The first quarter of the new year brings three home games for our trade show team: Green Week in January, Fruit Logistica in February, and the ITB travel trade show in March. “Even though we’re on the road at trade shows all over Germany for our clients, it’s really nice to truly bring the term ‘capital city logistics provider’ to life,” says Michael Zander, trade show director.
Full service for full surfaces
For us, the work usually starts one to two weeks before the start of the trade fair: the first step is often import or customs clearance. Then we provide all the necessary equipment for setting up the stand, such as articulated lifts, forklifts or special vehicles with lifting platforms. We collect the exhibition stand and all the items that are to be exhibited or distributed – from small flyers to heavy machinery – and deliver them to the booked space on time. We’ll also be on site during the event to restock the booths with supplies, raffle prizes, or beverages; handle the return of empty containers; and provide containers.
Flexible with Plan B
One thing is always certain at trade fairs: everything never goes according to plan. At the MeLa agricultural trade fair, for example, a combine harvester with an 8-meter-long attachment was only delivered when the trade fair was already underway and the area was full, but without a suitably knowledgeable driver. “Somehow we managed to get him to the booth safely—but it really took some nerves of steel,” laughs Michael Zander.
Dismantling is similarly turbulent: the time slots for collecting the exhibits are not always adhered to; sometimes the straps for securing the load are forgotten. The Rieck team always has additional equipment ready for this, guards the machines that have not been collected and keeps the necessary vehicles on site until loading can be completed. “Sometimes you have to be creative,” summarizes Michael Zander. “But that’s also the exciting thing about every trade fair: always finding the right solution.”