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 11th – 13th 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.