Trade Fair Glossary

The glossary is now fully structured, alphabetically sorted, and thematically organised.

Basic Trade Fair Terms

Digital Trade Fair

A purely online event where presentations, communication, and networking take place via digital platforms. It allows flexible participation regardless of location.

Hybrid Trade Fair

A combination of an in-person fair and a digital extension. Participants can attend either on-site or online, increasing reach and accessibility.

Leading Trade Fair

A trade fair with international flagship status that serves as the most important meeting place for its sector. It sets trends and acts as a benchmark for innovation and industry developments.

Presence Trade Fair

The classic trade fair format where exhibitors and visitors meet physically on site. It enables direct conversations, product experiences, and personal networking.

Public Trade Fair

A trade fair format geared toward consumers, focusing on information, consultation, and sales. Visitors can try out products, make purchases, or receive detailed advice on-site.

Trade Fair for Professionals

An event aimed exclusively at a professional audience, fostering exchange among industry experts. Products, services, and innovations are presented at a high professional level.

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Participation Types & Formats

Co-Exhibitor

A company participating at the booth of a main exhibitor. Co-exhibitors benefit from the existing infrastructure and visibility.

Individual Exhibitor

A company that participates independently with its own booth. It is solely responsible for the design, organization, and management of its trade fair presence.

Joint Booth

A shared booth used by multiple exhibitors, often organized by associations or trade fair organizers. The goal is to create synergies and a consolidated presence.

National Pavilion

A group of thematically and visually coordinated booths from companies of one country, often supported by governmental or institutional bodies.

Showcase / Live Demo

Live demonstrations of products or processes directly at the booth. Used to vividly convey functionality and benefits.

Themed Pavilion

A shared area with a thematic focus where multiple exhibitors present their products and solutions related to a specific topic.

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Planning & Organisation

Accreditation

The official admission of press representatives, exhibitors or service providers to the trade fair, usually via advance registration.

Admission Criteria

Requirements that a company must meet to be approved as an exhibitor at a specific trade fair.

Exhibitor Directory

A list of all participating companies exhibiting at the fair – usually with booth number, contact information, and product focus.

Exhibitor Manual

Official document from the organiser containing all organisational and technical information relevant to trade fair participation.

Set-up and Dismantling Times

The officially defined time slots for setting up the booth before the fair starts and dismantling it after it ends.

Stand Construction

Design and physical setup of the exhibition stand – handled by the organiser, the exhibitor’s own builders or external service providers.

Stand Rental

The fee an exhibitor pays for the use of the booked stand space during the trade fair.

Stand Space

The rented space on the exhibition grounds where a company places its booth. Area size can be individually booked in square meters.

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Technology & Infrastructure

Event Technology

Includes audio, lighting, video, and stage technology that ensures the staging and technical functionality of the trade fair presence.

High-Voltage Power Connection

Power supply with high current capacity (e.g., 16 A / 32 A) for machinery or extensive technical installations at the booth.

Media Technology

Technical equipment for image, sound, and video playback at trade fairs – from monitors to LED walls and sound systems.

Network Services

Provision of wired LAN or wireless WLAN for exhibitors, usually available for a fee via the organiser.

Rigging

Installation of loads (e.g., lights, speakers) on the hall ceiling using truss systems. Requires structural certification and special approval.

Truss System

Modular aluminium structure for mounting lighting, audio, or decorative elements above the booth. Basis for safe rigging.

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Safety & Approval

Booth Construction Approval

Documentation of booth structures subject to approval – must be inspected and approved by the organiser or a structural engineer.

Escape and Emergency Routes

Mandatory pathways that must remain clear at all times and allow for safe evacuation in case of emergency.

Fire Protection Plan

Guidelines for preventive fire safety at trade fairs – including rules for materials, extinguishers, and escape routes. Basis for booth approval.

Structural Analysis

Required for certain booth structures such as two-story constructions or suspended systems – to ensure structural stability.

Proof of Insurance

Confirmation of valid liability insurance for trade fair participation – usually mandatory for exhibitors.

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Logistics & Operations

Delivery Time Slot

Fixed time slots for deliveries to the exhibition grounds – to avoid traffic congestion and allow for security checks.

Disposal Fee

Flat fee for the disposal of booth waste, packaging, and promotional materials – often invoiced via the trade fair organiser.

Empty Goods Storage

Storage of packaging materials or transport containers during the trade fair – usually bookable through the official freight forwarder.

Freight Forwarding Service

Logistics provider specialised in trade fair deliveries, booth supply, empty goods storage, and customs clearance.

Technical Service Provider

Companies responsible for electricity, water, internet, suspensions, or cleaning – usually authorised exclusively by the organiser.

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Communication & Marketing

Advertising Materials

Materials used to promote a trade fair appearance: flyers, giveaways, online banners, ads, or social media campaigns.

Booth Staff

All personnel deployed at the trade fair – from consulting to technical support.

Exhibitor Profile

Presentation of a company with logo, texts, and contact details in the exhibitor directory – used for information and lead initiation.

Lead Generation

Measures to generate new contacts at the fair, e.g. by scanning visitor badges, using digital tools, or through booth conversations.

Matchmaking

Targeted matching of exhibitors and visitors based on interest profiles – often supported digitally.

Press Release

Official text used to communicate trade fair participation, product launches, or events to media representatives.

Trade Fair Catalogue

Printed or digital directory of all exhibitors, often supplemented by hall plans, event information, and search functions.

Visitor Management

Planning and management of visitor flow before and during the fair – includes registration, entry systems, and information services.

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Marketing & Analysis

Branding Spaces

Advertising areas on the exhibition grounds outside the booth – such as banners at entrances, in halls, or on trade fair media.

Booth Evaluation

Systematic assessment of booth design, visitor frequency, and overall impact – carried out internally or by service providers.

Exhibition Report

Internal report for evaluating trade fair participation, including KPIs, feedback, leads, and recommendations for future events.

Touchpoint

Any point of contact between a visitor and the brand at the trade fair – such as booths, presentations, promotional items, or digital tools.

Visitor Tracking

Analysis of visitor flow using sensors or apps – helps optimise booth design and assess interest levels.

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Digital Trade Fair Formats

Digital Business Card

Electronic contact information that visitors can save or share via QR code or platform click.

Hybrid Content

Content presented both on-site and digitally – e.g., livestreamed talks or interactive product presentations.

Interactive Exhibitor Profiles

Detailed online profiles with media, contact persons, and communication tools – a standard feature on many trade fair platforms.

Online Appointment Booking

Tool for scheduling meetings between exhibitors and visitors – commonly used on hybrid event platforms.

Video Chat Function

Communication tool at digital trade fairs that enables real-time personal conversations – replaces in-person consultations.

Virtual Exhibition Booth

A digitally replicated booth that visitors can explore via browser or platform – includes videos, downloads, and chat functionality.

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Institutions & Associations

AFAG

AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH is an independent trade fair organiser based in Nuremberg and Augsburg, hosting both professional and public exhibitions in Germany.

AUMA

The Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) is the central representative body of the German exhibition sector, both nationally and internationally.

FAMA

FAMA – the Trade Fair and Exhibition Association – represents private fair organisers and promotes sound business conditions and quality standards in the exhibition industry.

UFI

UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – is the worldwide association for the trade fair sector, based in Paris, bringing together organisers, venues, and service providers.

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International Trade Fairs

Inbound Delegation

Organised visitor group from abroad attending a trade fair in Germany or in a target market together.

Internationality of the Trade Fair

Measure of the participation of international exhibitors and visitors – an indicator of the event’s global relevance.

Outbound Trade Fair Participation

Participation of a company in a trade fair abroad, often supported by export promotion programmes or industry associations.

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Trade Fair Statistics & Evaluation

Exhibition Area Figures

Refers to the net and gross area of the exhibition – important for classifying trade fair size and usage density.

Exhibitor Numbers

Total number of participating companies – often segmented by country and industry sector.

Follow-up

Post-fair follow-up of trade fair contacts to deepen discussions – e.g. via email, phone call, or personal meeting.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Ratio between the effort and the return on investment from trade fair participation. Used to assess success.

Visitor Numbers

Indicates how many people attended a trade fair – differentiated by total number, trade visitors, and origin.

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