Branding vs Marketing: Why Your Exhibition Stand Is a Brand Decision

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In B2B technology, exhibitions are often treated as a marketing problem to solve:
How many leads did we capture?
How much traffic did we drive?
What was the cost per scan?

These are valid questions—but they’re not the most important ones.

Because while marketing focuses on what you say, branding shapes what people believe. And nowhere is that difference more visible than when your brand shows up in person.

Marketing drives attention. Branding drives interpretation.

Marketing and branding are frequently used interchangeably, but they serve very different roles.

Marketing is about:

  • Visibility
  • Messaging
  • Activation
  • Short-term outcomes

Branding is about:

  • Meaning
  • Trust
  • Consistency
  • Long-term perception

Marketing tells people what you do.
Branding tells them what kind of company you are.

At exhibitions, these two disciplines collide. You can attract attention with bold graphics and compelling headlines—but what visitors take away from the interaction is a brand judgment, not a marketing metric.

Exhibitions are moments of brand truth

For B2B tech brands, exhibitions compress months—or years—of brand perception into a few minutes of real-world experience.

Visitors don’t just see:

  • Your products
  • Your messaging
  • Your demos

They experience:

  • Your confidence (or lack of it)
  • Your openness to conversation
  • Your clarity under pressure
  • Your ability to listen, not just present

An exhibition stand doesn’t simply communicate your offering.
It signals your maturity, your mindset, and your values—whether you intend it to or not.

 

 

 

Brand values aren’t statements. They’re behaviours.

Many companies attempt to “express” their values at exhibitions with mission statements, wall graphics, or looping videos.

But brand values aren’t absorbed visually. They’re felt behaviourally.

Consider how common B2B tech values actually show up on the stand:

  • Innovation
    Do you invite exploration—or tightly control every conversation?
  • Transparency
    Are visitors encouraged to ask difficult questions, or steered away from them?
  • Customer-centricity
    Do conversations start with the visitor’s problem—or your product roadmap?
  • Trust
    Does your team listen more than they pitch?

If there’s a gap between what your brand claims and how your stand behaves, visitors will believe the behaviour every time.

Reinforcing brand values at exhibitions: four strategic principles

This isn’t about tactics or gimmicks. It’s about alignment.

  1. Design the space to express belief, not just function

Open or closed layouts, seating choices, demo placement—these all communicate intent.

If your brand positions itself as open, collaborative, or human-centred, your stand should feel that way before a word is spoken.

  1. Train staff in brand behaviour, not sales scripts

At exhibitions, your people are your brand.

How they greet, how they listen, how they exit conversations—these moments define perception far more than polished decks or scripted pitches.

People don’t meet your brand.
They meet employees acting on its behalf.

  1. Align incentives with brand intent

If success is measured only in leads scanned, behaviour will follow:

  • Rushed conversations
  • Shallow engagement
  • Transactional interactions

If your brand is about partnership, expertise, or long-term value, your exhibition KPIs should reflect that reality.

  1. Let consistency outperform creativity

Exhibitions tempt brands to “try something different.”

Strong B2B tech brands resist that urge.

Consistency builds recognition.
Recognition builds trust.
Trust builds preference.

Your stand doesn’t need to be louder. It needs to be unmistakably you.

From lead generation to brand acceleration

The most effective B2B tech brands don’t see exhibitions as isolated marketing events.

They see them as brand accelerators—high-intensity environments where identity, behaviour, and belief converge.

When exhibitions are treated purely as marketing channels, they compete on noise and novelty.
When they’re treated as brand moments, they build trust that outlasts the show floor.

A final question worth asking

If someone experienced your company only through your exhibition stand—
would they understand what you stand for?

Because long after the brochures are recycled and the leads are qualified, that answer is what truly determines return on investment.

 

Will the Global Exhibitions Boom Continue into 2026 and Beyond?

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Recent half-year results from Informa have once again put the global exhibitions industry firmly in the spotlight. With 20%+ growth across revenues, operating profit, earnings per share and free cash flow, and more than £2bn in first-half revenues for the first time, the question many exhibitors and suppliers are now asking is simple:

Is this momentum sustainable into 2026 and beyond?

From our perspective at Access Displays, the answer is less about short-term financial headlines and more about the long-term role that live, international B2B events play in how businesses grow.

What Informa’s Results Really Tell Us

The numbers themselves are impressive. Upgraded full-year guidance, operating margins approaching 30%, and over £3bn of already committed 2025 revenue (with more than £0.5bn booked into 2026) point to strong forward visibility. But beyond the balance sheet strength and shareholder returns, several deeper themes stand out.

  1. Live B2B Events Are Proving Their Value

Informa’s Live B2B Events division delivered 8.5% underlying revenue growth in the first half of 2025. This isn’t growth driven by novelty or recovery alone — it reflects sustained demand for category-leading events that offer real access to global supply chains, specialist content and face-to-face decision-makers.

For exhibitors, that reinforces a truth we see every day: digital tools support marketing, but live exhibitions accelerate trust, shorten sales cycles and open international doors in a way few other channels can.

Global Expansion Is Driving the Next Phase of Growth

Informa’s continued investment in high-growth regions — including India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East — signals where the next wave of exhibition-led opportunity lies. The launch of Money20/20 Middle East in Riyadh and deeper collaboration in the UAE highlight how international events are following economic and sectoral growth.

For exhibitors, this means:

  • More opportunities to meet buyers in emerging markets
  • Greater competition for attention on a global stage
  • A growing need for consistent, high-quality exhibition presentation across multiple regions

This is where planning, modularity and brand consistency in exhibition stands become strategic assets, not just design choices.

Technology Supports Exhibiting — It Doesn’t Replace It

The deployment of Informa’s proprietary AI agent, Elysia, is another indicator of where the industry is heading. Technology is being used to enhance matchmaking, content relevance and customer insight — not to replace live interaction.

The most successful exhibitors we work with increasingly combine:

  • Data-driven pre-show targeting
  • Well-designed, adaptable physical stands
  • Post-show follow-up strategies that extend the value of live engagement

The physical environment remains the anchor point.

So, Will Growth Continue into 2026 and Beyond?

All signs suggest that yes — but selectively.

Growth is likely to continue where events:

  • Serve clearly defined industries
  • Offer international reach and authority
  • Deliver measurable commercial outcomes for exhibitors

What may change is expectations. As flagship organisers like Informa raise the bar, exhibitors will need to be more intentional about how they show up. A stand is no longer just a space — it’s a brand statement on a global platform.

What This Means for Exhibitors (and Their Suppliers)

At Access Displays, we see our role as more than a stand supplier. In a market shaped by global expansion, rising visitor expectations and tighter competition, exhibitors need partners who understand:

  • International exhibition standards
  • The pressures of exhibiting across multiple territories
  • How stand design, logistics and reuse strategies support long-term ROI

The continued success of global organisers reinforces one thing: exhibiting remains one of the most powerful tools for international growth — when done well.

As we look toward 2026 and beyond, the opportunity is clear. The challenge is making sure every appearance on the global stage truly counts.

Rising Silver Prices and the Growing Risk to Trophy Collections

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Clubs, leisure centres, and institutions across the UK proudly display silver trophies that represent decades of achievement, heritage, and community pride. However, many organisations are unaware that these same items are becoming increasingly attractive targets for theft.

Why Is Silver Becoming So Valuable?

Silver has seen a significant rise in value in recent years. This is driven by a combination of factors:

  • Global supply constraints, with mining output struggling to keep pace
  • Rising industrial demand, particularly in electronics and renewable energy
  • Increased investment interest in precious metals during economic uncertainty

As a result, silver trophies and ceremonial silverware are now worth far more than many people realise—both financially and to criminals seeking quick resale value.

An Increase in Targeted Silver Theft

With silver prices climbing, there has been a noticeable increase in targeted thefts of silverware from clubs, leisure centres, and public buildings. These thefts are often opportunistic, taking place during normal opening hours where display cabinets offer little resistance or deterrence.

In many cases, older trophy cabinets were designed for presentation rather than protection, leaving valuable items vulnerable to damage or removal.

The Role of Secure Display Cases

While no single measure can eliminate risk entirely, secure display solutions play a crucial role in reducing vulnerability. High-security glass display cases provide both a physical barrier and a visible deterrent, making it far more difficult for opportunistic theft to occur.

At Access Displays, we work with clubs and organisations that want to continue showcasing their trophies with pride—without compromising on security.

Our high-security glass display cases are designed specifically for public and semi-public environments and can include:

  • Toughened or laminated security glass
  • Lockable, reinforced frames
  • Robust construction suitable for high-footfall areas
  • Custom sizes and layouts for trophy collections

These features help protect valuable silverware while maintaining a professional, high-quality appearance.

Protecting Heritage Without Hiding It Away

For many organisations, removing trophies from display is not an acceptable option. Secure glass display cases allow silverware to remain visible and celebrated, while significantly reducing the risk of theft or damage.

Whether you are upgrading an existing display or planning a new installation, reviewing your current trophy security is an important step in safeguarding assets that are becoming more valuable every year.

Speak to the Experts

If you would like advice on protecting your silver trophies or would like to discuss suitable display case options, the team at Access Displays would be happy to help.

📩 Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a quotation.

Modular Display Cases: Choose the Right Solution for Your Space

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Modular Display Cases: Choose the Right Solution for Your Space

An Introduction to Modular and Configurable Display Cases

In today’s retail, exhibition, and showroom environments, flexibility and customisation are essential. Brands need display solutions that not only showcase products effectively but can also adapt to changing layouts, collections, and marketing strategies. Modular and configurable display cases from Access Displays are designed to meet these demands, offering versatile, high-quality solutions suitable for a wide range of commercial spaces.

Our modular display systems allow retailers, designers, and exhibitors to create tailored configurations that reflect their brand identity while making the most of available space. Whether for a retail store, a showroom, or an exhibition stand, modular display cases provide a smart and future-proof investment.

Choosing modular display cases from Access Displays means combining aesthetics, functionality, and adaptability to meet the evolving expectations of modern retail and visual merchandising.

The Key Benefits of Modular Display Cases from Access Displays

Modular display cases offer much more than visual appeal. They provide practical advantages that make them a cost-effective and strategic choice for retailers and exhibitors.

Key benefits include:

  • Adaptability to any space
    Modular display cases can be configured to fit areas of any size, helping you optimise layout and improve product visibility.
  • Easy assembly and reconfiguration
    Designed for quick installation and adjustment, modular systems allow you to update your display without major disruption.
  • Customisable design
    A wide choice of layouts, finishes, and components allows you to create a display that aligns perfectly with your brand image.
  • Long-term durability
    Manufactured using premium materials, Access Displays’ modular cases are built to last, maintaining their appearance and performance over time.

Our Modular Display Collections

The Versatility of the Frame Collection

The Frame modular display system from Access Displays is designed for maximum flexibility. Each element can be configured to suit specific requirements, making it ideal for spaces that demand a clean, modern, and professional aesthetic.

Lightweight yet robust structures allow for the seamless integration of glass panels and shelving, offering endless layout possibilities. This modular approach makes it easy to expand or reconfigure displays as your needs change—perfect for retailers who want a dynamic and evolving showroom or sales floor.

The Frame collection is particularly well suited to displaying design objects, technology products, jewellery, and luxury items, ensuring every product is presented with clarity and impact.

GLASSystem: Where Elegance Meets Innovation

The GLASSystem collection represents the pinnacle of modular display case design. Combining refined aesthetics with advanced functionality, this system features thick, tempered extra-clear glass and polished chrome finishes for a timeless and premium look.

Ideal for retail environments, showrooms, and exhibitions, GLASSystem offers complete modular freedom. Units can be used as standalone showcases or combined into larger configurations, allowing for total creative control over your display concept.

The precision engineering and high-quality materials make GLASSystem an excellent choice for brands seeking a distinctive, high-end presentation that enhances product value.

Modular Displays as a Visual Merchandising Tool

Modular display cases are not just practical fixtures—they are powerful visual merchandising tools. The ability to rearrange and customise layouts helps capture customer attention and highlight featured products effectively.

With modular systems from Access Displays, retailers can easily adapt displays for seasonal campaigns, promotions, or new product launches. This flexibility keeps the retail environment fresh, engaging, and aligned with current trends, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and supporting purchasing decisions.

Choose Access Displays for Modular Display Cases

Investing in modular and configurable display cases from Access Displays means choosing quality, innovation, and design excellence. Our modular systems are created to support modern retail needs, offering bespoke solutions that combine visual impact with everyday practicality.

If you’re looking to create a flexible, professional, and future-ready display environment, Access Displays has the solution.

Choose quality. Choose flexibility. Choose Access Displays.

Store and Showroom Design Trends to Watch in 2026

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Store and Showroom Design Trends to Watch in 2026

How Retail Spaces Are Evolving in 2026

As we move into 2026, store and showroom design continues to evolve towards spaces that balance visual sophistication with everyday functionality. Retail environments are no longer just places to sell products—they are brand experiences. Design trends this year reflect a growing demand for layouts that are flexible, refined, and customer-focused.

One of the strongest ongoing trends is industrial-inspired design. This aesthetic combines metal frameworks, glass elements, raw or textured finishes, and neutral colour palettes to create a modern, urban feel. Industrial-style interiors are particularly effective for contemporary retail spaces, offering a bold yet versatile backdrop that enhances product visibility without overwhelming it.

Alongside industrial influences, minimalist design continues to gain popularity in 2026. Clean lines, uncluttered layouts, and carefully selected materials define this approach. Minimalist store and showroom displays allow products to take centre stage, creating an atmosphere of clarity, order, and understated elegance—ideal for premium and design-led brands.

Design Details That Make an Impact

In 2026, the difference between an average retail space and a memorable one often comes down to the details.

Lighting plays a central role in modern store and showroom design. Integrated LED lighting, adjustable spotlights, and subtle LED strips are increasingly used to highlight key products, guide customer flow, and create depth within display areas. Well-designed lighting not only improves visibility but also enhances the perceived value of the products on display.

Another major trend for 2026 is the rise of customised display solutions. Retailers are moving away from one-size-fits-all layouts in favour of tailored designs that reflect their brand identity. Modular and adaptable display systems allow stores to evolve with seasonal collections, promotions, and changing customer expectations—while maintaining a consistent visual language.

The Tmetal Collection: Anodic Bronze as a 2026 Design Statement

At Access Displays, innovation and design go hand in hand. One of the standout trends for 2026 is the growing demand for anodic bronze finishes, featured prominently in our Tmetal collection.

Anodic bronze offers a refined balance between modern elegance and industrial strength. This warm metallic tone complements both minimalist and industrial interiors, adding a sense of luxury without appearing excessive. It creates visual interest while remaining versatile enough to suit a wide range of retail and showroom environments.

Tmetal display cases with anodic bronze finishes are designed to combine durability, functionality, and style. Strong metal structures paired with tempered glass provide long-lasting performance and safety, while the sleek design ensures a premium presentation. Whether showcasing jewellery, fashion, technology, or luxury products, Tmetal displays elevate the overall visual impact and draw attention to what matters most—the product.

Why Choose Access Displays for Your Retail Space

Choosing Access Displays means investing in high-quality display solutions that are designed to meet the demands of modern retail. Every collection is developed with careful attention to detail, using premium materials and forward-thinking design principles.

Our display systems are created to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of stores and showrooms, helping brands create engaging environments that leave a lasting impression. From modular flexibility to contemporary finishes, Access Displays offers solutions that support your brand today and adapt for the future.

Discover how our Tmetal collection and other display solutions can transform your store or showroom into a standout retail space designed for 2026 and beyond.

35 Years of Building Exhibition Stands in Germany: What It Means for Your Next Show

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If you’ve ever exhibited in Germany, you’ll know it feels… different. Not harder—but more structured. More rules-led. More deadline-driven. And when it’s done well, it’s brilliantly efficient.

Access Displays has spent 35 years delivering exhibition stands across Germany—from fast-turn modular builds to complex custom spaces—so we’ve learned where the real differences sit: cost drivers, procedures, and timescales. Here’s a practical, show-floor view of what to expect.

What’s different about exhibiting in Germany?

1) Costs: where budgets often shift

Germany is home to some of the world’s biggest trade fairs, and the infrastructure is excellent—but the cost mix can surprise first-timers.

Common drivers:

  • Venue services are tightly controlled (power, rigging, telecoms, water, compressed air, waste). Ordering late is usually expensive.
  • Labour is more structured: union rules, defined working hours, and clear role boundaries are more common than at some other European venues.
  • Logistics matter more: timed vehicle slots, marshalling yards, and strict access windows can add cost if planning slips.
  • Compliance isn’t optional: fire safety documentation and stand approvals can require extra design/detail work (but reduce risk on-site).

The upside: if you plan early, Germany is one of the most predictable places to exhibit.

2) Procedures: approvals, paperwork, and “doing it properly”

German venues typically run a well-defined process, and they expect exhibitors to follow it closely.

Expect to work through:

  • Technical guidelines (height limits, rigging rules, floor loads, escape routes)
  • Stand approval / technical submission where required (especially for larger or more complex builds)
  • Fire safety requirements (certifications for materials, drapes, banners, and sometimes structural elements)
  • On-site inspections that are procedural rather than personal—if something’s missing, it’s usually a simple “fix it before opening.”

This is where 35 years of local experience pays off: knowing what to submit, when to submit it, and how each venue interprets the rules in practice.

3) Timescales: Germany rewards early planning

A reliable rule of thumb: the earlier you lock decisions, the smoother (and cheaper) Germany becomes.

Typical planning pattern:

  • 12–20+ weeks out: stand concept + floorplan decisions (earlier for larger builds or rigged features)
  • 8–12 weeks out: artwork, print, and technical sign-off
  • 4–8 weeks out: venue service orders, logistics bookings, and final documentation
  • Build-up: works like clockwork—if you’ve pre-booked services and kept to the venue’s deadlines

Late changes can be done, but they’re more likely to trigger premium rates or operational constraints.

Germany’s key exhibition venues (cities, venues, and halls)

Below is a “where you’ll actually exhibit” overview—useful when you’re choosing shows, planning logistics, or comparing venue requirements.

Frankfurt — Messe Frankfurt

City vibe: Germany’s finance hub with a big international airport and fast city access.
Venue: Messe Frankfurt (central, walkable to the city in places).
Halls/areas: Hall 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 (with Galleria), 9 (with Galleria), 10, 11 (with Portalhaus), 12 + event locations like the Festhalle. messefrankfurt.com

Munich — Messe München

City vibe: High-end, international, and extremely well-run; great for global tech/industry events.
Venue: Messe München / ICM congress centre.
Halls/areas: 18 modern ground-level halls grouped A1–A6, B1–B6, C1–C6 (plus the ICM for conferences). Targi w Monachium+1

Cologne — Koelnmesse

City vibe: Creative, busy, and very international; strong media/gaming/consumer and industrial calendars.
Venue: Koelnmesse (right by the Rhine, close to the city centre).
Halls/areas: 11 connected halls (e.g., halls 1, 2.1/2.2, 3.1/3.2, 4.1/4.2, 5.1/5.2, 6–11) plus outdoor space and Confex conference/expo areas. Koelnmesse+1

Düsseldorf — Messe Düsseldorf

City vibe: Stylish, business-focused, and a powerhouse for medical/industrial and premium B2B shows.
Venue: Messe Düsseldorf.
Halls/areas: The site is described as having 19 exhibition halls (with major shows spanning multiple halls). messe-duesseldorf.com+1

Berlin — Berlin ExpoCenter City (Messe Berlin)

City vibe: Start-up energy, culture, politics; great international attendance.
Venue: Berlin ExpoCenter City + event buildings (CityCube, hub27, +palais).
Halls/areas: 27 exhibition halls plus CityCube Berlin and hub27 (column-free hall space with breakout rooms). messe-berlin.de+1

Hanover — Hanover Exhibition Center (Deutsche Messe)

City vibe: Trade-fair city through-and-through—built for scale and heavy industry.
Venue: Hanover Exhibition Center (home of Hannover Messe and other major events).
Halls/areas: Multiple large halls/pavilions (e.g., well-known larger halls include Hall 27). Event-specific hall plans are often reconfigured by theme. https://www.messe.de+2en.messegelaende.de+2

Stuttgart — Messe Stuttgart

City vibe: Engineering heartland (automotive, manufacturing), right by the airport.
Venue: Messe Stuttgart + ICS (International Congress Center Stuttgart).
Halls/areas: 10 exhibition halls plus the ICS with conference hall C1, multifunction hall C2, and conference area C3–C10. messe-stuttgart.de+1

Nuremberg — NürnbergMesse

City vibe: Historic, compact, very exhibitor-friendly; strong for embedded tech, toys, packaging, and B2B manufacturing events.
Venue: NürnbergMesse + NürnbergConvention Center (NCC).
Halls/areas: 16 exhibition halls with spaces listed across halls including 1–7 and additional hall variants (e.g., 3A, 3C) plus the NCC centres. nuernbergmesse.de+1

Leipzig — Leipziger Messe

City vibe: Modern, green, well-connected; a strong event and conference destination in eastern Germany.
Venue: Leipziger Messe + Congress Center Leipzig (CCL).
Halls/areas: Five exhibition halls, the Glass Hall, outdoor areas, and the CCL for conferences. Intec+1

Hamburg — Hamburg Messe und Congress

City vibe: Port city, media/business mix; strong international draw and excellent hospitality.
Venue: Hamburg Messe und Congress (close to the city centre).
Halls/areas: A- and B-hall groups are widely used (e.g., A1–A4 together form a major exhibition block), with detailed hall data published by the venue. Hamburg Messe+1

Essen — Messe Essen

City vibe: Right in the Rhine-Ruhr metro area—dense industry, easy access to multiple major cities.
Venue: Messe Essen + connected event spaces.
Halls/areas: 9 exhibition halls plus the Galeria (interconnected but separable) and conference facilities. Messe Essen+1

Karlsruhe (Rheinstetten) — Messe Karlsruhe

City vibe: Tech and research region near the Black Forest; great for specialist fairs and large events.
Venue: Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre.
Halls/areas: 4 halls (each noted as 12,500 m²), plus the dm-arena and conference facilities. Messe Karlsruhe+1

A simple takeaway (and why experience matters)

Germany is one of the best places in the world to exhibit—but it runs on deadlines, documentation, and disciplined logistics. With 35 years of on-the-ground delivery, Access Displays helps exhibitors avoid the classic pitfalls: late service orders, approval surprises, and costly “on-site problem solving.”

Exhibiting in Germany: 35 Years of Experience, One Clear Advantage

For more than 35 years, Access Displays has delivered exhibition stands across Germany’s most important trade fairs. From compact modular solutions to complex custom builds, we’ve worked within Germany’s famously precise exhibition system—and learned how to make it work for our clients, not against them.

Germany remains one of the most rewarding exhibition markets in the world. It is also one of the most regulated. Success here depends on understanding cost structures, procedures, and timescales long before you arrive on site. This is where experience makes the difference.

What Makes Germany Different?

Costs: predictable, but planning-led

German exhibitions are not inherently more expensive—but they are far less forgiving of late decisions.

Key cost factors include:

  • Venue-controlled services: power, rigging, water, telecoms, waste and internet must be ordered through the venue, often well in advance.
  • Labour structures: defined working hours and clear role boundaries mean efficiency is high, but flexibility is limited on-site.
  • Logistics management: timed vehicle slots, marshaling yards and strict access windows reward organised planning.
  • Compliance requirements: fire safety certification, structural calculations and technical approvals must be factored into design and budget early.

Planned properly, Germany is one of the most cost-transparent exhibition environments in Europe.

Procedures: clear rules, consistently applied

German venues are procedural rather than subjective. Documentation, deadlines and compliance matter more than improvisation.

Exhibitors should expect:

  • Detailed technical regulations covering stand height, rigging, floor loads and escape routes
  • Stand approval processes for larger or more complex builds
  • Fire safety certification for materials, graphics and suspended elements
  • On-site inspections focused on compliance, not interpretation

With the right preparation, these processes run smoothly—and reduce last-minute risk.

Timescales: early decisions create easier builds

Germany rewards early commitment. Designs, services and logistics locked in on time lead to calm build-ups and controlled costs.

A realistic timeline:

  • 12–20+ weeks out: concept design and footprint confirmation
  • 8–12 weeks out: technical drawings, artwork and approval submissions
  • 4–8 weeks out: venue service orders and logistics scheduling
  • Build-up: efficient, structured, and predictable—when deadlines are met

Germany’s Key Exhibition Cities and Venues

Below is an overview of Germany’s principal exhibition centres, all venues where Access Displays has delivered projects over decades of exhibiting.

Frankfurt — Messe Frankfurt

The city: Europe’s financial hub with one of the world’s busiest airports.
The venue: Centrally located and exceptionally well connected.
Halls: Halls 1, 3–6, 8–12, plus the Festhalle and Portalhaus. Ideal for international, large-scale B2B exhibitions.

Munich — Messe München

The city: International, premium and business-focused.
The venue: One of Europe’s most modern exhibition centres.
Halls: 18 halls arranged as A1–A6, B1–B6 and C1–C6, plus the ICM Congress Centre.

Cologne — Koelnmesse

The city: Creative, vibrant and internationally accessible.
The venue: Close to the city centre and Rhine river.
Halls: 11 interconnected halls (including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6–11) plus Confex conference facilities.

Düsseldorf — Messe Düsseldorf

The city: Business-oriented and design-conscious.
The venue: A global leader for medical, industrial and technology fairs.
Halls: 19 exhibition halls used flexibly across major international events.

Berlin — Messe Berlin

The city: Political, cultural and start-up driven.
The venue: Berlin ExpoCenter City with modern event infrastructure.
Halls: 27 exhibition halls, plus CityCube Berlin and hub27.

Hanover — Deutsche Messe

The city: Purpose-built for trade fairs.
The venue: Home of some of the world’s largest industrial exhibitions.
Halls: Multiple large-scale halls and pavilions, reconfigured by show.

Stuttgart — Messe Stuttgart

The city: Engineering and automotive heartland.
The venue: Located directly at the airport.
Halls: 10 exhibition halls plus the ICS Congress Centre.

Nuremberg — NürnbergMesse

The city: Compact, historic and exhibitor-friendly.
The venue: Strong for technical and specialist trade fairs.
Halls: 16 halls plus the NürnbergConvention Center.

Hamburg — Hamburg Messe und Congress

The city: International port city with strong media and business presence.
The venue: Centrally located exhibition campus.
Halls: A and B hall complexes (including A1–A4).

Essen — Messe Essen

The city: Part of the Rhine-Ruhr industrial region.
The venue: Flexible, interconnected exhibition space.
Halls: 9 halls plus the Galeria.

Leipzig — Leipziger Messe

The city: Modern, green and well connected.
The venue: Contemporary exhibition and congress centre.
Halls: Five halls, the Glass Hall and Congress Center Leipzig.

Karlsruhe — Messe Karlsruhe

The city: Technology and research-focused region.
The venue: Ideal for specialist and large-format events.
Halls: Four halls, the dm-arena and conference facilities.

Germany Exhibiting Checklist

Design & Planning

  • Confirm stand size, height limits and open sides
  • Allow for fire-rated materials and certified fabrics
  • Consider rigging early if using suspended elements

Approvals & Documentation

  • Submit technical drawings on time
  • Prepare fire safety certificates and material documentation
  • Confirm whether stand approval is required by the venue

Venue Services

  • Order power, lighting, internet, water and rigging before deadlines
  • Check connection points and power requirements carefully
  • Avoid late orders to prevent premium charges

Logistics

  • Book transport slots and marshaling yards early
  • Confirm access times and build-up schedules
  • Plan for empty packaging storage or return transport

On-Site Build

  • Confirm labour schedules and working hours
  • Allow time for inspections before opening
  • Keep documentation available on site if requested

Show Open

  • Germany rewards preparation—expect a smooth, controlled exhibition once doors open

Why Experience Matters

Germany doesn’t leave much to chance—and neither should your exhibition stand. With 35 years of hands-on delivery across every major German venue, Access Displays ensures projects are compliant, cost-controlled and delivered without last-minute surprises.

The result? Less stress, fewer hidden costs, and a stand that works exactly as planned—on time, on brand, and on budget.