Build-up days are the days before a trade fair opens, when exhibitors and stand builders set up their stands, deliver exhibits and install technology. The organiser sets the times and rules in the exhibitor manual.
During build-up an empty hall turns into a trade fair. Stand builders assemble walls and ceilings, logistics firms bring exhibits and material, electricians connect power and lighting. Depending on the size of the fair and the stand (booth), build-up takes one day or several.
The organiser sets exactly when the halls are open, when certain types of work are allowed and when the stand must be finished. Access requires build-up or exhibitor passes. Some venues apply special safety rules during this time, for example on protective clothing or vehicles in the halls. All details are in the exhibitor manual.
Build-up is the most hectic phase of any show. Late deliveries, missing parts and last-minute changes are common. Plan buffers and decide who in your team makes decisions on site.
Use the last build-up day for a complete check: do all lights work, are the screens running, are graphics applied cleanly, is the storage room organised? What you fix now, nobody will see on the morning of the show.
Think about the images too. At the end of the last build-up day your stand is finished, clean and unused, and hardly anyone is walking through the hall. For stand photos without visitors, this is often the best moment of the whole fair. Check beforehand whether service providers are allowed in at that time.
When we photograph on a build-up day we concentrate on architecture, products and details. Without visitors we can use a tripod, choose angles calmly and work with longer exposures. The result is overview shots you can use later for your website, proposals and planning the next show.
It is important that the stand really is finished by then: protective film removed, floor cleaned, lights on. The guide Using the build-up day explains how to make the most of this moment.
Yes, if the venue gives service providers access and the stand is finished. The end of the last build-up day works best.
Each fair sets its own rules. Usually there are build-up passes for stand builders and exhibitor passes for stand staff. The details are in the exhibitor manual.
Tell us the fair, dates and hall. We take care of the shooting schedule on the day and deliver within 24 hours after the show ends.
We reply within 24 hours. During a show week, WhatsApp is fastest.
