Build heights, open sides, suspensions, double-deck: EXFAIR prepares the documents and coordinates them with the organiser
Stand approval is the organiser's sign-off on an exhibition stand based on the venue's technical guidelines. Single-storey standard stands up to the usual hall build height – mostly 2.50 to 4 metres – are generally exempt. Approval is required for taller structures, two-storey stands, ceiling suspensions, closed ceilings, large glazed areas, stages and platforms above a certain height, and special structures with loads that require a structural calculation.
For every stand, EXFAIR prepares dimensioned floor plans, elevations and sections, where necessary a structural calculation by a certified structural engineer, certificates for the fire class of the materials used (B1/flame-retardant) and the rigging plan for suspension points. We submit the documents via the organiser's contractor portal – at Messe Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Hanover, Cologne, Nuremberg, Friedrichshafen and Basel we know the procedures and deadlines.
Applying for approval too late risks re-planning shortly before build-up or conditions imposed during the fair. That is why approvability is part of the design at EXFAIR: build heights, distances to neighbouring stands, open sides and escape routes are considered in the floor plan before anything is built.
Services: Review of technical guidelines · Dimensioned plans and elevations · Structural calculation · Fire-protection certificates · Rigging plan · Submission via contractor portal · On-site inspection with the organiser.
Costs and lead time
For EXFAIR stands, plan documents and submission are included in the stand price; the structural calculation by a certified engineer and organiser fees for approval, rigging or double-deck are listed separately. Lead time: depending on the fair, structures requiring approval must be submitted 6–8 weeks before build-up – so allow 16 weeks overall for custom builds and 10–12 weeks for suspensions. EXFAIR checks the deadlines of the respective fair when quoting.
When approval is required
Stands above the usual hall build height, two-storey stands, ceiling suspensions, closed ceilings over 30 sqm, glazing, stages and platforms over 20 cm high, vehicles and machinery with high point loads, and anything affecting escape routes or neighbouring stands. In case of doubt we ask the organiser before we build.
Related services
Custom-built stands · Ceiling suspension · Truss systems · Assembly and dismantling · Messe Düsseldorf, Messe Frankfurt and all other venues
As of September 2026. The organiser's current technical guidelines always apply.