If you have booked a 'Space Only' exhibit space this means you will be allocated an empty space on the show floor and you are responsible for providing everything else.
Please refer to your Exhibit Contract for your exhibit details including dimensions and number of corners/walls required, etc. If you are unsure of what exhibit you have booked or would like to upgrade your exhibit please contact the sales team.
Exhibitors are responsible for their own stand design and construction.
No stand-fitting or carpet is provided by IAAPA on space only sites.
It is your responsibility to examine the area and site allotted to you to avoid costly adjustments to stand structures. Where possible the organisers will provide on request detailed stand plots indicating the position of service ducts and pillars. Minor obstructions or height restrictions cannot always be indicated on the plans of the exhibition.
Stand-fitting regulations contained within this section must be observed when planning your stand design and layout. To achieve a smooth run up to the exhibition, all exhibitors should provide us with details of their selected contractors. This will enable us to supply them with any additional information they may require.
When you have an appointed contractor, please email: [email protected] with their contact details. We will be pleased to offer advice and guidance where required.
Space-only stands must submit detailed stand plans by Friday, 24 July 2026.
Our team will be looking after the space-only stand plan sign-off process in its entirety for the event, including managing all queries you may have about your stand designs.
Space only or special design exhibitors of any size, and exhibits displaying inflatables, MUST submit via the stand layout form in the ERC (Exhibitor Resource Center
Once registration opens in May all space only exhibitors must also upload a copy of your stand builder’s public liability insurance (applicable to exhibitors using a stand builder), showing a minimum cover of €3,000,000 and the policy validity dates.
If you are intending to build a complex structure (over 4m) or have a complex rig you will need to provide full structural calculations with your stand plans.
Only once all information is received will we review and come back to you with any questions before issuing a Permission to Build Certificate. Full stand build regulations must be applied to your stand design. Please submit all the information via the ERC (Exhibitor Resource Center)
Below you will find the stand build regulations that must be applied to your space-only stand design.
We have highlighted various general regulations which you may find helpful when designing your stand, however, please note that this is not a definitive list of regulations. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and their contractor to ensure their stand design complies with all applicable stand build regulations detailed in the venue technical regulations.
Failure to comply with the regulations laid out below may lead to your permission to build being revoked and changes to the stand build being undertaken onsite or complete removal of the stand.
Compulsory Forms and Regulations:
Risk Assessment Template for Space Only Stands.pdf
All exhibitors should adhere to the Raised Floor Regulations
Important: Please be aware that stands of 3m wide or less are only permitted to build to 2.5m high as a courtesy to surrounding exhibitors.
The maximum overall height of stand-fitting for single storey stands including cladding of columns is 4m from the floor level. Requests to exceed this height will only be considered if they are submitted to us in writing and accompanied by full technical drawings and structural calculations.
Any construction over 4m is classified as a complex stand and charges may be made for structural approval. The maximum build height is still 6m from the venue floor. However, there are some stands where the maximum build height will be lower due to building restrictions or IAAPA regulations.
Please be aware that we have a limited build-up and breakdown tenancy, all space only stands must be dismantled and removed within the published hours. Only submit plans for stands that are over 4m with a thorough method statement if you believe this can be achieved in the time frame available.
Cables, leads and power conduits that have to be installed on the floor in areas accessible by visitors must be clad in such a way as to prevent the risk of tripping and mechanical damage. Highly visible signage must also be installed to clearly warn of the risks.
Electrical cables, water/waste pipes, etc are not permitted in or to run across gangways.
Ceilings on stands are only permitted if the material used has an appropriate fire certificate and is water permeable. If a ceiling is incorporated illuminated fire exit signs may be required depending on the size of the area and the materials being used.
Please note that chipboard, particleboard and low-density fibreboard (LDF) is not suitable for construction and in particular of weight bearing structures. The H&S Manager and Structural Engineer will identify stands which do not comply during the build process and all necessary remedial work must be completed before the stand will be permitted to open. Where chipboard is in use a solid wooden frame will be required.
Custom-built and/or bespoke structures include items that have been constructed from non-modular materials, e.g. wooden structures and exhibits. Such items are classed as ‘complex' and the complex structure procedure set out in the stand plans section must be followed, in order for them to be rigged.
Bolts must be used on all joints and connections. Screws are not acceptable for joining members together.
Additional documentation must be submitted to [email protected] and as part of your stand plan submission:
A complex structure is any form of construction of any height, which would normally be designed by an engineer and/or has, through a risk assessment, been found to provide significant risk. The following are classed as complex structures:
If necessary, the authorities are entitled to demand more detailed inspections.
All complex structures, must submit additional documentation to [email protected] along with all other stand plan submission documents and health & safety information.
Use of compressed gases such as LPG (Liquid Pretroleum Gases – propane, Butane etc.) will only be permitted where essential and by exception and these must be registered as a special risk.
If you require the use of compressed air or gasses, contact [email protected] at least six weeks prior to the show.
Complex structures must provide the following documentation:
Project designed, signed and endorsed by a certified technician (an authorization statement will be accepted instead of the endorsement).
Late submission of complex stand details or the failure to supply sufficient detail, including structural calculations will result in permission to build not being granted.
Technical Drawings: A floorplan and elevation drawings, including details of the handrails and stairs. The evacuation and fire detection plan for structures with a surface larger than 100 m².
The project must include:
Risk Assessment: Assessment of risks and preventative measures to consider during the construction build up and break down process. Method Statement: A descriptive and explanatory report of compliance with the current regulations. Structural Calculations: Structural study of stability and resistance.
Demonstrations on stands during the event must be safe and without risks to health and safety and where necessary covered by a risk assessment.
All demonstrations and working rides must be approved by IAAPA in advance of the event.
Working rides will require a sign off by TUV prior to the open period of the event – please make sure you have completed the relevant paperwork and agreed an inspection in advance of the show. Click Audience Participation to complete your form.
On divided sites, you are responsible for erecting and decorating the dividing walls facing onto your stand area. These walls must be full length of the closed side and to a minimum height of 2.5m.
Walls above 2.5m must be clad and finished on both sides, with the reverse side being decorated from 2.5m upwards by the exhibitor/contractor who has erected them. Such walls overlooking adjoining stands must be finished in a neutral plain colour only with no logos or branding.
The minimum height for dividing walls is 2.5m.
Where doors are present on your stand they must include a vision panel.
Emergency exit doors must open outwards in the direction of escape. Doors must be recessed where they open on to public circulation areas, e.g. they must not open directly on to a gangway. Sliding doors are not acceptable as emergency exit doors.
If you are planning to build a double deck stand please inform [email protected] as soon as possible so the necessary information can be obtained and assistance given to ensure you can complete the project within the designated working hours.
There is zero tolerance on dust-creating activities in the halls to avoid additional hazards from coughing and reducing cleaning requirements. All dust must be extracted at source by mechanical means. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health.
If you have appointed a stand contractor to build your open space stand, you must be assured that the design of the stand is such that it can be built within the specified times as stated in this manual.
Early or late working outside of the published build up and breakdown timetable will not be permitted.
Exhibitors and contractors must comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations, the IEE Wiring Regulations, the EVA Electrical Regulations and the venue’s electrical regulations.
All work must be carried out by competent and qualified electricians and all temporary installations must be protected by an RCD and inspected before power is supplied to the stand. All electrical installations should be carried out by the official contractor.
During build-up initial connections are made as early as possible, but in some cases this could mean opening morning if the stand (or block of stands) is not complete. The power to all stands will be switched off 15 minutes after the close of the show each day. Please also remember to order a 24 hour supply for the open period if required. You or your contractors are advised to contact the official contractor GES, or view the mains electrics form to arrange a temporary power supply for actual construction of your stand if required. Power must not be taken from cleaners’ sockets or other hall sockets.
When you order, you will need to specify using a grid the correct positioning for lights and sockets - should the grid not be submitted, the items will be positioned at the discretion of the contractor and charges maybe be levied for on-site charges.
Basic loading guidelines for socket outlets:
• 500 watt socket Laptops, PC Computers, TV's, videos, spotlights to 500w & refrigerators
• 1000 watt socket Domestic filter coffee machines & lighting up to 1000w
• 2000 watt socket Kettles* & machinery up to 2000w
• 3000 watt socket Hired coffee machines, machinery 2000w - 3000w
These appliances are of varying power requirements dependent upon type and manufacturer. It is therefore essential that the reference tag or plate is fitted to each appliance and under law be read, the loading in watts or kW (kilo Watts = Watts x 1000) will be stated, and the appropriate size socket ordered.
As an exhibitor, it is your responsibility to order adequate power supply for your stand. Failure to do this will result in delays on site and could be a fire risk. On site checks will be carried out by the appointed Health & Safety Officer, as well as the official contractor. In all cases the decision of the Organiser and its appointed representative is final.
There should be sufficient, correctly installed and rated power sockets to preclude the use of extension leads and long trailing flexes. If essential, extension leads must be correctly fused and limited to one per socket. Multi-sockets must not be used.
If you do require any cabling to certain areas on the floor of your stand you will need to order a platform.
All metal structures that could conduct high enough voltages to pose physical danger on contact, should be there a fault, must be electrically bonded together. This also applies to electrically conductive decorative items upon which electrically powered devices are situated. The joint electrical bonding earthing conductor must be hooked up to the protective earth conductor of the mains connection in use.
Please ensure that all materials used for stand construction must comply with the venue’s technical regulations. In particular, and with regard to the fire resistance of the material.
All decorative elements must comply with the same characteristics as the construction elements. They may not incorporate any type of inflammable material, for example straw, wood shavings, paper shavings, dry leaves, etc.
The Organiser, H&S team and venue reserves the right to request the certificates corresponding to the materials used in the stands or for their decoration.
Combustible waste must be safely disposed of and boxes and packaging must not be stored on the stand.
For detailed information on the requirements of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, please see the venue’s technical regulations.
If you are exhibiting any items of excessive weight, please inform [email protected] to check on floor loadings and other requirements.
Open space sites are not carpeted - exhibitors must provide their own floor covering – this is mandatory.
Exhibitors with adjoining blocks of stands will not be permitted to place their own carpet in the gangways unless prior permission is given in writing by the organisers.
Nothing may be structurally attached to the floor of the exhibition premises.
Carpet may only be fixed to the venue floor with approved carpet tape. All carpet tape must be removed and any charges for the removal of carpet tape left on the floor at the end of breakdown will be passed direct to exhibitors.
If you have a raised floor please refer to the Raised Floor Regulations
If you a hazardous substance on your stand please confirm the details in writing to [email protected] so that written approval can be given.
Hazardous substances may not be brought into the halls unless essential. The use of hazardous substances must be subject to a COSHH assessment. Exhibitors must declare the use or display of hazardous substances as a special risk.
A hot work permit must be obtained from the organisers office prior to any work being carried out. The issue of the permit is subject to the advance submission of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement for the activity, with evidence of competency for the use of any specialist equipment, a suitable area in which to work and venue agreement.
Catering is available from the official catering provider and can be delivered to stands. As a result cooking on stands and food preparation is not required and therefore kitchens are not permitted unless you are preparing your own product – approval in writing for this is required from [email protected].
In the interests of the Exhibition as a whole, it may be necessary to remove or alter anything in - or forming part of - any stand. If we feel this action must be taken this would have to be at the expense of the Exhibitor concerned. The exhibition floorplan is subject to change at the discretion of the organisers.
There are no pillars in the halls at Excel.
Pop-up stands may not be used to form dividing walls on space only sites. If you are considering a pop-up stand display, a shell scheme stand must be purchased or dividing walls constructed.
Please be aware that it is not possible for rigged items to attach to any item that is floor supported.
Clad lighting rig/ceilings structures and any other fitting: must be shown on plans and weight loading and dimensional drawing submitted to the rigging department so a quotation can be issued.
Full dimensional drawings of both the exterior and interior structure must be submitted as part of the stand plan process. Should an engineer's approval be required, we will advise you of this and any charges that may be incurred.
Please note that de-rigging activities will not be permitted during the breakdown on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
All space only stands, or shell scheme stands with construction are required to submit a full risk assessment and method statement for the design, construction and arrangement of their stand with both documents being submitted along with stand plans.
Risk Assessment Template for Space Only Stands
Method Statement Template for Space Only Stands
Exhibitors are also required to have a risk assessment for any stand activities taking place on their stand during show open and may also be required to produce a method statement for certain activites at the organisers discretion.
Please submit all the information via the ERC (Exhibitor Resource Center)
If an exhibitor requires the existing lighting in the hall to be switched off, or if the stand build negates the effect of the existing general safety lighting , the exhibitor will be obliged to accept responsibility at their own expenses for the installation of additional safety lighting buffered by accumulators or UPS (uninterrupted power supply) and that can be run continuously or when required.
The system must be accompanied by pictograms and installed above exits, emergency exits, in the main crowd flow access routes, escape routes and direction changes until the door to the outside is reached. Additionally, sufficiently powerful (min 1.5 lux/m) ‘anti-panic’ lighting that can provide light for at least an hour must also be provided.
Proof must be given that the ‘good’ working order of additional safety lighting is checked and verified by a delegated person at a stipulated time (e.g every day prior to event open)
Signage and graphics are not permitted to overlook other stands where there is a dividing wall.
Where illuminated fascia boards are used on stands, the lighting of them must be of sufficient power to light the fascia board only and must not cause any spill of light onto neighbouring stands.
No flashing lights will be permitted. We reserve the right to disconnect the electrical supply to any illuminated fascia which, in our opinion, is causing a nuisance to any other exhibitor.
If you are intending to have a vehicle (including Mobile Exhibition Units, Caravans or Trailers) on your stand please confirm the details in writing to [email protected] so that written approval can be given and arrangements made for suitable delivery and collection times.
Depending on the type, age and use of the vehicle you will be required to confirm a number of details and which may also require a separate risk assessment detailing how the risk of bringing and displaying a vehicle in the hall is controlled.
All work must be carried out in compliance with the regulations of the venue If an exhibitor erects a stand which does not conform fully and in all respects to the requirements of the organiser, venue and local regulations, the organisers reserve the right to alter, demolish or reconstruct the stand at the exhibitors expense and to make it conform to the regulations and requirements.
If you are intending to have a water feature on your stand please confirm the details in writing to [email protected] so that written approval can be given.
Water features that create mists and sprays such as fountains create the risk of the spread of Legionella bacteria in the air that can cause Legionnaire’s disease. Any such feature is a special risk requiring a separate risk assessment detailing how the risk is controlled through water treatment and testing.
Exhibitors and contractors are responsible for ensuring that all tools are fit for purpose and safe to use.
All machines or tools must have the CE approval and must be identified with the corresponding marking. All dangerous moving parts such as circular saws must be guarded with controls to prevent unauthorised use. The use of battery powered tools is strongly encouraged to reduce trailing cables and risk of electrical hazards. Those using mains powered tools must ensure that cables are not trailed across aisles. All portable electrical equipment must be subject to a suitable portable equipment testing regime.
Working at Height is a high-risk activity and close attention will be taken on working practices during the build and dismantling of stands. Where possible working at height should be avoided and if unavoidable should use work equipment or other measures to minimize the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. As such, all working at height is subject to risk assessment.
If you have an inflatable on your stand then you will need to submit a fire certificate (in English) with your stand plans. Please note dividing walls between .....
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