FOCUS ON: Frankfurt
Having welcomed an impressive 3.3 million visitors to see over 84,000 exhibitors last year alone, Messe Frankfurt is firmly on the map as one of Europe’s key exhibition venues. When we caught up with the exhibition organiser’s CEO Wolfgang Marzin back in February, he revealed that these figures were only set to grow throughout 2024 and, four months into the New Year, it seems he was right.
“In April 2022 Messe Frankfurt held its first international event after the Coronavirus pandemic with Prolight + Sound – the global entertainment technology show for light, audio, stage, media and events – and this started off the growth course which continues today,” Wolfgang told Smart Display during an exclusive interview. “It was an indescribable feeling to be able to meet up in person again; to shake hands, hold in-person meetings and go for a meal with business associates, and we got a very strong sense of what had been missing. The sector bounced back superbly during 2023 and key performance indicators at events all over the world are pointing to growth. We are aiming to improve the key figures at Messe Frankfurt even further in 2024 and already, around 30 events are set to make their debut between now at 2025.”
Smart Display can certainly echo this sentiment, having seen a substantial increase in the amount of stands being installed at Messe Frankfurt. With shows such as Ambiente, Automechanika and Food Ingredients already firmly on the stand installer’s radar, the team is heading out to major textile event Techtextil next week to install on behalf of colour assessment specialist Verivide for the first time.
“Our collaboration with Smart Display has been both productive and seamless,” says Utopia Tableware’s marketing manager Josh Rammell, who has entrusted Smart Display with its stand design and build at Messe Frankfurt for two years running. “Trade shows are pivotal to our business strategy and, from the start, Smart Display understood our brand vision and translated that effectively into the stand design. Our favourite aspect of the stand was its design integration, which harmoniously blended our brand’s visual identity with functionality, ensuring that visitors experienced the essence of Utopia Tableware at first glance.”
As our team prepares to head out to Frankfurt again, there’s no doubt that an increasing number of UK exhibitors will be planning to make the same trip for a trade show at some point this year. If this is your first time in the city, it’s worth planning ahead to make sure you get the most out of your trip from both a business and leisure perspective.
Getting here
By car
There is a shuttle service from the Rebstock multi-storey car park (What3words /// zum.messeparkhaus.rebstock) that will bring you directly to the halls. Alternately, head to one of the public multistorey car parks within walking distance of the Messe; Congress Center Messe Frankfurt (///button.settle.together), Kap Europa (///mailer.welcome.identity) or Festhalle (//ambient.behave.reviewed)
By train
From Frankfurt Central Station, take the Underground Line 4 in the direction of Bockenheimer Warte) one stop, and alight at Festhalle / Messe. The Messe is also walkable from Frankfurt’s Central Station – the 1.5km walk should take around 15 minutes.
By air
The Messe operates a shuttle service from the airport during major events. Head to the bus station in Terminal 1 to catch the service, which runs every 15 minutes. Alternatively, the S-Bahn (overground train) will take you to Frankfurt’s Central station; take line S8 or S9 in the direction of Hanau or Offenback Ost and alight at Hauptbahnhof.
The after-show
As an established and purpose-built destination for exhibitions, Messe Frankfurt is well-equipped for your stay, and its central location means that the city centre, main train station, hotels and restaurants are all within walking distance.
Eat
There’s no need to leave the site to grab a bite to eat at Messe Frankfurt. From the oriental and Mediterranean buffet on offer at Aubergine (Hall 3, level 0) to the A La Carte fine dining at Trilogie (Hall 3 Level 1), you can take as long as you choose over lunch. The best option for vegans can be found in Sky (Hall 4, level 0) or Centro (Hall 9, level 0), while pizza and pasta loves should head up one floor to Piazza (Hall 4, level 1).
Sleep
Messe Frankfurt has an abundance of hotels within walking distance of the halls. Some of the closest include;
Frankfurt Marriott Hotel – 600m from the venue
Hotel Motel One Frankfurt-Messe – 750m from the venue
Hotel NH Frankfurt Messe – 800m from the venue
Citadines City Centre Frankfurt – 800m from the venue
Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City – 800m from the venue
Hotel nHow Frankfurt – 850m from the venue
Hotel an der Messe Frankfurt am Main – 850m from the venue
Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Westend – 1km from the venue
Skyline Hotel Europaviertel Frankfurt – 1.1km from the venue
Domicil Hotel Frankfurt – 1.5km from the venue
Play
The reconstructed Altstadt (old town) is the most scenic suburb of the city of Frankfurt. If you are inviting clients to socialise after the show, this is the best area for real ale bars, al fresco dining and live music. You can also experience Germany’s highest rooftop bar – the NFT Skybar located within the nHow Frankfurt Hotel with breathtaking views across the city.
If you are booking space at any of Messe Frankfurt’s forthcoming exhibitions, come on board with the industry’s trusted partner for stand design and build. We take care of the entire process from liaising with the organiser on your behalf to breakdown on the last day and the transportation of your stand elements back to our headquarters here in the UK. Get in touch today and find out why more and more UK brands are choosing Smart Display.
