Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH is one of the largest and most prominent exhibition and conference organizers in Northern Germany, renowned for its high safety standards, regulatory compliance, and technical precision. This guide summarizes the key rules from the official Hamburg Messe Technical Guidelines that every exhibitor should understand before participating.

Hamburg Messe

1. Booth Design and Approval Requirements

All space-only stands must submit their full design plans to the Hamburg Messe Technical Department for approval before construction begins.

Required Documents Include

  • Floor and elevation plans
  • Height and load-bearing specifications
  • Material lists and structural drawings
  • Electrical layout and rigging diagrams
  • Fire-resistance certification (DIN 4102 or EN 13501 compliant)

Important Notice: Unapproved designs are not permitted to proceed to construction. Unauthorized builds may be modified or dismantled at the exhibitor's expense.

Standard booths (shell schemes) are provided and installed by the official contractor—no approval is required.

2. Booth Height and Structural Regulations

Height Limits

  • Standard booths: maximum height 2.5 meters
  • Space-only booths: up to 6 meters, subject to approval
  • Partition walls between booths must not exceed 3 meters and must have clean, neutral backs (no printed graphics facing neighbors)
  • Enclosed walls facing aisles may cover no more than 30% of that side's length to maintain openness and visibility

Structural Requirements

  • Structural elements (beams, columns, rigging) must not extend into aisles or neighboring areas
  • Double-deck structures require a structural analysis report signed by a certified German structural engineer

3. Electrical and Lighting Regulations

Strict Regulation: All electrical work must be carried out by Hamburg Messe–authorized electricians in accordance with VDE (German Electrical Standards).

Electrical Safety Requirements

  • Each booth must include a main switch for emergency power cutoff
  • All metal structures must be properly grounded (Protective Earthing)
  • Cables must not cross aisles or hang from non-fixed structures
  • Lighting fixtures must maintain at least 50 cm clearance from flammable materials
  • Non-certified electrical devices, modified plugs, or coiled extension cords are strictly prohibited

4. Fire Safety and Emergency Regulations

Fire Safety Requirements

  • Each booth must have at least one 6-kg ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher
  • Open flames, fuel-powered devices, gas cylinders, paints, or heating equipment are prohibited
  • Storing flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, or aerosols is not allowed
  • Decorative materials (carpets, curtains, wood panels) must be fire-retardant (B1 or higher)
  • Ceiling elements must allow unobstructed sprinkler access
  • Emergency exits and fire equipment must remain visible and accessible at all times
  • Booths over 100 sqm must include an emergency evacuation passage

5. Rigging and Suspended Structures

Important Regulation: All rigging work must be carried out by Hamburg Messe Rigging Service.

Rigging Requirements

  • Maximum load per rigging point: 250 kg; higher loads require a structural calculation report
  • Bottom of suspended objects must be at least 3 meters above the floor and 1 meter away from neighboring booth boundaries
  • Rigging across aisles or into adjacent spaces is strictly prohibited
  • All rigging hardware and ropes must be TÜV-certified (German Technical Inspection Association)

6. Machinery and Dynamic Exhibits

Dynamic Display Equipment Requirements

  • Operational machinery must be equipped with protective covers and safety zones
  • A minimum 1-meter safety distance must be maintained between machinery and visitors
  • All machines must include an emergency stop button
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems must have safety valves
  • If displays generate noise or vibration, the organizer may limit demonstration time or request suspension
  • A risk assessment report must be submitted before any live demonstration

7. Construction and Occupational Safety

All contractors must comply with the German Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG) and Hamburg Messe Safety Regulations.

Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Safety helmets
  • Non-slip safety shoes
  • High-visibility vests
  • Safety harnesses for elevated work

Strictly Prohibited: Consumption of alcohol or smoking inside the halls.

High-altitude work platforms may only be operated by certified personnel.

8. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Construction

Hamburg Messe enforces a "Green Exhibition Policy" emphasizing environmental responsibility:

Environmental Requirements

  • Prohibition of single-use plastics, PVC, and foam boards
  • Encouragement of recyclable materials and modular booth systems
  • Mandatory use of LED or energy-efficient lighting
  • All waste must be sorted and recycled (paper, wood, metal, plastic)
  • After teardown, exhibitors must restore the floor to its original condition, or incur cleaning and repair fees

9. Noise and Advertising Regulations

Sound and Media Management

  • Maximum sound level: 70 dB (brief demonstrations may reach 85 dB)
  • Outward-facing loudspeakers or aisle-directed audio systems are not permitted
  • Music or video content must comply with GEMA (German Copyright Association) licensing requirements
  • All advertisements and projections must remain within booth boundaries—no targeting neighboring booths or public areas
  • Distribution of flyers or gifts in aisles is not allowed

10. Logistics and Vehicle Access Management

All freight and handling operations must be coordinated through Schenker Deutschland AG, the official logistics provider.

Logistics Management Requirements

  • Vehicles must book time slots and carry valid access passes
  • The speed limit inside the venue is 10 km/h
  • Vehicles may not be parked or left unattended inside the halls
  • Packaging materials, pallets, and crates must not be stored behind booths or in aisles
  • Exhibitors are responsible for any damage or delays during transportation

11. Distinctive Features of Hamburg Exhibition Management

Hamburg Messe Management Characteristics

  • Strict Approval System: Written authorization is required for all structures, electrical work, and rigging
  • High Safety Awareness: Detailed control of fire prevention, evacuation, and grounding systems
  • Sustainability Focus: Green materials and reusable designs are part of exhibitor responsibility
  • Independent Liability: Exhibitors, contractors, and organizers each bear their own legal responsibility
  • Cultural Insight: Northern Germany values steady, organized processes—documentation and approval take precedence over on-site improvisation, making advance preparation essential

Starrise Insight｜Engineering Precision and Safety at Hamburg Messe

Hamburg Messe exemplifies Germany's "engineering management" philosophy—a combination of safety-first, technical excellence, and environmental accountability. From booth construction to electrical work, every process follows a clear regulatory path. For international exhibitors, adhering to these rules ensures both compliance and professionalism, reinforcing a strong and credible global brand image.

Source

Based on the official Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH Technical Guidelines, compiled and edited by the Starrise Expo Design Team.

Copyright Notice

This article is based on official Hamburg Messe documentation and is intended solely for exhibition education and industry reference. Please cite "Starrise Expo · Global Exhibition Rules Insight" when sharing or quoting. Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH and all related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.