalle grounds on Schackstraße were extended with lightweight tents.

1957 Renamed the "Housewives' Exhibition"

In 1973, the Hausfrauen Ausstellung was renamed infa for the first time with the addition "Information and Sales Exhibition for the Family".

1974 infa moved from the Stadthalle to the exhibition grounds. This was done in order to take advantage of weatherproof exhibition halls, over 50,000 parking spaces and excellent transport links.

In 1981, Fachausstellungen Heckmann GmbH became a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Messe AG.

Numerous stars and starlets have been guests at infa since then: Mario Adorf, Iris Berben, fashion designer Harald Glööökler, Andrea Sawatzki, Jan-Josef Liefers, Rainer Sass, Sarah Wiener, Günther Jauch, Uwe Ochsenknecht and many others.

In 2000, infa was held at the end of November/beginning of December due to the EXPO taking place on the exhibition grounds beforehand.

The first infa kreativ (hobby and creative fair) took place in 2009.

The first infalino (baby and toddler fair) took place in 2010.

In 2020, Fachausstellungen Heckmann GmbH merged completely with Deutsche Messe AG. Since then, DMAG has been the sole organizer.

In 2021, infa was canceled completely for the first time due to coronavirus.

Today, infa consists of the theme worlds LEBENSART, Beauty & Wellness, the Market Hall, the Bazaar of Nations, Building & Living, Christmas and the short events infalino (baby and toddler fair), infa kreativ (hobby and creative fair) and infa regional in cooperation with the Association of North German Direct Marketers VND.

The infa is now one of the largest end consumer trade fairs and rightly bears the title "Experience and Shopping World". It has been and is regularly expanded to include new short events such as infa kreativ, infalino, infa regional and the Food Truck Festival.

One thing is certain: infa is fresher and more modern than ever and we guarantee that we will continue to write this success story in the future.

In order to maintain its leading position in the future, Deutsche Messe AG is consistently working on the content and quality of the event. Current developments and trends are taken up and implemented, and new theme worlds are constantly being developed. Stars and starlets come together at infa, there are fantastic special shows with a varied entertainment and information program.

70 years of infa – for seven decades, this unique entertainment and shopping fair has stood for innovation, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. Over the years, infa has not only set trends but also enthused generations of visitors with a diverse program of offerings.

Various Birthday Promotions

This year infa will be 70 years old - we would like to celebrate this with you. This much we can already reveal: We have come up with various activities.

For example, if you - like infa - are 70 years old this year, we will give you free admission!

Everything about our birthday