Briefmarken messe - International Stamp Fair Essen 2010

The Essen International Stamp Fair is the oldest event of its kind in Germany, or for that matter, in the entire world. Collectors have been streaming to the Ruhr metropolis from near and far since 1976. Since 2006, the event has been held on an annual basis at the beginning of May. For the last few years, the opening day has been attended by prominent personalities from the world of sports. In 2006, the football star Olaf Thom (FC Schalke 04), member of the 1990 German world championship team, appeared at the fair. In 2007, a great many autographs were signed by handball coach Heiner Brand, who had brought home the team handball world championship trophy to Germany a few months earlier. In 2008 Steffi Jones, President of the Organizing Committee of the Football World Championship for Women 2011, has visit the show.