Mannheim erleben

What Mannheim erleben does

Veranstaltungen – Tourismus – Marketing: Mannheim erleben GmbH (trading as VTM Mannheim GmbH) is a wholly municipal-owned company that organizes and operates Mannheim's principal public events, weekly markets, city outdoor advertising infrastructure, and tourist information services. The company was formed on July 5, 2024, through the merger of its two 100% municipal predecessors — Event & Promotion Mannheim GmbH (EPM, founded 2016) and Tourismus Stadt Mannheim GmbH (TSM, founded 2020) — under the parent MKB Mannheimer Kommunalbeteiligungen GmbH, the holding company of the City of Mannheim. The Supervisory Board Chairman is the city's Oberbürgermeister, Christian Specht, and Christine Igel (Hauptgeschäftsführerin) and Oliver Althausen (Geschäftsführer) lead the operating leadership.

VTM's core product surface is grouped into three pillars. First, event management: it runs Mannheim's flagship Volksfeste (Maimess, Oktobermess, Fasnachtsmarkt), seasonal markets (Weihnachtsmarkt, Silvestermarkt, Christbaummarkt), district Kirchweihen, the Mannheimer Stadtfest, specialty events such as Mannheim blüht auf and MONNEM BIKE, and from 2025 the cross-city Gemeinsamer Fasnachtsumzug Mannheim/Ludwigshafen. Second, weekly markets: the company operates 15 Wochenmärkte across Mannheim districts including the Hauptmarkt and the Franklin district, supplemented by a "Digitaler Wochenmarkt" web platform at mannheimer-markt.de. Third, outdoor advertising infrastructure: VTM rents Plakatträger (poster carriers at €1.15–€1.85/day), 33 Dreieckständer (€3.75/day), 20 Spanntransparente/banner locations (€14/day), Fahnenmasten (€10/day plus installation), and Hinweisschilder (€23.50/month) on public-space infrastructure, plus free-postering arrangements for clubs and political parties.

The revenue model is a mix of transactional stall and vendor fees from market and festival operators, unit-priced advertising rentals at short booking cycles (5- or 7-day minima with A/B/C blocks), sponsorship fees from named corporate partners (Privatbrauerei Eichbaum, MVV Energie, Odenwaldquelle, Audiotainment Südwest, RNF, rnv, VRN), and tourism-related professional services delivered via the Tourist Information at Mannheim Hauptbahnhof. All listed advertising prices are subject to 19% German VAT (MwSt) and carry discounts for associations and clubs. Distribution runs through the vtm-ma.de website, direct office consultations, social channels (@vtm.mannheim, @wochenmarkt.mannheim, @ep.mannheim, VTM.Mannheim on Facebook), press releases, and radio/TV broadcast partnerships with regional media. The technology stack is non-existent by design — there are no proprietary software products, APIs, or AI components, and the digital infrastructure is limited to the WordPress-based website and a vendor directory at mannheimer-markt.de. Customer-facing revenue is highly fragmented across SMB advertisers, market vendors, and event operators, but the company's operating franchise is wholly dependent on its single municipal principal (the City of Mannheim via MKB).

Name

Mannheim erleben

Legal name

Veranstaltungen – Tourismus – Marketing: Mannheim erleben GmbH

Website

https://ep-ma.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Short description

VTM Mannheim GmbH ("Mannheim erleben") is a wholly municipal-owned company that organizes Mannheim's flagship public events, operates 15 weekly markets, rents citywide outdoor advertising infrastructure, and runs tourist information services for the City of Mannheim, Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Event Management

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (54185), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Holiday, Seasonal & Christmas Markets (MPAGAFAL), Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE), Retail, Consumer Goods & Lifestyle Shows Organizers (THAHABAJ), Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH), Venue-Owned/Operated Event Organizers (In-House Promoters) (MPAKADAI)

Keywords

• Public event management
• Municipal tourism marketing
• Outdoor advertising services
• Weekly market operations
• City festival organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Mannheim

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Event Organization and Management: The company organizes and manages public events including Wochenmärkte (weekly markets), Volksfeste (Maimess, Oktobermess), seasonal markets (Fasnachtsmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt, Silvestermarkt), and the Mannheimer Stadtfest. Revenue is generated through vendor fees, stall rentals, and event management services.
2. Advertising and Promotion Services: The company rents out advertising infrastructure including Plakatträger (poster carriers/stands), Dreieckständer (triangle stands), Spanntransparente (banners), Fahnenmasten (flagpoles), and Hinweisschilder (information signs). Pricing is per day or per month depending on the advertising medium.
3. Tourism Services: Following the merger with Tourismus Stadt Mannheim GmbH, the company now operates the Tourist Information at the main train station and conducts tourism-related marketing activities for the city of Mannheim.
4. Sponsor and Partner Revenue: The company partners with corporate sponsors (e.g., Privatbrauerei Eichbaum, MVV Energie AG, Odenwaldquelle, VRN, Audiotainment Südwest) for its major events, generating sponsorship and co-marketing revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

VTM Mannheim GmbH organizes and operates Mannheim's public events, seasonal fairs (Maimess, Oktobermess, Fasnachtsmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt, Mannheimer Stadtfest), and 15 weekly markets across the city's districts. The company rents outdoor advertising infrastructure including poster carriers, triangle stands, banners, flagpoles, and information signs. It also operates the Tourist Information office at Mannheim Hauptbahnhof and conducts tourism marketing for the city.

Product overview

VTM Mannheim GmbH operates as a unified municipal event management, tourism marketing, and advertising services company. The organization offers two core product lines: (1) Event Management - including traditional markets (Wochenmärkte), major festivals (Maimess, Oktobermess, Stadtfest, Fasnachtsmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt, Silvestermarkt), district parish fairs (Kerwe), and special events (MONNEM BIKE, Mannheim blüht auf, Fasnachtsumzug); and (2) Advertising Services - offering various outdoor advertising formats including poster carriers (Plakatträger), triangle stands (Dreieckständer), banner locations (Spanntransparente), flagpoles (Fahnenmasten), signs (Hinweisschilder), and full-location advertising (Ganzstellen). The company also operates Tourist Information services. Together, these services position VTM as Mannheim's primary organizer of public events and manager of municipal advertising space.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wochenmärkte (Weekly Markets) Weekly markets held across 15 Mannheim districts including Hauptmarkt, Franklin, and various neighborhood locations, offering fresh produce, vegetables, meats, and regional specialties. Vendors rent stalls for consumer-facing retail activity.
• Mannheimer Maimess Traditional spring fair held annually on the Neuer Messplatz, featuring amusement rides, attractions, games, and gastronomy, running approximately 16 days in April/May with family discount days. Maimess 2024 recorded over 360,000 visitors.
• Mannheimer Oktobermess Traditional autumn fair on the Neuer Messplatz with around 140 booths, amusement rides, gastronomy, fireworks on Fridays, and family discount days. Oktobermess 2022 drew over 280,000 visitors.
• Mannheimer Stadtfest Annual three-day city festival between Wasserturm and Paradeplatz with free admission, featuring four stages, live music, children's programs, and over 60 food and beverage stands. Regularly attracts over 200,000 visitors over three days.
• Fasnachtsmarkt Carnival market in Mannheim's city center near Wasserturm featuring approximately 60 attractions including carousels, shooting galleries, and food stalls during the carnival season.
• Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) Special Christmas market on Kapuzinerplanken in squares O5 and O6 featuring handcrafted gifts, art, culinary delights, and unique light installations with character appearances.
• Silvestermarkt (New Year's Market) New Year's market on Kapuzinerplanken running December 27-31, supporting local retail during the post-Christmas shopping period.
• Christbaummarkt Christmas tree market offering decorated trees and holiday greenery.
• MarktMeile Market mile event combining shopping events with market activities.
• Kirchweihen (District Parish Fairs) Traditional parish fairs held in various Mannheim districts including Seckenheim and Neckarau, celebrating church anniversaries with community festivities, gastronomy, children's attractions, carousels, and parades.
• Mannheim blüht auf (Spring Flower Festival) Spring flower festival on Paradeplatz featuring balcony and garden plants, handicrafts, and the start of Mannheim's floral decoration competition.
• MONNEM BIKE Festival Bicycle festival featuring workshops, free bike checks, test tracks, stage programs with live music, and family activities at Spinelli Park.
• Gemeinsamer Fasnachtsumzug Mannheim/Ludwigshafen Joint carnival parade alternating annually between Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, drawing approximately 200,000 visitors and serving as the second-largest carnival parade in Southwest Germany.
• Straßenfasnacht (Street Carnival) Street carnival on Fasnacht Tuesday featuring multiple music stages, entertainment, and festivities from Wasserturm through the pedestrian zones.
• Promotion - Plakatträger (Poster Carrier Advertising) Poster carrier advertising service for events in Mannheim with pricing based on event capacity: up to 1,200 visitors at €1.15/day, 1,200+ visitors at €1.85/day (plus 19% VAT). Minimum booking: 7 days.
• Promotion - Dreieckständer (Triangle Stand Advertising) Triangle stand advertising with 33 stands in DIN A1 format (59cm x 84cm), priced at €3.75 per day per stand plus 19% VAT, organized in blocks A, B, and C across various Mannheim city locations.
• Promotion - Spanntransparente (Banner Advertising) Banner advertising with 20 locations across Mannheim in 1.10m height x 4.00m width, priced at €14/day plus VAT. Minimum booking: 7 days.
• Promotion - Fahnenmasten (Flagpole Advertising) Flagpole advertising at 11m mast height with flags approximately 5m x 2.50m, priced at €10/day per mast plus €23 for installation/removal. Flag rental available at €16/day or €8/day for associations.
• Promotion - Hinweisschilder (Information Sign Advertising) Sign advertising on tram and light poles across Mannheim districts in 60x80cm horizontal format, priced at €23.50/month per sign plus 19% VAT, with quarterly billing and cancellation.
• Promotion - Ganzstellen (Full-Location Advertising) Full-location advertising spaces across Mannheim for event promotion, including maps and networks of advertising locations for premium event visibility.
• Promotion - Freie Plakatierung (Free Postering) Free postering service for clubs and parties to advertise their events within Mannheim.
• Tourist Information Tourist information services at Mannheim Hauptbahnhof (main train station) providing visitor information, maps, event calendars, and recommendations for city attractions.
• Info- und Promotionstände (Info and Promotion Stands) Information and promotion stands available for rent for various events and promotional activities.
• Digitaler Wochenmarkt (Digital Weekly Market) Digital weekly market platform accessible at mannheimer-markt.de for online market vendor discovery and information about weekly markets.

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stadt Mannheim (City of Mannheim)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVTM operates as a fully municipal-owned company serving the city of Mannheim. The city provides organizational mandate and oversight through the Oberbürgermeister (Mayor Christian Specht) who serves as Supervisory Board Chairman. VTM organizes city-mandated events and manages public advertising infrastructure on behalf of the city.
• M:CON – Mannheimer Congress GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on VTM's links page, indicating cooperation between the two Mannheim-based event and convention organizations.
• Rhein-Neckar Flugplatz GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on VTM's links page.
• Großmarkt Mannheim GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on VTM's links page.
• MARCHIVUMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on VTM's links page.
• MWSP (Mannheimer Wohnungs- und Städtebau GmbH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMWSP is responsible for the development of the Franklin district. VTM cooperates with MWSP to establish and operate weekly markets in the new Franklin district, with VTM as market operator and MWSP supporting the neighborhood development.
• Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVTM assumed tasks previously handled by Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH following the organizational restructuring. Stadtmarketing Mannheim organizes the Kinderfest at Kapuzinerplanken during the Stadtfest.
• Privatbrauerei Eichbaum GmbH & Co. KGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMain sponsor of the Mannheimer Stadtfest and Maimess/Oktobermess. Provides beer garden operations and financial sponsorship at major VTM events.
• MVV Energie AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Mannheimer Stadtfest.
• Audiotainment Südwest (RADIO REGENBOGEN, bigFM)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRadio partner for VTM events. Joint stage at Wasserturm during Stadtfest. Supports event promotion through radio coverage and on-site presence.
• Rhein-Neckar-Fernsehen (RNF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTelevision partner for the Mannheimer Stadtfest, operating the RNF Action Bühne at Paradeplatz.
• Mannheimer SchaustellerverbandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresents carnival and fairground operators in Mannheim. Key partner for Volksfeste (Maimess, Oktobermess, Fasnachtsmarkt). Chairman Stephan Schuster is a regular spokesperson for the fairground community and collaborates closely with VTM on event planning.
• Große Carnevalgesellschaft Feuerio 1898 e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarnival society that operates the Feuerio Bühne during the Mannheimer Stadtfest (in square O 7) and participates in Straßenfasnacht.
• KulturNetz MannheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural network that provides entertainment programming and artistic performances at VTM events including the Stadtfest (KulturNetz Bühne between O3/O4) and Weihnachtsmarkt.
• Blumengroßmarkt Mannheim eGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlower wholesale market cooperative that supports the 'Mannheim blüht auf!' event with flower donations and organization of the flower competition.
• Stadtraumservice MannheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal urban services provider that cooperates on the 'Mannheim blüht auf!' event and related flower decoration initiatives.
• BUGA 23 (Bundesgartenschau Mannheim 2023 gGmbH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBUGA 23 participated in the 'Mannheim blüht auf!' 2023 event with a BUGA container and information booth.
• Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic transport operator provides transportation support for the Mannheimer Stadtfest, helping visitors travel safely to and from events.
• Karneval-Kommission Mannheim e.V. (KKM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarnival commission responsible for organizing the traditional Mannheim carnival. VTM assumed organizational responsibility for the Gemeinsamer Fasnachtsumzug Mannheim/Ludwigshafen starting with the 2025 edition. KKM continues to support as a partner with Thomas Dörner serving as Vice President.
• LUKOM (Ludwigshafen) — Stadtmarketing und Tourismus GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLudwigshafen's counterpart to VTM Mannheim. Responsible for organizing the Gemeinsamer Fasnachtsumzug Mannheim/Ludwigshafen on the Ludwigshafen side. The parade alternates annually between the two cities.
• OdenwaldquelleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as an advertising partner for the Mannheimer Stadtfest.
• Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional transport association provides promotional support for VTM events, including discount offers for visitors using public transport to attend Maimess and other events.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH: Municipal marketing and tourism company for the city of Stuttgart, organizing city festivals, public events, and providing tourist information — structurally comparable to VTM Mannheim's combined events + tourism mandate under city ownership.
• Hamburg Tourismus GmbH: Municipal tourism and city-marketing entity for Hamburg, operating city events, public festivals, and a tourist information network — directly comparable in mandate, ownership structure, and event/tourism scope to VTM.
• München Tourismus (Wirtschaft und Tourismus): City of Munich's tourism and event marketing organization, operating tourist information, city festivals, and major public events — comparable in combined events + tourism function and municipal ownership to VTM Mannheim.
• Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH: Berlin's official tourism and congress marketing organization; combines city event promotion, tourist information, and convention marketing — comparable mandate and ownership model (city-owned) to VTM.
• Köln Tourismus GmbH: City of Cologne's tourism and city marketing company, organizing public events and providing tourist information services — directly analogous municipal marketing mandate and revenue model to VTM Mannheim.
• Düsseldorf Marketing & Tourismus GmbH: Municipal tourism and city marketing company for Düsseldorf, operating city festivals, tourist information, and event marketing — structurally identical to VTM in scope and city-owned mandate.
• Nürnberg Tourismus GmbH: City of Nuremberg's tourism and event marketing organization, operating public events, markets, and tourist information services — directly comparable municipal-marketing scope and ownership to VTM Mannheim.
• Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH: Municipal tourism and city marketing company for Leipzig, managing city events, public festivals, and tourist information — comparable municipal-owned model and combined events + tourism mandate to VTM.
• Frankfurt Tourismus+Congress GmbH: Frankfurt's official tourism and congress promotion company, operating tourist information, city events, and public marketing — direct municipal-marketing peer with similar mandate and ownership to VTM Mannheim.

Others

• M:CON Mannheimer Congress GmbH: Local Mannheim congress and convention organizer, listed as a partner on VTM's site; operates event infrastructure in the same city but focuses on business congresses rather than public Volksfeste and weekly markets — adjacent rather than directly competitive.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/VTM.Mannheim
• Instagraminstagram.com/vtm.mannheim

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mannheim erleben