Scott Reyburn tries to limn the reasons for the success of Berlin’s gallery weekend and why it is so hard to emulate:

Berlin’s gallery weekend is a formula that is difficult to emulate. The city has a population of about 5,000 artists served by an extensive infrastructure of serious-minded galleries, yet its art scene, unlike that of Paris or London, is unencumbered by destination fairs and auctions.

If a collector, curator or adviser chooses to make a single trip to Berlin, the reason will usually be Gallery Weekend. This year, its 47 dealers attracted 1,000 to 1,500 specialists to the event’s exhibitions, receptions and dinners.

Choices Paris: A Fair That Nourishes Its Roots  (NYTimes.com)