exhibition Archives - StageFreight

Biggest truck and automotive shows of 2020

Posted on 4th September 2019 by Jonathan Kennedy

Last year, we took a closer look at European automotive shows for 2018. However, the automotive landscape has changed quite a bit since then. That’s we’ve decided to put together a new article, looking at the most important automotive shows of 2020.

One of the most important developments is the rise of electric vehicles. Inside EVs—a key new source for the electric vehicle industry—says that 2020 will be the breakthrough year for electric vehicles. As such, we’ll be focussing on shows that include electric vehicles in their programmes. Since we’re big Trucking Tuesday fans, we’ll also be looking at European truck shows in this article.

Biggest automotive shows of 2020

There are plenty of car shows to look forward to across Europe next year; electric vehicles have been a part of this scene for some time.

Geneva International Motor Show–Gim Swiss

March

The Geneva International Motor Show is a key event on any motor fan’s calendar. The show has been recognised by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers as one of the top five motor shows in the world. It’s also the only one to be held in Europe every year, and is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2020.

A highlight of this year’s event is the electric cars at the GIMS-Discovery dedicated track. Visitors and media representatives will be able to test drive a range of electric cars, and see the potential of these vehicles firsthand. Another bonus is the GIMS-Tech exhibition; this will showcase new technologies that will influence automobiles in the future. For media members, GIMS Media Day offers an intensive conference programme with additional information.

For further details, you can visit the official website here.

Sofia Motor Show Bulgaria

October

This show attracts major automotive names like Ford, Audi, BMW and Mitsubishi. 2020 will mark the 25th Sofia Motor Show; an impressive milestone for any exhibition.

Visitors to 2019’s show can enjoy demonstrations of many exciting new technologies. They’ll be able to learn how advances in electronics and propulsion will transform the way we travel. Since the show is entering exciting new areas, they’re looking for new exhibitors to appear at future shows.

Learn more about what the Sofia Motor Show has to offer by visiting the official homepage.

Salon—Brussels Motor Show

January

Running over ten days in January, the Brussels Motor Show provides a sales-friendly environment for over 500,000 visitors at a time. Each show represents a vast number of car and motorcycle brands, which will show off their latest products. It’s a must-see event for journalists, car fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Each Brussels Motor Show is organised by a non-profit association called FEBIAC. This group works proactively to create a sustainable business environment for both the motor vehicle and bicycle industries. Whether you’re coming as a visitor or exhibitor, the Brussels Motor Show has plenty to look forward to!

You can check out the official homepage for further details on this event.

Cenex LCV–Millbrook

September

Taking place in the UK, this event focuses on low-carbon vehicles. Its key features include a technology exhibition, an extensive seminar programme and facilitated networking with the low carbon community. Attendees can even try out a range of vehicles, including both commercially available and prototype models.

The event is run by Cenex, the UK’s first centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies. It has assistance from a range of partners including the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Innovate UK and the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. Cenex prides itself on ensuring that many key figures attend the event, including major stakeholders, key manufacturers and government officials.

Learn more about what this event has to offer by visiting the website.

Truck shows of 2020

In addition to car shows, there are several events dedicated to trucking too. Since many of our staff are involved in event transport, these kinds of events are dear to our hearts.

Truckfest Peterborough and Edinburgh

May–October

This event has been Europe’s largest trucking festival since 1983. It consists of two national events—one in Peterborough during May, and one in Edinburgh during August. There are also six regional events across Wolsingham, Malvern, Kent, Shepton Malet, Knutsford and Newark.

The events are successful with industry figures, but they’ve also found a following amongst truckers and the general public. The events have grown in popularity over the last few years, and have plenty to offer visitors. Highlights include truck awards, appearances from top truck manufacturers, illuminated light truck parades and even stunt displays.

Get more details on this exciting show at the Truckfest website.

The City Trucks Festival La Pommeraye

August–September

This unusual festival brings together two unlikely bedfellows—trucking and music! It takes place in La Pommeraye—located in western France—and offers a weekend of music, food, workshops and showcases. Truck enthusiasts are the target audience, but anybody can attend.

Each festival boasts big trucks and a vibrant lineup of musical talent. Musicians at this year’s event include Charlie Winston, Caravan Palace and Che Sudaka. The lineup for 2020’s event has yet to be announced, but we expect a similarly exciting lineup in the future.

Get tickets for this event by visiting the official Festicket page.

IAA COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 2020 Hanover

September–October

This German trade show is the world’s leading event for transport, logistics and mobility. Taking place every two years and covering vans, buses and trucks, next year’s show will look at the future of commercial vehicles in more detail.

Key topics at 2020’s event include electrical mobility, environmental protection and logistics for the towns of the future. Visitors can see a unique cross section of the industry’s value chain, including vehicles, transport and logistics. They’ll also be able to see manufacturers and many different medium-sized suppliers.

The last IAA event brought together over 2,000 exhibitors from 48 countries, surpassing 2016’s figures in the process. The show also benefits from more floor space than before; the most recent show boasted a record 282,200 square metres!

Learn more about 2020’s event by heading to the official website.

The Show Must Go On

Europe has plenty of different shows for both trucking fans and professionals. Some take a more lighthearted approach to the topic, while others are more business-focussed. A common thread across most of them, though, is their emphasis on eco-friendly vehicles and technologies. These are only going to grow in popularity over the next few years.

Our experience as an event transport provider means we know about plenty of specialist conferences and niche events. We’ve risen to the unique challenges that different events pose. We’ve even won awards for our top customer service and eco-friendly road fleet.

If you’d like some help putting on an exhibition, our exhibition transport service is a great choice. We handle all the necessary documentation and paperwork if you want to travel abroad. Once you arrive, our drivers can support you throughout the exhibition and work as you need them to. We can even provide branding options for trailers, to give your exhibition more exposure.

Give us a call today on 0113 797 898 and speak to our team of experts. The next great exhibition is closer than you might think!

International Book Fairs of Europe

Posted on 6th August 2019 by Jonathan Kennedy

Popular events go way beyond things like music gigs, theatre tours and corporate exhibitions. Over the years, international book fairs have put down their own roots in the wide world of event transport. To help you keep track, we’ve put together a list of Europe’s top international book fairs and literary festivals!

1. Frankfurt Book Fair

Every October (16th–20th October 2019)

The Frankfurter Buchmesse launched in 1949, and is the world’s most important market for printed and digital content. Today’s attendees use it as a vital trading venue for everything from children’s books to scientific databases. Visitors to the fair can rub elbows with writers, publishing experts, creative industry representatives and culture lovers from several countries.

However, the fair isn’t all about business; it’s also become an important social and cultural event in its own right. The most recent fair saw more than 285,000 book fans, as well as 10,000 bloggers and journalists. Moreover, the fair offered 4,000 events, and attracted approximately 7,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

2. LIBER International Bookfair Madrid

Every October (9–11th October 2019)

Now celebrating its 37th year, the LIBER International Bookfair focuses on Spanish-language books. The commercial organisation IFEMA organises the event, while the Spanish Association of Publisher’s Guilds promotes it. This year’s event promises to be the largest one of its kind.

The book fair is open to all book sectors, though its specialities are digital content, new publishers, desktop publishing and intellectual property. 2018’s event saw almost 11,000 attendees, confirming the fair’s importance to the Spanish publishing sector.

More than 450 companies from 11 countries—including France, Mexico, the US and China—will attend this year. The fair will also feature more than 150 presentations and round tables from 300 speakers. If you decide to attend, you’ll be in good company; the fair anticipates more than 11,000 professional visitors and 180 journalists.

3. London Book Fair

Every March (10th–12th March 2020)

As you might expect, books are at the heart of the London Book Fair. However, over the years it has evolved into something much broader—a global marketplace for rights negotiation, and the sale of content across both print and digital channels. Exhibitors at the London Book Fair can directly engage with customers and businesspeople, demonstrate products, build brand awareness and make sales.

Exhibitors from more than 60 countries come to the fair at Olympia London each year, along with visitors from over 135 countries. Approximately 25,000 publishing professionals—whether they’re authors, editors, designers or talent scouts—walk through the fair’s doors, to speak with more than 1,000 separate companies. These companies cover many different areas, from blockbuster novels and children’s books to graphic novels and gaming startups.

If you’re active on social media, you can follow the latest news via the #LBF20 hashtag. You can also see what happened this year with the #LBF19 hashtag.

4. Helsinki Book Fair

Every October (24th-27th October 2019)

The Helsinki Book Fair is a key event for literature fans and industry professionals in Finland. It takes place at the Messukeskus Helsinki convention centre, and is organised by the Finnish Book Publishers Association and the Booksellers’ Association of Finland.
Bringing together established authors and new talent, this year’s fair promotes key themes like freedom of speech and American culture.

The fair features a programme of over 800 debates and interviews across 15 programme venues. 1,000 performers will be speaking, including authors, artists, journalists, politicians and 40 international guests. There will also be more than 300 publishers and booksellers taking part. More than 84,000 literature fans visited last year’s fair; we expect a similar level of success this year as well!

5. Buch Wien (Vienna International Book Festival)

Every November (6-10th November 2019)

The Buch Wien is an Austrian event, and a relatively new addition to the world of international book fairs. It first launched in 2008, aiming to boost the (much older) Viennese Book Week and improve publisher-reader relations.

Rather than taking place in a single venue, the festival takes place in 30 events across the city. There are also 450 exhibitors attending the festival this year. Last year’s festival attracted exhibitor attendees from 20 countries; 51,000 visitors attended, and 100,000 books were represented as well.

6. Malta Book Festival

Every November (6-10th November 2019)

The Malta Book Festival is a literary conference focussing on sci-fi and fantasy. It first opened in 1979; each festival attracts about 40,000 visitors, more than 40 exhibitors, and offers networking opportunities for professionals in the industry.

Visitors to the festival (in Valletta’s Mediterranean Conference Centre) can enjoy book launches, presentations and poetry readings, as well as meetings with authors, conferences and seminars. A number of guest authors will also be taking part in the festival including Loranne Vella, Jona Courtenay Grimwood, Kali Wallace and Dave Rudden.

7. Moscow International Book Fair

Every December (5th-9th December 2019)

The Moscow International Book Fair in the VDNH Exhibition Complex focuses on non-fiction books, including scholarly and popular science books. However, it also makes space for literary fiction amongst its factual works.

20 countries will be taking part in the next fair, including the UK, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Estonia. More than 300 publishers and booksellers will be be attending, as well as 30,000 publishing professionals, literary critics and book fans.

The fair offers an international forum for signing contracts, and meeting authors, publishers, agents and translators. Visitors also have the chance to attend various seminars and round-table discussions, meet famous authors, and see the latest books and unique editions. If your tastes are a little more musical, this year’s fair also offers a Vinyl Club dedicated to this beloved medium.

8. Strokestown International Poetry Festival

Every May (30th April–4th May 2020)

This festival first launched in 1999, and takes place each May in County Roscommon, Ireland. It acts as a showcase for contemporary poetry—whether it’s local, national or international—while also helping newer writers to develop their skills. It also works to embed poetry in its local cultural life, and bring it to as wide an audience as it can.

The festival is famous for attracting large audiences to its poetry readings, as well as its friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Visitors will be able to enjoy 70 readings over the weekend from a mix of Irish and international poets. Aspiring poets can also enter numerous competitions from September, including the Strokestown International Prize, the Duais de Hide and the Percy French Prize for Witty Verse.

9. International Belgrade Book Fair

Every October (20th-27th October 2019)

This book fair is informally known as the Book Fest, and it has been a fixture of southeast Europe’s cultural calendar for several decades. It’s the largest event of its kind in the region, and a popular meeting point for publishers from Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Only the Frankfurt Book Fair can boast more publishers. The Book Fest also brings together major authors from Serbia and promotes literary creation and education, as well as cultural exchange with foreign countries. This is very much an event where Eastern and Western cultures meet!

Each year, the Belgrade Book Fair hosts both national and international writers and publishers. Another major component is the fair’s numerous lectures, roundtables and public discussions. Participants make presentations to both professional and general audiences, covering topics around literature, publishing and culture.

The most recent fair boasted over 195,000 visitors and 980 exhibitors. A total of 18 countries made an appearance.

10. Göteborg Book Fair

Every September (26th – 29th September 2019)

The Göteborg Book Fair launched in 1985 as a conference for librarians. Today, it is a vital event for people in Scandinavia’s book business. Running over four days, it bills itself as a tribute to freedom of expression; readers, teachers and librarians come together to celebrate the power of stories. On average, the book fair attracts 90,000 visitors each year.

In addition to book-lovers the fair attracts more than 800 exhibitors, as well as publishing companies, agents and authors from across the Nordic region. There are also more than 3,000 events to enjoy; 2019’s seminar program will focus on South Korea, gender equality and media and information literacy.

The Next Chapter

Europe’s international book fairs offer plenty of opportunities for both literature fans and professionals. Whether your interests run broad or niche, the selection on offer means you will truly be spoilt for choice.

Thinking of running a similar exhibition? We at Stagefreight are proud to help exhibitors and sponsors across the UK and Europe with their event transport needs. We’re also happy to help literary agencies and publication houses with events throughout the year.

You can see the full range of our transport services on our Services page. Whatever job we take on, we’ve established a reputation for speed, scheduling and reliability. We can plan routes that minimise travel time and maximise fuel efficiency, without risk of damage to the load of our trucks. Our drivers can also do much more than driving; each one is trained in trailer unloading and fast loading, and will assist with construction and set-up tasks too.

Worried about piles of paperwork when travelling abroad? Our staff can take care of it all before you travel. Want to get the word out for future events? Our branding options for our trailers let everyone know what you’re planning. Working with Stagefreight means you’re in safe hands, regardless of what you want to do.

Got an event you think we’d be perfect for? You can give us a call today on 0113 797 898.

The most iconic art exhibition venues of Europe

Posted on 31st July 201931st July 2019 by Jonathan Kennedy

Europe is home to some of the world’s greatest galleries and museums. Many of these are also perfect for use as exhibition and event spaces, with both historical landmarks and newer buildings available. Thanks to our knowledge of exhibition transport and event haulage, we can direct you to the perfect places for your next European event!

1. The Louvre, Paris

https://www.louvre.fr/en

This former palace is the world’s largest art museum, and home to approximately 38,000 different objects. It first opened as a museum in 1793; its most famous works include The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It also attracts millions of people each year, with 10.2 million visitors in 2018.

People visiting the Louvre can enjoy numerous special exhibitions. The next one to look forward to is their Leonardo da Vinci exhibition; 2019 marks the 500-year anniversary of his death. The Louvre holds the world’s largest collection of his paintings, as well as numerous drawings from the Renaissance legend.

Louvre Venue Hire

In addition to tourists, the Louvre hosts numerous shoots each year for film, TV and music projects. The museum can also be used as a private venue for events; between 50 and 3,000 guests can be hosted at once. Other venues the Louvre offers include the Café Richelieu, the Café Mollien, the Musée Eugène-Delacroix and the beautiful Tuileries Garden.

2. Tate Modern, London

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Named for the 19th-century industrialist Henry Tate, the Tate galleries exhibit almost 70,000 artworks across four sites. Their collection includes British art from 1500CE to the present day, as well as several international pieces. Tate Modern opened in 2000, and uses the former Bankside Power Station for its premises.

A highlight of Tate Modern’s calendar is a new exhibition from Olafur Eliasson. This Icelandic-Danish artist is famous for his sculptures and large-scale installation art. You can see some of these for yourself until the 5th of January 2020; they reflect the artist’s interest in geometry, colour theory and environmental issues. Visitors can even speak to Eliasson’s associates thanks to a live video link!

Tate Modern Venue Hire

In addition to artworks, Tate Modern boasts 16 different spaces to hire. These offer a variety of different settings, including the photography gallery (suitable for small dining engagements), the South Room (with space for up to 300 guests) and the Turbine Hall (which can host up to 1,500 guests at once). Venues offer stunning river views, exclusive private viewing opportunities and availability during daytime and the evening.

3. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en

Dedicated to the legendary Dutch painter, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh museum hosts the world’s largest collection of his work. It first opened in 1973, and welcomed over two million visitors in 2017. A current museum highlight is their exhibition on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Running until the 1st of September, the exhibit explores why the painting was so important to Van Gogh, and how we can preserve it for the future.

Van Gogh Museum Hire

The museum can also be privately hired as a dinner, buffet or reception venue. The museum’s Rietveld Building can accommodate 100 people for a seated dinner, or 250 people for a standing buffet or reception. The Foyer, meanwhile, has space for 250 diners or 450 guests at a reception or standing buffet. You can even pair your events with a guided tour or a special art theme as desired.

4. Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

https://www.smk.dk/en/

This venue is Denmark’s national gallery, and contains artworks dating back to the 1300s. Many pieces in its collection were brought together by Danish kings from the 16th century onwards. In 1849, this collection was transferred to the state, becoming the people’s art collection in the process.

At the moment, the gallery is hosting an exhibition on the Golden Age of Danish painting. Covering one of the country’s best-loved periods, the exhibition features more than 200 paintings from across the 19th century. Legendary artists such as Christen Købke, C.W. Eckersberg and Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann are all represented, alongside hidden gems of Denmark’s art scene.

Statens Museum For Kunst Venue Hire

The Statens Museum is also an excellent venue to hold major events like award ceremonies, formal dinners, receptions or anything else that needs a spacious, inspiring setting. A particular highlight of the museum is its glass-roofed Sculpture Street, which has been used for dinner parties, receptions, shows and product launches. Sculpture Street and the nearby Stage can accommodate 1,000 standing people, or 700 seated for dinner.

5. Guggenheim Museum Bilboa, Bilboa

https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en

This Spanish museum was constructed during the mid-90s, and designed by top architect Frank Gehry. Almost half of its 24,000 square metres are dedicated to exhibition space, which features works by the likes of Jeff Koons, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

An upcoming highlight of the museum’s calendar is an exhibition of works from the Kunsthalle Bremen, a museum in Germany. Focusing on German and French art from the 19th and 20th centuries, this collection of pictures, sculptures, prints and drawings will be presented to Spanish audiences for the first time. Multiple art movements will be represented, including Impressionism, Expressionism and the Romantic era.

Guggenheim Bilboa Venue Hire

The Guggenheim Bilboa offers museum space to companies in its Corporate Membership Program. However, the museum may consider other requests on an exceptional basis. Choose from five different venues with capacity ranges from 40 people seated, to up to 800 standing:

The Library—seating for 40 people
Education Room—First floor seating for 50 people and standing for 80; second floor standing for 50 people
The Hall—standing capacity for 300 people; available outside of opening hours
Auditorium—seating for 300 people
Atrium—seating for 400 people, standing capacity for 800 people, available outside of opening hours

6. Alte Nationalgallerie, Berlin

https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/alte-nationalgalerie/home.html

This gallery was first established in 1861. It is the original home of Berlin’s Nationalgalerie, though its artworks now appear in multiple venues. The original building suffered heavy damage during the Second World War, eventually closing in 1998 for extensive repairs. It reopened three years later on the museum’s 125th anniversary.

Art fans can look forward to an exhibit on Gustave Caillebotte, a key figure in the French Impressionist movement. The gallery will be hosting “Paris Street; Rainy Day”, a 19th century painting that’s considered one of the painter’s most important works. It’s only appeared in Europe before on rare occasions, and this will be the first time it’s appeared in Berlin.

Alte Nationalgallerie Venue Hire

If you’d like to hire the gallery for private use, you can use the gallery’s foyer and staircase, Sculpture Hall or German-Roman Hall. The foyer is perfect for receptions, hosting up to 130 people. The Sculpture Hall and German-Roman Hall are ideal for lectures and ceremonial acts; the former can hold up to 80 people, while the latter can hold up to 150. The Sculpture Hall is also suitable for dining. Photos and floor plans are available on request.

7. Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Brussels

https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en

Covering six distinct venues, these Belgian museums cover 700 years of the visual arts. Their focus ranges from a single artist (in the Magritte museum) to the work of people across four centuries (in the Old Masters museum). The Magritte Museum is hosting a very exciting event next year; for the very first time it will bring together work by Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, two icons of the Surrealist movement. The personal and philosophical links between these two artists will be revealed through 80 paintings and drawings, as well as sculptures, photographs and films.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts Venue Hire

Across these museums, there are several venues available for hire. The Forum can accommodate up to 700 people and seat 400, while the Magritte Museum’s Magritte Room can hold up to 220. If you require something smaller, the Museum Cafe can hold up to 150 people instead.

As an added bonus, each event can be paired with a private visit to the museum’s collection. Wow your delegates with both a gorgeous venue and some invaluable historical background!

8. Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest

https://en.mng.hu/

Hungary’s national gallery opened in 1957 as a showcase for Hungarian art. It moved into Buda Palace—a 14th-century royal residence—in 1975. The palace’s dome is a national landmark, offering unparalleled views of Hungary’s capital.

In addition to several permanent exhibitions, the gallery offers a mix of temporary attractions. One highlight is their exhibit on water motifs in European paintings. Covering over 50 pieces, the paintings depict waterfront landscapes, stories from myth and many other scenarios.

Hungarian National Gallery Venue Hire

As a former royal palace, the gallery has some impressive venues for hire. Their halls can house gala dinners for 600 people, or receptions for 700. Their terraces are suitable for smaller receptions (i.e. between 15 and 80 people) and they offer stunning city views. Thematic guided tours and unique program offers are also available.

9. Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin

https://imma.ie/

Ireland’s Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) uses the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, built in the 17th century. Additionally, 48 acres of land surrounds the museum itself, and includes formal gardens, meadows and a cafe with homemade food.

The museum is mixing things up by looking at the links between two legendary artists—Lucian Freud and Jack B. Yeats. This special exhibition brings together works by the artists for the first time in 70 years. A total of 57 oil paintings will be available for the public to view.

Irish Museum of Modern Art Venue Hire

The North Range of the hospital building and the grounds are available for use by private and corporate clients. Whether you want to host a wedding, product launches, gala banquets, conference or exhibition, the museum is happy to oblige. The impressive windows and high ceilings of the venue are reminiscent of its classical 17th century origins, and offer a unique backdrop for event delegates to admire.

As of summer 2019, the hospital is undergoing renovations; however, it will be available for hire soon.

10. Kunstmuseum, Bern

https://www.kunstmuseumbern.ch/

This Swiss museum first opened in 1879. It’s the oldest museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection, which includes more than 50,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, films and other pieces. With works by the likes of Picasso, Klee and Oppenheim, the Kunstmuseum has gained an international reputation.

In honour of the Apollo 11 moon landings (which are celebrating their 50th anniversary) the museum is hosting an exhibition on artwork of the moon from across history. Visitors can enjoy works by artists like Nell Walden, Sebald Beham and Ernst Kreidolf. The exhibition runs until the 20th of October 2019.

Kunstmuseum Venue Hire

The Kunstmuseum also has several museum rooms available for private hire. These are suitable for a variety of both large and small events, and they can be accompanied by supporting programs. Options include private guided tours of the exhibitions; you can even request selections of paintings, with a specific theme of your choice.

Visitors to Europe have plenty of options when it comes to hosting their next event. We at Stagefreight are happy to lend you our expertise; over the years, we’ve developed an in-depth understanding of the event business, particularly event haulage.

Our work takes us across Europe on a regular basis, and we’re eager to make your next event an unforgettable one. Moreover, we pride ourselves on our quick turnaround skills, and we can plan the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient route to any venue.

If you think we’re a good fit for your next event, conference or exhibition, take a look at our complete range of transport services. Already have an event in mind? Call us on 0113 797 898 to speak to one of the team directly for expert advice on event haulage.

Theatre, stage and live event exhibitions of the world

Posted on 12th June 2019 by Jonathan Kennedy

Theatre, stage and live events bring joy to millions of people, but there’s plenty of hard work behind the scenes before that happens. Professionals in these industries need to know about the latest technologies, and network with like-minded pros to keep their professional edge.

Stagefreight has experience in multiple sectors, providing both exhibition and theatre transport services. We know how important theatre, stage and live event exhibitions are to theatre backstage teams. That’s why we’ve put together this new list of exhibitions for people in the theatre, stage and live event industries.

The Media Production Show

Tuesday 11th–Wednesday 12th June 2019

This free annual event in London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre focuses on the technology behind content creation. It’s organised by publishers of market leading titles such as Broadcast Intelligence, KFTV and Screen International.

150 exhibitors present products and services connected to pre/post production and content distribution. The 5,300 attendees can also enjoy a free programme of seminars, where 200 industry superstars will be sharing their insights and knowledge.

Products and services at this event are organised into several distinct zones. Learn about post-production and rebuilding the internet for video at the Technology & Post Creative hub, or discuss podcasting and women in sound at the Audio Theatre. There’s even a Broadcast Sports zone where you can explore fan engagement, as well as AI and machine learning in sport.

For more details on this event, go to the official site here.

Stage|Set|Scenery

Tuesday 18th–Thursday 20th June 2019

This biannual international trade fair takes place in Berlin, with an emphasis on theatre, film and event technology. Attendees can learn more about stage machinery, lighting, acoustics, makeup and furnishings. There are also several different sectors represented, including film, decoration, events, safety and museums.

Organised by Messe Berlin GmbH and Deutsche Theatertechnische Gesellschaft, the event offers several distinct exhibition sectors including light, sound and security, and also covers newer technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality. There are more than 100 workshops, roundtables and presentations to choose from, as well as live demonstrations of sound systems and other new technologies.

274 companies will exhibit this year, 81 of which come from 21 foreign countries. There will also be over 6,500 attendees from 57 different countries. For more details on this exciting event, head over to the official website.

Event Production Show

Every February

Dedicated to live events of all kinds, Event Production Show at Olympia London brings together professionals from multiple event sectors. It’s suitable for concert promoters, festival organisers, production companies and even local authorities.

This year’s show offered over 200 exhibitors, allowing you to plan every part of your next event. It also offered a series of presentations and panels from 76 speakers discussing outdoor events, particulary independent festivals. The Networking Bar acted as a central hub for the show, allowing attendees to network with other event teams. There were also forums to discuss the matters the industry faces in the near future.

This year’s event is now over, but you can read all about it (and prepare for the next one!) at the official site. With over 6,000 attendees at 2019’s event, we’re sure you’ll be in good company.

Plasa Show

Sunday 15th September—Tuesday 17th September 2019

This flagship international event is dedicated to the entertainment technology industry. It’s a showcase for the latest developments in lighting, live sound, rigging, staging and AV equipment!

More than 200 brands will exhibit at this year’s show, with over 9,000 professionals attending. Visitors can also enjoy seminars and workshops across four theatres, while over 80 professionals will be presenting at this event.

With new product launches and groundbreaking technology by leading brands, as well as a full programme of thought-provoking content, this exhibition is a great choice for professionals in this industry. It takes place at the Olympia exhibition centre in London; you can learn more about it here.

Venues + Events Live

Wednesday 18th–Thursday 19th September 2019 (Old Billingsgate, London)

Monday 23rd–Tuesday 24th September 2019 (Manchester Central)

This events show focuses on a variety of venues, as well as restaurants, hotels, bars and event suppliers. It’s a great showcase of creativity, and sets out to inspire all kinds of event organisers. It’s known as an unmissable exhibition for people who organize events for a living, and has grown so much that it’s now also exhibiting in Manchester.

The event is free to attend, with more than 250 exhibitors showing their wares across five floors. You can attend talks from experts and celebrity speakers, or develop new skills in hands-on masterclasses. When you’re ready to take things a little easier, the expert tasting tutorials are waiting for you!

Offering broad appeal (and events in both London and Manchester) this show can inspire virtually any event. More than 6,000 people—including top-tier corporate event managers and event buyers from multiple industries—attend London’s event, while Manchesters expects over 2,500. For further details, visit the site here.

LDI Show

Monday 18th–Sunday 24th November 2019

This exciting event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Running since 1988, LDI (or Live Design International) focuses on live audience experiences. More than 80 countries, 300 exhibitors and 14,000 professionals attend each year, coming from theatre, concerts, festivals, clubs and even theme parks.

14,000 attendees can take advantage of hands-on product demos (the main attraction) and experiential networking events from more than 390 exhibitors and even industry training. There will be more than 100 cutting-edge training sessions to take advantage of, too; previous training events include safe laser operation, the fundamentals of entertainment rigging and tracking in three dimensions!

Learn more about this event here.

Live Event Expo Tokyo

Wednesday 5th–Friday 7th February 2020

This is Japan’s largest exhibition for the live entertainment industry. Running out of the Makuhari Messe convention centre it focuses on B2B relationships, bringing together people working with LED displays, pro audio, stage art, merchandise production and digital entertainment (i.e. VR, AR and projection mapping). If you work in concert venues, theatres or amusement parks, the Live Event Expo is a great choice.

Japan’s central location in Asia’s entertainment market makes the show a must-see if you’d like to work in this region. A recent addition to the show is a zone dedicated to increasingly popular eSports (video games played competitively, often for huge cash prizes). Attendees can learn about eSport event operation, broadcasting, IPs and much more.

2019’s show attracted 25,872 visitors—an increase of 1,996 over 2018’s show. Next year’s show promises to be just as diverse and engaging an event! You can get further details on this show here.

Expo-Scène 2019

Monday 25th–Tuesday 26th March 2020

Taking place at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal, this is a major Canadian event dedicated to industry professionals working with sound, lighting, video and multimedia technologies. More than 75 exhibitors attend, while more than 1,800 people visit from North America alone.

In addition to the exhibition stands, there are several workshops for attendees to take advantage of. Previous subjects include AV network fundamentals, modern workplace solutions and eco-responsibility in the arts. There are even charging stations and free chair massages to keep you energised!

Get ready for next year’s event by clicking here.

Prolight + Sound

Sunday 31st March–Wednesday 3rd April 2020

This annual event bills itself as the most important international meeting place for people working with entertainment technologies. It covers areas like audio, lighting, stage and set construction, as well as events equipment and systems integration.

Although the event takes place at Messe Frankfurt in Germany, 63% of exhibitors (and 50% of visitors) come from outside Germany itself. The event also offers a Business Matchmaking programme, which helps to put you in touch with relevant professionals in your industry. Professionals from across the sector attend, including wholesalers, retailers, technicians and even DJs.

As well as a great networking event, Prolight + Sound offers free lectures on several topics. These include event management, security, and health & safety at events. There are also open-air presentations; check out PA systems, LED walls and mobile marquee systems in a realistic environment!

For more details on this event, visit the official website.

USITT Expo

Wednesday 1st–Saturday 4th April 2020

This American event is hosted by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, and takes place in Houston. However, it tours the USA on a regular basis. A wide range of people will be attending, including designers, venue managers, business owners, educators and students. It offers a diversity of talent including experts from academic institutions) that few other events can provide.

Exhibiting companies cover several different professions, including video projection, special effects and scenic elements. The organisers work to keep booth rental costs low, while more than 3,000 professionals and 1,000 students attend the event itself.

Exhibitor highlights include a dark zone to showcase lighting and special effects. There will also be shows focused on costume rentals, makeup and related services.

For more information on this exciting event, visit the official website.

We hope you found our theatre, stage and live event exhibition roundup interesting. With events across the world, exhibitions in these industries have something to suit every area of interest! If you’re thinking of putting on a similar exhibition—or using all your new theatre tech to put on a show—Stagefreight has a broad range of event and theatre transport experience.

We can handle all the necessary paperwork and documentation if you’re thinking of exhibiting abroad. When you need something transporting, we can provide branding options for all our exhibition trailers. Our drivers can even support you throughout an exhibition, working as you need them to.

Take a look at our latest case studies to see what we can do, learn more about us on our About Us page, or just call us on 0113 797 898.

12 trade show superstars of Europe

Posted on 5th June 20187th June 2018 by Jonathan Kennedy

As experts in exhibition transport, we at Stagefreight know the value of a good trade show. For many professionals, the annual trade show is a highlight of their work calendar.

And now is an excellent time to shine the spotlight on industry trade shows across Europe.

We’ve rounded up some of the biggest trade shows in their respective industries. As we’ve come to learn, there’s nothing that’s too obscure or niche for a trade show.

From hi-tech materials to luxury coffee beans, there really is something out there to represent every industry!

1. Stage Set Scenery

A must-see trade show for all stage managers and theatre planners is the bi-annual Stage-Set-Scenery in Berlin. The next one is in June 2019 and covers technology trends for all things entertainment.

It started in 2015 and welcomes exhibitors from over 21 countries and welcomed over 6,000 visitors in 2017.

The German theatre technology association runs the trade show, so there’s a strong focus on technology that makes a stage manager’s life easier while also wowing the audience.

Exhibitors showcase products for stage technology, stage planning, lighting and illumination designs, as well as audio technology, costume design and theatre furnishing.

For anyone in the theatre, film or event sector, then Stage-Set-Scenery is a great trade show to get the latest technology trends for all things entertainment. Find out more about next year’s trade show on the official page here.

2. Dental World

Budapest is home to the 2018 Dental World conference & trade show. This conference for all dentists and dental manufacturers has been running since 2000 and is growing year on year in popularity.

It’s a three-day event with multiple speakers covering key areas of the dental industry. The dental trade show is an opportunity to share research findings and the latest technological advancements of manufacturers.

This year’s exhibition runs from the 11^th – 13^th of October and will cover stomatological equipment & tools, stomatological medicines,modern technologies in dentistry and equipping plus organisation best practice of dental rooms and clinics.

Find out more about the key speakers and exhibitors on the official page.

3. Hanover Messe

Founded in 1947, Hanover Messe is one of the world’s largest trade fairs. It’s dedicated to all areas of industrial technology and targets a vast range of sectors, including agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and education.

This year’s April show focused on the idea of ‘integrated industry’ or how things like energy technology, automation and AI affect the wider industrial landscape.

To that end, it hosted cutting-edge technologies such as self-learning robots and e-mobility (vehicles that are more environmentally friendly).

The show also hosted more than 600 exhibitors and 210,000 trade visitors over five days. Of those visitors, 70,000 came from outside Germany, proving this is a trade show with truly global reach!

Whatever industry you work in, the findings at Hanover Messe are likely to affect what you do in the long run. 2019’s show will run from Monday the 1st to Friday the 5th of April; visit the official website for more details.

4. Bellavita Expo

If you’re interested in Italian food, trade shows don’t get much better than this! The Bellavita Expo in London is the UK’s biggest trade event promoting Italian food and beverages. It’s perfect for restaurant owners, retail buyers, hoteliers and other professionals in food-related industries.

Dozens of exhibitors from all corners of the country will be attending, giving you the widest possible range of foods to explore.

Outside of the exhibitors, there’s also plenty to look forward to. Wine aficionados can enjoy the Best UK Sommelier Award, while the more business-minded can get the latest info on UK pizza trends. Hospitality professionals, meanwhile, can learn how their jobs will be affected by the digital future.

All this and more is waiting for you at the London show, with additional events in Amsterdam, Moscow, Bangkok, Mexico City and Chicago.

This year’s London show runs from Sunday the 17th to Monday the 19th of June. For further details (including a full list of exhibitors and events) visit the official website.

5. Materials 2018

When we buy cars or a smartphones, we’re not just enjoying their functionality. We’re appreciating the premium materials used to make these products. Held in the Netherlands, Materials 2018 explores the materials we use, and how they can make- or break- a product.

The trade show is one of the biggest meeting points for engineers and product developers. Buyers, production managers and consultants can also benefit from attending.

Visitors will be able to learn about the latest hi-tech materials, analysis tools, welding, adhesives and other bindings plus everything else in the modern materials scene.

They’ll also learn how to tackle familiar problems like corrosion, wear and fatigue on the materials they use.

With more than 80 exhibitors and an extensive knowledge program, this is a fascinating event with a laser focus on its subject matter. This year’s show runs from Wednesday the 30th to Thursday the 31st of May. Learn more about it on the official website.

6. in-cosmetics Global

Described as ‘the leading global event for personal care ingredients’, this French trade event is the first choice for cosmetics and makeup professionals. More than 800 cosmetic ingredients suppliers exhibit their wares to finished product manufacturers. Each group can also take the chance to network and learn about the latest developments in skincare, haircare, colour cosmetics and much more.

Besides exhibitors, in-cosmetics Global offers many different workshops, seminars and live demonstrations.

This year’s exhibition examines suncare protection, cosmetic clinical study, the future of cosmetics R&D and formulating personal care products.

And if that’s not enough of an incentive, major brands including L’oreal, Unilever and Estee Lauder visit the show.

Next year’s show runs from Tuesday the 2nd of April. Learn more at the official website.

7. World Ophthalmology Congress

Eye health is a vital consideration for practically everyone, so it’s no surprise there’s a global event for it. First held in 1857, the World Ophthalmology Congress is the longest continuous international medical meeting. It takes place every two years in a different region of the world; Barcelona is the location for 2018. It’s an amazing showcase for the latest products and services the field has to offer!

This year, the WOC boasts a scientific program of more than 350 sessions addressing every facet of eye health. There will also be more than 140 companies and organisations attending.

Each one will be showing a range of innovative ophthalmology products and services.

It’s the perfect opportunity to meet with industry figures and learn about the latest advances in imaging, technology and pharmaceuticals! Add 22 industry-sponsored symposia and a welcome reception into the mix, and this is a trade show eye care professionals can’t afford to miss!

This year’s show runs from Sunday the 17th to Tuesday the 19th of June. Visit the official website for full details.

8. Europort 2019

Europort is ‘the international maritime meeting place for innovative technology and complex shipbuilding’.

The exhibition focus on special purpose ships like construction vessels, workboats and super yachts.

2018’s show brought in more than 26,000 visitors from 93 countries; a similar number is anticipated for 2019, along with 1,100 exhibiting companies.

If you’re a shipyard manager, engineer or maritime manufacturer, Europort is perfect for you!

Visitors to the event can enjoy a diverse conference programme, helping you get the very best out of your boats. 2017’s programme covered topics like the data revolution, eco-friendly boats and maritime career opportunities. Exhibitors can also make use of a Speaker’s Corner, where they’ll have the chance to give a technical presentation for 20 minutes.

2019’s Europort event runs from Monday the 5th to Thursday the 8th of November. Learn all about what Eurport has to offer at the official site.

9. European Coffee Expo

For many professionals, coffee is the one thing that gets them through the workday. The European Coffee Expo is dedicated to coffee (and other popular drinks) in all its shapes and forms, making it a must-visit for any drinks purchaser. The coffee exhibition is also ideal for anyone in hospitality from artisan coffee shops to contract caterers.

Held in London’s Olympia venue, the European Coffee Expo lets visitors meet dozens of suppliers in one place. You’ll be able to see major brands like Alpro and Brita, as well as more unusual companies like Climpson & Sons and Single Estate Teas.

As well as the impressive exhibitor list, the event offers a free conference programme.

Learn about developing new talent in your workplace, the story behind Costa Express and surviving the 5th wave of coffee.

If you or someone you know needs to brush up on your coffee skills, the event offers a free taster session from the Specialty Coffee Association. Delve into what makes a good barista, learn how to brew a great cup and get the latest on roasting the perfect beans.

2018’s event runs from Tuesday the 22nd to Wednesday the 23rd of May; we expect we’ll hear the dates for 2019’s event very soon. For full details on this year’s event, visit the official website.

10. WindEnergy Hamburg

Renewable energy continues to gather pace as the future of global energy production.

This September, Hamburg is hosting one of the wind industry’s biggest meetings. It’s actually two events in one; WindEnergy Hamburg is a platform for exhibitors, while WindEurope is a global conference about onshore and offshore energy production.

If you’re involved in any aspect of wind energy- like construction, design, finance or logistics- there’s something for you at WindEnergy Hamburg.

The expo covers all aspects of modern wind production. You can learn about the latest news on offshore turbines, mechanical and electrical components, smart energy and materials. You can also delve into secondary topics like finance & insurance and health & safety.

The conference runs over four days and offers many different learning and networking opportunities. You can learn about electrification in various sectors, how to improve wind farm functionality, and how to operate in a merchant environment. You’ll also be able to attend several social and side events, where you can speak to many different industry figures.

This event runs from Tuesday the 25th to Friday the 28th of September. For more information you can visit the official website.

11. K 2019

Although we’re working to reduce our use of plastic, it still plays a major role in our day-to-day lives.

This Düsseldorf exhibition is the world’s ‘number one trade fair for plastics and rubber’, covering many different aspects of its use.

Visitors to the show can learn about many different areas of plastic production including raw materials, technical parks, machinery and equipment and the future of plastic production. 2016’s show also had a number of special events on exciting developments in plastic, their impact on modern living spaces and the ongoing problem of marine litter.

2019’s event runs from Tuesday the 16th to Friday the 19th of October. The official website has additional information.

12. London Toy Fair

We think a lot of people would love to sneak into this one! The London Toy Fair is the UK’s biggest trade event for the toy industry. It’s aimed at buyers, merchandisers, designers and anyone else associated with the trade.

It also attracts plenty of toy manufacturers; last year’s show attracting more than 260 companies including the likes of Tomy, Hasbro and Games Workshop.

Retailers can plan their product range for the year ahead, getting up close and personal with the toys of tomorrow. They can also take advantage of many on-site retail offers, and see various toys in action at the fair’s new demo zone!

The next toy fair runs from Tuesday the 22nd to Thursday the 24th of September 2019. For more details visit the official website.

These are just some of the weird and wonderful shows running in Europe over the next few months.

If you’re looking to run a similar event, Stagefreight are the experts in exhibition transport you can count on.

Our team of professionals offer great exhibition transport. Once they arrive, our drivers will support you through the exhibition and work as you need them to. A Stagefreight team on site means your exhibition will go off without a hitch!

Due to our experience, we’re an excellent choice for exhibition transport if you’re exhibiting abroad. We handle all the necessary paperwork and documentation for travel overseas, ensuring you can do your job with complete peace of mind. We can also provide branding options for exhibition trailers. This is a highly effective method of advertising, and it’s a great way to get the word out for your event!

Give us a call today on 0113 797 898 or visit our Contact Us page for more information.

The Most Important Healthcare Trade Exhibitions across Europe

Posted on 6th March 20187th June 2018 by Jonathan Kennedy

At Stagefreight, we transport event equipment and props for many different clients.

But we aren’t just about the glitz and glamour of stage shows and music festivals. We’re experts in exhibition transport, including exhibitions for the healthcare industry.

That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the top healthcare trade exhibitions in Europe. These are perfect examples of the types of exhibitions we can help you with.

Altenpflege

Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th of March, Hanover

This event is self-described as the nursing industry’s flagship fair. It’s the perfect opportunity for exhibitors to show off their products and services.

Last year’s show attracted 27,000 visitors and over 650 exhibitors. 90% of visitors would also recommend Altenpfledge to others.

The exhibition features four halls of exhibitors, each one dedicated to a different area of nursing. Whether you’re interested in furnishings, mobility aids, kitchen equipment or IT solutions, there’s sure to be a hall you’re interested in.

There are also presentation opportunities at the Altenpfledge connect facilities, which let you present your company and ideas to an interested audience.

Learn more at the official Altenpfledge website. A downloadable brochure is also available.

Dental Expo 2018

Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th of March, Amsterdam

This ‘integrated platform for dental care’ runs every two years, with a special focus on dental products, information and services. They work to connect and inspire the Netherlands’ dental industry, and it has a lot to offer all of its visitors.

People coming to the exhibition can check out equipment for dental technology, prostheses, laboratory materials, business services and much more.

There is also an extensive program of seminars on topics like teeth whitening, understanding privacy rules and the benefits of dental professionals digitising their dental practices.

As an added bonus visitors to the event will receive a ‘smart badge’ that eliminates the need for heavy brochures.

Touch it to an exhibitor’s badge reader, and you will receive an email with the details of the exhibitors you visited!

For more details, visit the official Dental Expo website.

Infarma 2018

Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th of March, Madrid

This event is dedicated to the European pharmacy industry, focusing on over-the-counter medicines and related products.

It’s actually divided into two separate events; one is to meet suppliers and learn about the latest products and technologies. The other one acts as a meeting point for discussion of current professional issues.

The Medicine and Parapharmacy Exhibition offers dozens of exhibitors, a variety of stand options and products from all corners of the pharmacy industry.

Meanwhile, the European Pharmacies Conference will host speakers from around the world, addressing the key issues in the world of pharmacy today.

People in this industry can look forward to an event firing on all cylinders! For full details, visit the official Infarma website.

Africa Healthcare Summit

Tuesday 6th to Wednesday 7th of March, London

This event is Africa’s largest healthcare event in Europe. Taking place at London’s Royal Institute, it begins with a conference of more than 100 speakers from African healthcare institutions.

The exhibition, meanwhile, offers distributors from 23 different countries, including big names like Canon.

The exhibition is part of the 5th annual Africa Healthcare Week, a scheme to improve African healthcare in the wake of significant economic and population growth.

It’s an excellent opportunity for companies to do business in a booming market! Learn all about it at the official website.

Exposanitá

Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th of April, Bologna

This Italian exhibition is focused on innovating the healthcare system.

Described as ‘an opportunity for business, knowledge and professional growth,’ it showcases the latest products and services the Italian healthcare industry has to offer.

More than 600 companies will be attending, with 11 exhibiting areas and over 230 workshops for visitors to attend.

The event is suitable for people working at all levels of Italian healthcare, including GPs, lecturers, researchers and healthcare workers. For a full programme of events visit the official Exposanita website.

CPhI Worldwide

Tuesday 9th- Thursday 11th of October, Madrid

This event is pitching itself as ‘the world’s leading pharmaceutical platform.’

More than 45,000 people and 2,500 exhibitors will be attending the event over three days.

It’s an excellent place to maintain business relationships, forge new ones in emerging markets and mingle with people from more than 150 countries.

The event also offers a series of in-depth seminars on relevant topics; all of these are free to access, and presented from a non-commercial perspective.

From pharmaceutical packaging to mergers and acquisitions, to the latest technological developments, they’re the perfect way to keep your finger on the industry pulse.

Visit the official website here for more details.

Medica 2018

Monday 12th- Thursday 15th of October, Düsseldorf

A world-leading trade fair for the medical industry, this event promises to be an excellent choice for all healthcare professionals.

Hundreds of exhibitors will be filling the exhibition halls, with many different countries represented.

From Argentina to Vietnam, you really will be spoilt for choice.

Its biggest draw is the range of forums and conferences that it has to offer. Attendees can learn all about the latest advances in the world of medicine, from wearable technologies in sport and healthcare, hot topics in diabetology, disruptive technologies like virtual reality, and much more besides.

For full details, visit the Medica 2018 website.

This is just a sample of the most important healthcare trade exhibitions across Europe.medical exhibitions running in Europe over the next few weeks. And it’s a great example of the exhibitions we can help you organise.

Our drivers can support you through the exhibition and perform a wide variety of tasks. If you’re exhibiting abroad, we will handle all the relevant paperwork and documentation. We can even add your branding to our trailers, giving your event some added promotion. Take a look at our exhibition transport service page for more details.

Or visit our Contact Us page to get in touch, and take the first step toward an amazing exhibition!