Major trade fairs in Germany |
General
Information | Practical Tips | Addresses
of Organisers/Trade Fair Authoirities
General
information:
There are trade fair grounds (messe) in over 20 German cities. In a year, over 130
international and national trade fairs take place in Germany. More than 140,000 exhibitors
come to display their products. About 45% exhibitors are from foreign countries (largely
dominated by EC and other European exhibitors). Asian exhibitors form about 15% of total
foreign exhibitors. The German trade fairs attract about 9 million visitors, of which over
1.5 million come from outside Germany. Trade fairs in Germany are specialised and cater to
specific products. Participation is expensive by Indian standard and thus adequate
preparation and planning are necessary before participation. German trade fairs not only
attract German visitors but also visitors from Europe and other continents. This is to be
kept in mind while choosing the product range for display.
Practical
tips:
-For a company participating for the first time in a German trade
fair, one can consider participation under official umbrella, i.e. participation through
one of the Export Promotion Councils. Exposure to German trade fair market will help
gaining experience for direct participation.
-Space/exhibition area is limited in most of
the trade fairs. The deadline for booking space often ends 6-8 months before the
commencement of the fair. Many exhibitors book it one year in advance, i.e. next year's
booking is done while particpating in the current years trade fair. Regarding space
allocation, preference is always given to the regular participants.
-Hotel rents are invariably increased when a
major trade fair takes place in a city. Accommodation usually gets booked in advance.
Prior planning is necessary for booking accommodation, especially if one is looking for
reasonably priced hotel/apartments. Hotel authorities invariably ask for advance payment
or international credit card number for any booking during fair period. Tourismus + Congress GmbH,
Frankfurt can arrange hotel rooms or private accommodation for fairs in Frankfurt
(Contact: Tel: 0049-69-21230808, Fax:21240512, TCF.Info@frankfurt-main.de
).
-Catalogue entry: entry of a company's name in
the official catalogue of the Messe is possible through payment. Entry with complete
details, such as, stand no. and complete product range is an absolute must. German buyes
are usually methodical and plan their visit to different stalls from the official
catalogue (as per their product interest). This is more so because it might not be
possible to visit all the stalls during the fair period.
-In a large trade fair, different halls are
meant for displaying different products. One might find it attractive to display all kinds
of products in one stall, in order to get maximum exposure. However, it might not be
useful, as the visitors coming to a particular stall will only look for the products which
are permitted to be displayed in a stall. Moreover, the visitors interested in other
prodoucts (which are to be displayed in other halls) might not visit your hall as such.
-Stand construction and decoration are very
important to attract passing visitors. Economising too much on this might not get enough
visitors or business. Every trade fair organiser/Messe authority provides stand
construction services. However, this will be slightly expensive and it is possible to find
cheaper contractors. Readymade stalls (already constructed) are available in some fairs.
Use of these will reduce construction cost.
-Arrangement for timely shipment of goods for
display, custom clearance and insurance should be done to avoid last minute problem.
-Every trade fair organiser/Messe authority
provides some basic information such as last year's catalogue, available press release,
addresses of contractors and other agencies providing different services, possibility of
booking of reasonable price accommodation through tourist office etc. Every exhibitor can
access this information while booking space or thereafter.
-Other than catalogue entry, publicity at fair
ground is possible through posters, display area etc. These are offered at a price and to
be booked in advance. These can only publicise the name of the company, stand number and
product range.
-Copying of design of display products is
strictly prohibited. Every Messe authority permits a few designated photographers to take
photograph within Messe ground / halls. Anybody not having such identity card should not
be allowed to take photographs at your stand, as piracy might be the motive. Similarly,
any exhibitor found copying others' design can be barred from displaying his products, if
the Messe authorities receive genuine complaint against him.
-There are some environmental norms and safety
measures (regarding inflammability /fire proofing) for stand decoration. These are to be
strictly adhered to.
-Limited subsidy is available under
IGEP/German aid for official participation in few selected fairs.
- Messe Franfurt has an office in India.
Companies applying for first time participation in Messe Frankfurt may consider contacting
Messe Franfurt office in India.
Addresses of Trade Fair Authorities/Organisers
