Intertraffic Amsterdam is the world's leading trade fair for smart mobility, traffic technology, and infrastructure, organized by RAI Amsterdam. The exhibition focuses on future mobility, traffic safety, intelligent monitoring, and infrastructure development, attracting companies from over 100 countries.

As one of Europe's most mature exhibition systems, the Netherlands enforces exceptionally strict standards for booth construction, safety, and design. The following key points are compiled from the official Stand Construction Regulations and are intended to help international exhibitors prepare effectively.
1. Booth Design Submission and Approval Process
All custom-built stands must be submitted to the RAI Stand Design Department for review.
Submissions should include:
- Detailed booth drawings (plans and elevations);
- 3D visualizations or renderings;
- Exhibitor's company name and booth number.
The review ensures:
- Structural and fire safety compliance;
- Stable, high-quality materials;
- Aesthetic consistency and unobstructed visibility.
Exhibitors using standard shell-scheme booths do not need to submit designs. If a design fails to meet RAI's requirements, exhibitors will be asked to modify it before approval and construction.
2. Booth Types and Open-Side Requirements
RAI classifies booth types by the number of open sides, with corresponding partition wall rules:
| Booth Type | Open Sides | Partition Wall Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Island Booth | Four | No closed walls permitted |
| Front Booth | Three | One solid wall required |
| Corner Booth | Two | Two solid walls required |
| Wall Booth | One | Three solid walls required |
Any exhibitor wishing to partially close an "open side" must comply with the transparency and proportion rules described below.
3. Transparency and "Open-Side" Wall Rules
To maintain openness and visitor experience, RAI requires:
Walls within 2 meters of an aisle:
- Height ≤130 cm: may be fully closed;
- Height 130–300 cm: solid section must not exceed 1/3 of that side's length;
- Height >300 cm: prohibited.
Columns and vertical structures:
- Max height 6 meters, max width/depth 50 cm;
- Minimum spacing 2 meters between columns.
Transparent materials (e.g., glass or acrylic) are considered "open" surfaces but must remain clear and uncoated with opaque film.
4. Partition Walls and Neighbor Coordination
- Standard wall height between booths: 250 cm, extendable to 300 cm.
- Wall backs facing adjacent booths must be plain white or black, without graphics or lighting.
- Walls exceeding 300 cm may only cover 1/3 of booth width and must be at least 2 meters from aisles.
- RAI may require neighboring exhibitors to coordinate wall color and finish to maintain visual harmony.
5. High Walls and Rigging (Suspended Structures)
Central high walls or large backdrops:
- Maximum height 6 meters, at least 2 meters away from aisles, must not block neighboring views.
Suspended trusses and lighting rigs:
- Must be installed by RAI's authorized rigging contractor Mansveld Expotech Rigging.
- Maximum rigging height: 7 meters.
- Banners must not exceed 1 meter in height and must hang at least 4 meters above floor level.
- No advertising may face adjacent booths.
All rigging requires pre-approval before installation.
6. Flooring and Platform Construction
- Floor load capacity varies by hall (500–3000 kg/m²). Heavy exhibits must be reported in advance.
- Concentrated point loads are not allowed; heavy items must use load-spreading plates.
- Booths with cables or wiring should use raised wooden platforms, max 10 cm high, with closed, finished edges.
- Platforms over 2 cm high must include a ramp (slope ≤10%) for wheelchair access.
- Venue floors may not be painted or covered with permanent adhesives; exhibitors are liable for cleaning and removal costs.
7. Multi-Level Booths and Temporary Structures
- Booths with mezzanines or raised walkways higher than 60 cm require a temporary building permit.
- Exhibitors must submit structural calculations and load-bearing documentation for approval.
- Additional space fees apply based on booth area.
- All elevated structures must have handrails, safety barriers, and emergency exit signs.
8. Safety and Logistics Management
All activities must comply with Dutch Occupational Safety Regulations and the RAI Safety at Work Guidelines (available at www.rai.nl/safetyatwork).
Logistics and Equipment:
- Only the official logistics partner DB Schenker may operate motorized or electric transport equipment inside the halls.
- Other companies may use manual trolleys only.
- Loading and unloading times must be booked in advance through RAI's logistics scheduling system.
- During setup and dismantling, all workers must wear safety shoes, helmets, and reflective vests.
- Blocking air vents, fire equipment, or emergency exits is strictly prohibited.
9. Decoration and Display Safety
- All decorative items, lightboxes, and displays must remain within booth boundaries.
- Sharp edges, overhanging objects, or unstable structures are not allowed.
- Flooring must be even, non-slip, and trip-safe.
- Displays using materials such as sand, gravel, or liquids require prior approval and floor protection.
- Painting, cutting, and welding are not permitted inside the exhibition halls.
10. Dutch Exhibition Culture and Regulatory Characteristics
- Approval-Driven System: Any structural element (rigging, flooring, lighting) requires pre-approval.
- High Environmental Standards: Single-use materials are prohibited; recyclable materials are encouraged.
- Strict Time Discipline: All move-in and move-out must follow scheduled time slots—delays incur fines.
- Professional Labor Certification: No mandatory union system, but all workers must hold VCA (Safety Certificate for Contractors).
- Digital Administration: All approvals and safety forms are processed via RAI's online systems; exhibitors should register in advance.
Starrise Insight|The Precision and Professionalism of Dutch Exhibition Management
RAI Amsterdam represents the highest level of European exhibition management:
- Every structure must pass safety and aesthetic approval;
- Environmental, safety, and accessibility standards are explicitly defined;
- Authorized service systems ensure efficiency and security.
For companies planning to exhibit in Europe, understanding and complying with these regulations is essential to presenting a professional and credible international brand image.
Source
This article is compiled from the Intertraffic Amsterdam Stand Construction Regulations and the RAI Amsterdam Facility & Safety Regulations,
edited and published by the Starrise Expo Design Team.
Copyright Notice
This article is based on official RAI Amsterdam documentation and is intended solely for educational and informational purposes.
Please cite "Starrise Expo · Global Exhibition Rules Insight" when sharing or quoting.
Intertraffic Amsterdam and RAI Amsterdam names and logos are the property of their respective owners.