Frequently Asked Questions

Exhibition construction services include concept development, design, planning, engineering and implementation of exhibition stands.

Depending on the event, these promotional structures are aimed at trade visitors or end consumers. Exhibition construction includes design, technical planning, manufacturing of components and exhibits, as well as the transport of exhibition materials and on-site assembly and dismantling at the exhibition venue.

After the event, exhibition materials can be stored and reused for future exhibitions.

Several factors play an important role in the planning of an exhibition stand. These include stand size, the location of the stand space, consideration of visitor flows and important neighbouring exhibitors that attract large numbers of visitors.

Particular attention is given to visitor guidance, presentation and meeting areas, as well as communication and hospitality spaces during the stand planning process.

In addition, the technical specifications of the exhibition organiser, applicable building regulations, fire protection requirements, escape routes, assembly and dismantling times, as well as logistical requirements are taken into account.

The size of an exhibition stand depends on several factors, including the number, size and arrangement of the displayed products, planned meeting and hospitality areas, as well as the expected number of visitors.

Presentation areas, storage spaces and technical equipment also influence the required stand area. The stand size should be chosen in a way that allows products to be presented clearly while still providing sufficient space for conversations and meetings.

The lead time for a trade fair project depends on several factors, including the event date, stand size, project scope and the exhibitor’s objectives.

For exhibitors, preparation often begins with the reservation of exhibition space with the organiser. Organisers may be private companies or exhibition corporations. Some trade fairs take place annually, while many are held only every two or even three years. In individual cases, the lead time for a trade fair appearance can therefore extend to up to three years.

During the following planning stages, key aspects of the trade fair appearance are defined. These include the objectives of the appearance, positioning within the competitive environment, the location within the exhibition hall, the planned stand size and the question of which products or services are to be presented or promoted at the trade fair.

If newly developed products are to be presented at a trade fair for the first time, their development timeline must also be coordinated with the event date.

Trade fair preparation also includes organisational tasks such as planning exhibition staff, hotel reservations and the creation of advertising materials and brochures.

The final phase consists of the design, planning and implementation of the exhibition stand.

The planning timeline for an exhibition stand depends on the size, complexity and construction method of the stand. Smaller or modular exhibition stands can often be planned and implemented within a few weeks.

Larger custom-built exhibition stands generally require a longer planning phase. Especially for larger and more complex exhibition stands, concept development, technical engineering, manufacturing, logistics and approval procedures must be carefully coordinated.

In practice, planning for a trade fair appearance often begins three to six months before the event, and even earlier for larger projects.

Planning an exhibition stand generally requires information about the stand space, exhibition hall plans and the technical guidelines of the exhibition organiser.

In addition, information about products, presentation objectives and the desired visitor guidance is important in order to develop the concept, engineering and technical planning.

Exhibition stands must comply with the technical guidelines of the respective exhibition organiser.

These include requirements relating to construction height, ceiling suspensions, structural stability, fire protection, escape routes and electrical installations.

Regulations regarding the distance of advertising surfaces from neighbouring stands, as well as the design specifications of the exhibition organiser, must also be observed. These requirements are already taken into account during the planning phase.

Exhibition construction uses a variety of construction methods.

These include wood and metal structures as well as modular system components. The construction method depends on the design, stand size, structural requirements and technical equipment of the exhibition stand. Different materials are often combined to create stable structures and functional presentation areas.

Exhibition stands can be built conventionally, for example as custom wood constructions, or as modular stands using standardised system components.

The choice of construction method is primarily determined by the project’s time frame and budget.

When planning, engineering and production are handled within the same company, projects can be implemented more efficiently. Coordination processes are shorter, and changes can be integrated more easily during the project phase.

A double-deck exhibition stand expands the usable space of an exhibition stand through an additional level. This creates separate areas for meetings, presentations or hospitality without increasing the stand footprint.

Especially where floor space is limited, a two-storey exhibition stand enables a clear separation between visitor areas and consultation zones.

At the same time, a double-deck stand creates a strong architectural highlight with high long-distance visibility and a clear presence within the exhibition hall. An upper level with controlled access reserved for selected visitors further enhances the exhibition appearance.

As a result, double-deck stands also offer extended sales and visitor engagement opportunities.

Modular exhibition stand construction refers to a construction method in exhibition building that uses modular structural elements.

These systems consist of standardised aluminium profiles, metal tubes, metal node connectors, metal cubes, connection elements and reusable components.

Well-known manufacturers of exhibition stand systems include ALUVISION, OKTANORM, MERO and SYMA. Their systems enable flexible stand sizes, short assembly and dismantling times, and repeated use.

A modular exhibition stand is based on modular exhibition systems with reusable components. An individual (custom-built) exhibition stand, by contrast, is planned and engineered specifically for each project and allows for freely designed architecture as well as brand-specific spatial solutions.

Modular exhibition stand construction is frequently used when exhibition stands need to be planned flexibly and reused multiple times. Modular systems enable fast assembly and can be adapted to different stand sizes.

This makes them particularly suitable for companies that regularly participate in trade fairs or plan multiple events using similar stand concepts.

Powder coating is a surface finishing process for metal components. It creates a durable and long-lasting surface that is particularly resistant to mechanical stress and external influences.

Exhibition stands can be engineered in a way that allows individual components to be reused or adapted. Modular constructions make it possible to modify or expand stand spaces for different trade fairs.

After the trade fair, the exhibition stand is dismantled and the components are prepared for transport or storage. Many exhibition stands are designed in a way that allows individual elements to be reused for future events.

In international exhibition projects, planning, logistics and installation are coordinated at an early stage.

Exhibition construction companies often work together with local partners in order to reduce transport routes and comply with assembly and dismantling schedules as well as the technical requirements of exhibition halls. This also helps reduce travel and personnel costs.

For trade fair presences in China, planning, logistics and production are coordinated early.

Stands are often produced locally to cut transport distances and meet the technical guidelines of the halls.

Planning, engineering and project coordination happen in close alignment with local production and assembly teams on site.

A shopfitting concept includes the planning, design and furnishing of a retail space. This includes furniture, presentation systems, counters, shelving and built-in elements that structure product presentation and provide visitors with clear orientation throughout the store.

The design of the retail environment supports targeted customer guidance and contributes to increasing sales.

Several factors play an important role in store planning. These include the structure of the retail space, product placement and merchandise security, customer flow as well as consultation areas.

The goal is to present products clearly and provide visitors with easy orientation throughout the retail environment. The overarching objective of shopfitting is to support sales in the best possible way.

The ideal size of a retail space depends on the product range, the target group and the desired product presentation.

In addition to the actual presentation area, customer flow, consultation zones and storage areas must also be taken into account.

A clearly structured retail space makes orientation easier for visitors and supports a well-organised product presentation.

When a store concept is to be implemented at multiple locations, furniture and interior elements are ideally developed in a standardised way.

These can then be manufactured in series and adapted to different store locations. This makes it possible to create multiple stores with a consistent design, comparable structure and strong brand recognition.

A well-designed store concept reflects the brand world of the company in a distinctive and recognisable way.

Series manufacturing in shopfitting means that furniture and interior elements are produced consistently in terms of quality and appearance for multiple locations.

This is particularly common in retail chain concepts and rollout projects where a store concept is to be implemented across different locations.

Even with standardised store concepts, retail spaces must be adapted to different room sizes and floor plans.

Furniture is therefore planned using systematic grid dimensions in order to allow flexible adaptation to different spatial situations.

Presentation systems and customer flow concepts are designed in a way that allows them to be transferred to different locations.

Shopfitting involves the production of various furniture pieces and interior elements for retail spaces.

These include shelving systems, presentation furniture, product displays, showcases, consultation tables and sales counters.

The furniture structures retail spaces and supports a clear and organised presentation of products throughout the store.

Products can be presented within a retail space using different presentation systems.

These include displays, presentation furniture, showcases, presentation walls and shop-in-shop areas. These elements structure retail spaces and direct attention specifically towards certain products or brand areas.

Display construction includes the development and manufacturing of presentation systems for products. These include POS displays, presentation walls, showcases and modular presentation systems for retail spaces, showrooms and exhibitions.

Standardised series manufacturing enables a high level of cost efficiency.

Displays are used in retail environments, at trade fairs, in showrooms and in exhibitions. They are used to present products visibly, structure information clearly and direct visitors’ attention towards specific products.

Shop-in-shop systems are independent presentation areas within existing retail environments. They enable brands to present their products in a clearly defined and distinctive way within a larger retail assortment.

In showrooms, products are often presented using presentation furniture, displays, showcases or large-format presentation walls.

The goal is a clear presentation of products and a strong representation of the brand within the space. A well-designed display reflects the brand world of the company in a distinctive and recognisable way.

Exhibitions often use presentation walls, showcases, displays or modular exhibition systems. These systems enable a structured presentation of products, exhibits or information.

The most common types of POS displays include floor displays, counter displays, blister walls, presentation shelving, showcases and modular presentation systems for different products.

Product security and sales promotion are just as important as maintaining strong brand recognition.

A travelling exhibition is an exhibition that is presented at multiple locations.

For this purpose, presentation systems are developed in a way that allows them to be transported, repeatedly assembled and dismantled, and used at different venues.

Modular exhibition systems are often used because they can be flexibly adapted to different spaces and layouts.

When an exhibition is intended to be shown at different locations, presentation systems are often planned in a modular way. This allows exhibition elements to be transported, adapted to different spaces and reused multiple times.

Display construction uses a variety of presentation solutions. These include POS displays, presentation furniture, showcases, presentation walls and modular shop-in-shop systems.

The service portfolio includes organisational and project-related services for trade fair appearances and presentation environments.

These include project coordination, logistics, installation and dismantling, storage of components as well as organisational support for events.

Full service describes the comprehensive management of a trade fair project. This includes planning, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, installation and organisational coordination related to the trade fair appearance.

The goal is the coordinated execution of all project phases and services.

Larger exhibition projects often involve multiple trades and service providers, such as graphic production, media technology, technical services or logistics. Our project coordination ensures that planning, assembly and dismantling, as well as the execution of the individual services, are aligned with one another.

After the fair, the stand is dismantled and the components are prepared for transport or storage. Many stands are engineered so individual elements can be reused or adapted to new floor plans at future events.

Many exhibition stands are engineered so individual components can be stored after the exhibition. For future events, these elements can be reused or adapted to new floor plans.

In-house exhibitions are company events where products or services are presented within the company’s own premises or at customer locations.

Presentation areas, displays and temporary exhibition spaces are specifically designed for visitors, customers and business partners.

Roadshows are mobile presentation formats where products or brands are introduced at multiple locations. Presentation systems and displays are designed so they can be transported, set up repeatedly and adapted to different venues.

IMA also delivers tailored roadshow formats. Customers can manage their roadshow through a custom-built online platform and book the required exhibits. IMA handles all related logistics – outbound transport, return transport and, following inbound inspection, the subsequent storage of the exhibits.

Event support includes the organisation and coordination of presentation areas as well as technical and operational processes during an event. This includes presentation systems, technical equipment, catering, media technology, support, event scheduling and the coordination of involved service providers.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are petroleum-based solvents from carbon chemistry found in solvent-based lacquers that evaporate during application. They pollute the air in production rooms, are subject to legal limits (EU Directive 2004/42/EC) and require strict occupational safety measures - when handled improperly, they pose serious health risks. Water-based lacquers contain up to 80% fewer VOCs.

Modern 2K water-based lacquer systems achieve a scratch resistance of 3H to 4H (DIN EN ISO 15184) and are fully suitable alternatives for most trade fair applications. In cases of extreme mechanical stress, combining both systems can be beneficial.

In addition, water-based lacquers create a more compatible working environment for employees in production – an important advantage in daily operations.

Yes. The metal surface needs suitable pre-treatment - for example primer or adhesion promoter. Typical use cases include displays and structural components.

Wood-based materials like MDF and multiplex work very well. But metal and plastic can also be coated with water-based lacquers - depending on requirements and surface preparation.

Modern water-based lacquers are dust-dry within 15–20 minutes and touch-dry in under 30 minutes at 20 °C with convection drying. UV curing can shorten drying times further. Solvent-based lacquers can sometimes be surface-dry faster but often need longer to fully cure.

Concept development, design and technical planning are created in Germany through close coordination between IMA and its partner. Manufacturing and on-site installation are handled by the partner company in China. Customers benefit from a central point of contact and well-established processes between both Partners.

Local manufacturing reduces transport effort and avoids customs procedures. Adjustments can be implemented directly during the course of the project without dependence on international supply chains – reducing costs and increasing project flexibility.

Planning, scheduling and project coordination are managed centrally by IMA. Clients do not have their own coordination effort, as the collaboration between both partners has been established and proven over many years.

IMA and its partner work together based on shared project experience. Requirements relating to engineering, material selection and execution are coordinated and reviewed jointly throughout the course of the project.

Yes. IMA and its partner handle the entire on-site project process – from manufacturing to support during the exhibition. Clients do not require their own contacts or specific knowledge of the Chinese exhibition market.

Short term, a rental stand is cheaper. With regular use, an owned stand can be more economical over time. The deciding factor is how often the stand is used and whether reuse is planned.

That depends on size and complexity. In many cases, a custom stand pays for itself after several uses over two to four years. The condition is that engineering and design are built for reuse.

Hybrid models combine rented standard structures with custom-built elements. This lets you steer cost and flexibility directly. They are used especially when requirements differ between fairs.

Not necessarily. Rental systems can be delivered at high quality, but they are structurally standardised and offer fewer custom design options. The perceived quality depends heavily on execution, material choice and level of detail.

An exhibition stand used multiple times is generally more sustainable than short-lived one-off solutions. Use duration and reusability are decisive. Systems used over several years cut material consumption and transport effort significantly.

In principle, the same regulations of the respective exhibition venue apply to both variants. For stand constructions above a certain height – usually from three metres onwards – construction drawings and structural calculations must be submitted to the organiser. IMA International handles this as part of the project process for its clients.

A rental stand often only needs 4–8 weeks, since the construction and base system already exist. A custom exhibition stand typically takes 3–6 months - concept, engineering and production take time. Hybrid models sit in between, depending on the share of custom components. For solid planning, early alignment is recommended - ideally before the trade fair budget is locked in.

A display is a presentation system for products or content, used in retail, in showrooms or at exhibitions.

When a system is intended to be used multiple times, rolled out across several locations or operated over the long term.

Depending on requirements: wood, metal and plastics - often in combination.

Because engineering, function, haptics, surface appearance and assembly can all be tested at full scale.

That a display can be produced, reordered and extended at consistent quality.

That depends on complexity, materials and unit count. As a rule of thumb: simple systems need 4–6 weeks from prototype approval to the first series delivery. More complex systems with technical integration or special surfaces take 8–12 weeks. The key is that engineering and materials are fully approved before series production starts. For solid planning, early alignment is recommended - ideally already in the concept phase.

A rental stand often only needs 4–8 weeks, since the construction and base system already exist. A custom exhibition stand typically takes 3–6 months - concept, engineering and production take time. Hybrid models sit in between, depending on the share of custom components. For solid planning, early alignment is recommended - ideally before the trade fair budget is locked in.

Sheet metal is processed at material thicknesses of 0.5 to 20 mm. Steel and aluminium are most common. Other materials are possible depending on requirements.

The Jumbo-Coat powder coating line coats components up to 2.0 m wide, 2.3 m high and 6.0 m long at a weight of up to 2 tonnes. Even very large structural parts are coated on site. Transport to external coating providers is no longer needed.

Yes. The range covers prototypes and one-off pieces, small series and large-series projects. Last-minute change requests can be picked up directly in production.

The 3D workshop not only assembles its own components, but also integrates external parts such as lights, monitors, product inserts or graphics on request. The finished product is fully assembled and delivered.

Because both companies operate under one roof in Aßlar, coordination runs without detours. Dimensions, connection points and surfaces are planned jointly. One dedicated contact owns the full project - whether wood, metal or combined solutions are needed.

The biggest benefit is removing interfaces. When wood, metal and coating happen at the same location, you stop depending on external suppliers.

Engineering changes can be implemented right away, dimensions are reconciled in house and quality control runs end to end. That means shorter production times, more reliable schedules and a single point of contact for the entire project.

That depends on complexity and quantity. Simple parts like fittings or floor profiles are usually ready within one to two weeks. More complex welded assemblies typically take two to four weeks.

Because metalworking and exhibition production sit at the same site within the IMA group, production plugs directly into the overall schedule - without extra lead times between trades.

There is no minimum quantity. One-off pieces, small series and large projects are all treated equally. Enquiries are welcome regardless of project size or unit count.