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.

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.

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.