Dortmund, 30 January 2026 – JAGD & HUND has long since developed into an important international platform that goes far beyond a mere visitor fair. It offers leading players and associations in the hunting industry a valuable opportunity for professional exchange and political discussions on the subject of hunting. This role is further strengthened through long-standing and strategically important partnerships at European level.

JAGD & HUND and FACE have now renewed their successful partnership. The trade fair remains a long–standing Gold Patron of FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation), which represents the voice of Europe’s 7 million hunters in Brussels. This cooperation underscores the international relevance of the trade fair.

The renewed agreement lays the foundation for further work toward the shared goal of the trade fair and FACE, and promoting the important role that sustainable hunting plays for nature, economy and society. The partnership between JAGD & HUND and FACE also creates valuable synergies for both sides.

As a strong knowledge partner, FACE not only brings experts and speakers to the trade fair. The federation also underscores the importance of the event by holding important international meetings, including those with industry representatives, during the trade fair. JAGD & HUND, in turn, offers FACE a unique platform to present the Federation’s work to a wide audience and thus further increase its visibility among hunters and those interested in hunting. Last year, the trade fair attracted almost 80.000 visitors, which illustrates the enormous reach and relevance of this international meeting place.

For the second time, FACE and Messe Dortmund also organized the European Hunting Photo of the Year 2025 photo competition as part of JAGD & HUND 2026.

Hunters, nature and outdoor enthusiasts from across Europe were invited to submit their most beautiful photos in four different categories. A jury of experts, including FACE members and other experts from the hunting and photography industries, selected the winners, who were honored on the main stage on the first day of the trade fair. Angelika Bauer, Head of Trade Fairs and Trade Fair Services at Messe Dortmund, was joined on stage by Laurens Hoedemaker, President of FACE, to congratulate the winners.

During the trade fair, Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, and Laurens Hoedemaker officially signed the agreement. “I am proud that we have managed to establish JAGD & HUND not only as THE information platform for hunters, hunting enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also as a forum for international exchange on hunting policy,” said Sabine Loos. “The commitment of associations such as FACE underlines the importance of our trade fair for the entire international hunting industry and makes it a unique platform. A platform for knowledge transfer, exchange, hunting policy work, and community work. We are grateful for FACE’s strong support and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

Laurens Hoedemaker added: “JAGD & HUND provides FACE with a unique platform to highlight its advocacy work in Brussels, where a significant share of the regulations affecting hunting and conservation in Europe is shaped. Our partnership has become a highly valuable channel for FACE and the private sector to engage, network and exchange on the latest developments impacting the hunting sector and conservation in Europe.”