Space only stand regulations & Technical guidelines

Purpose & general principle

These rules ensure safe and fair exhibiting for all participants. Space-only exhibitors have a legal obligation to build to the required standards of Messe Berlin and local regulations.

Important: You will not receive Permission to Commence Build until all required documents are submitted and approved.

On-site safety

Working at height (zero tolerance)

• No work on unprotected edges (“live edge” forbidden)

• Suitable PPE + risk assessment required

• Ladders only for low-risk tasks where platforms are impractical

• No ladder work over 4 m – use tower/MEWP

Hot Works

• Welding/cutting/grinding and similar works are generally prohibited on the venue operational and display areas

• Rare exceptions require written request + approval + fire officer supervision (cost to exhibitor)

PPE

• Safety footwear (toe caps) mandatory

• Hi-visibility vests mandatory during build-up/breakdown

• Hard hats required for overhead work (+ 2 m safety zone)

Stand build: walls, sightlines, reverse dressing

Sightlines (open sides)

• No more than 50% of any aisle-facing side may be solid walling

• Exceptions are only granted upon request and must be submitted to EEP with supporting reasons.

Reverse dressing (to neighbours / aisles)

• Shared walls must be constructed to a minimum height of 2.5 m

• Above 2.5 m, the rear side must be finished neatly down to the floor in a plain/neutral finish (typically white)

• No branding/logos on walls facing neighbouring stands

Doors & glazing

• Doors (especially storage doors): vision panels required

• Doors must not open out into aisles/escape routes

• Glass must be clearly marked for visibility, laminated safety glass

• Sliding doors are not accepted on escape routes

Aisles, escape & rescue routes

• Emergency exits, escape routes, signs, fire equipment must remain clear at all times

• Nothing may protrude into aisles/passageways

• Messe Berlin may remove obstructions at the responsible party’s cost and risk

Materials & fire safety (simplified)

• All construction materials, textiles and decorative materials must be at least DIN 4102-1 B1 or EN 13501-1 C-s2, d0

• Certificates must be available on site and submitted with stand documentation

• Prohibited examples: polystyrene/Styrofoam, easily flammable/dripping materials, dense/toxic smoke materials, many untreated natural décor items (straw, bamboo, bark mulch etc.), artificial plants

• Open flames/candles require prior approval (very limited exceptions)

Electrical (simplified)

• Main connections installed by approved Messe Berlin contractors (at exhibitor cost)

• Stand electrical work must be carried out by qualified electricians to VDE/EU standards

• RCD 30 mA required

• Earthing required for accessible metal parts

• No power from neighbouring stands

• No unauthorised changes after approval

• Switch off electrical devices daily when leaving (exceptions: emergency lighting, safety equipment, refrigeration, critical IT)

Rigging / suspended items (simplified)

• Only official ceiling load points may be used; installation by Messe Berlin/approved contractors

• All rigged items must remain within stand boundaries and not over aisles

• Provide: rigging plan, point loads, total weight, trim height, installation date, method, secondary safeties

• Heavy/complex rigs may require additional approvals/monitoring (cost to exhibitor)

• Advertising facing immediately adjacent stands or event areas must be located at least 1 m from the boundary to the neighbouring stand or event area.

Flooring, platforms & accessibility

• Floor coverings must be safe, secure and within your stand boundary

• Nothing may be placed under the hall flooring (underfloor voids are venue-only)

• Platforms must be structurally verified

• If you have a raised floor/platform (commonly from 38 mm and above, depending on the stand size), wheelchair access is required

• Ramps typically: 1200 mm clear width, max 6% gradient, slip-resistant, level landings top/bottom

• Edge protection required at height differences from 20 cm (parapets/guarding)

Vehicles, containers & heavy exhibits

• Show exact position on drawings

• Vehicle must remain static with engine off

• Minimal fuel only; lockable fuel caps locked

• Drip tray required; vehicle must remain fully within stand boundary

• Batteries must be removed/disconnected/isolated before public access (as applicable)

• Keys to organisers + 24-hour contact

• Show trucks/containers with walkable/extendable structures require approval and often an on-site check

Deliveries & traffic

• All deliveries must be clearly labelled and include an on-site contact + mobile number

• Organiser/venue cannot sign for deliveries

• Speed limit on site: 20 km/h

• Vehicles may enter halls only for loading/unloading; engines off; no parking in halls

• Cranes/forklifts/work platforms generally only by official logistics providers (exceptions need approval)

Cleaning & Waste (space-only)

• Space-only stands do not include stand cleaning. If required, cleaning services can be ordered via the BECO Shop.

• Exhibitors/contractors must remove all waste during build-up and breakdown. Waste disposal services must be ordered via the BECO Shop.

• Nothing may be left behind; removal/disposal will be charged

• Carpet tape must be fully removed to avoid additional charges

NEW: E-bikes / E-vehicles / batteries & on-site charging

Battery-powered mobility devices and displays (e-bikes, e-scooters, e-vehicles, loose batteries, power stations):

• E-bikes and e-scooters

o Must be display-only in all exhibition halls.

o No riding, no powered movement, no rollers, no motor activation.

o Vehicles must be switched off, stabilised, and electrically isolated where reasonably practicable.

• Demonstrations

o Riding is allowed only on the official IFA outdoor test track.

o Must follow organiser schedule, marshals, and speed limits.

o Helmets are mandatory for all riders.

o Exhibitors must have liability insurance for test rides.

o No independent demo areas are permitted.

• Fire Safety Requirements Each stand must have:

o 1 × 6 kg ABC fire extinguisher

o 1 × lithium-ion suitable extinguisher (e.g. AVD/water-based)

o 1 m clearance around vehicles o Additional extinguisher required if displaying more than 5 vehicles

• Approvals (Deadline: 8 Weeks Before Build Up)

o You must submit:

o  Vehicle list and models

o Battery type and capacity

o UN 38.3 certification

o Test track participation request (if applicable)

o Written organiser approval is required before bringing vehicles on site.

• Charging any type of battery inside the halls is not permitted.

On-site charging is only permitted if it takes place outside of the halls

o A clearly defined charging area and appropriate fire precautions must be placed by the exhibitor (as required)

• Storage of lithium-ion batteries:

o Keep quantities to operational necessity only

o Protect from heat, moisture and mechanical damage o Approved transport/storage cases recommended

• E-vehicles as exhibits

o Please follow the technical guidelines of Messe Berlin

• The organiser/venue may impose additional conditions (e.g., quantity limits or specific risk assessment requirements)

This document provides a summary of the applicable regulations.

All exhibitors and contractors must also review and comply with the Messe Berlin Technical Guidelines.