Exhibition stand construction for SPIEL Essen 2026 in Essen
From the initial site plan to the handover of the keys – everything from a single source, with a dedicated point of contact and predictable processes.
- Exhibition stands with clear product guidance for board games, card games, family games, connoisseur games, expert games, role-playing games, tabletop, trading card games, accessories and publisher releases
- Presentation areas for game tables, demo rounds, new releases, author signings, tournaments, sales areas, community activities and media contacts
- Stand concepts for game publishers, retailers, distributors, indie publishers, accessory providers, artists, licensing partners, crowdfunding projects and international pavilions
- Visitor routing for high public traffic, clear queue logic, game explanations, sales conversations, product comparison, lead capture and spontaneous purchase decisions
- Experience-oriented staging of new releases, game worlds, brands, illustrations, community formats, author presence, cosplay, miniatures and social media moments
- Regional project management with short routes from Cologne to Essen and reliable coordination during build-up, fair operations, sales, public traffic and dismantling
SPIEL Essen brings passionate games fans together with national and international exhibitors and is the central meeting point for new releases, demos, community and sales.
Exhibitors can set up game tables, explain new releases, receive direct feedback and sell games on site. This makes the fair especially valuable for publishers, indie publishers and retailers.
SPIEL 2025 reached 220,000 visitors from more than 80 nations, 948 exhibitors from 50 countries and 1,716 new releases in seven halls across around 77,500 m².
In addition to consumers, exhibitors meet international press, bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, authors, retailers and business partners from the games industry.
One open side. Cost-efficient for focused publisher presences, smaller assortments, accessories, indie projects, artist offers or compact demo and sales areas.
Two open sides. Useful for greater visibility when game tables, new-release walls, sales shelves, demo stations or queues should be visible from several visitor routes.
Three open sides. Strong for providers with several topic clusters, such as new releases, bestsellers, tournaments, accessories, author slots, community activities and sales.
Four open sides, freestanding in the hall. Ideal for large branded worlds, international publishers, strong community areas, tournaments, demo arenas, sales areas and press formats.
From the initial consultation to the finished stand. In 6 clear steps.
You describe your plans, objectives and budget – we listen, ask questions and suggest initial directions. By phone, video call or in person in Cologne.
We develop a tailor-made stand concept including layout, materials and branding. You can view your stand in advance as a realistic 3D model from all angles.
You receive a transparent fixed-price quotation. Requests for changes are incorporated directly – with no hidden costs or surprises later on.
Stand construction, printing and all fittings are manufactured in Cologne. Short lead times, full quality control and maximum reliability – even with last-minute adjustments.
Our team handles delivery, stand assembly and all technical coordination with the trade fair. You arrive at the finished stand – ready to go for the trade fair opening.
After the trade fair ends, we take care of complete dismantling, return transport and storage. Reusable click-wall elements are kept in stock for future events.
Short lines of communication. Effective implementation in Essen.
We have been building exhibition stands since 1999 and are based in Cologne – saving you time, money and stress.
Over 25 years’ experience
We have been creating exhibition stands and events since 1999 – at gamescom, ANUGA, ORGATEC, MEDICA and many more.
Cologne location
Our office and workshop are based in Cologne – ideal for last-minute adjustments and rapid on-site service.
In-house workshop
Stand construction and printing are carried out in-house. No subcontractors, no hidden interfaces – full quality control.
clickwand system
Our modular wall system – in use since 2007. More sustainable, faster and more flexible than traditional timber construction.
Dedicated contact person
You have a project manager who supports your project from start to finish. No handover, no misunderstandings.
Full service
Concept, design, production, logistics, assembly, dismantling, storage – everything from a single source and with transparent pricing.
Design and construction of the Computacenter stand at Düsseldorf 2025, featuring 70 exhibitors.
Stand concept for Nautilus featuring a raised platform and graphics in the corporate design.
Stand construction for BIAG featuring a dedicated booth and full-surface graphics.
SPIEL Essen 2026 will take place from 22 to 25 October 2026 at Messe Essen. It is the world’s largest public fair for board games and brings together games fans, publishers, retailers, authors, artists, press, creators and international exhibitors in the heart of the Ruhr region.
The focus is on board games, card games, family games, connoisseur games, expert games, role-playing games, tabletop, trading card games, accessories, publisher releases, signing sessions, tournaments, community formats, the new releases showcase, Artist Alley and direct sales opportunities. Visitors can test new releases, buy games, meet authors and prepare their visit through the SPIEL app, new-release lists and hall plans.
For exhibitors, this means that the stand must provide immediate orientation, organise game tables efficiently, control queue situations and at the same time create interest in buying, testing and community interaction. Clear product zones, robust demo areas, strong storage and sales logic, visible brand imagery, understandable game communication and a stand concept that connects excitement, sales and experience are particularly important.
Facts & Figures
Format: International public fair for board games, new releases, community, sales, demos and industry exchange
Special features: World’s largest public fair for board games with new releases, game tables, direct sales, new releases showcase, Artist Alley, press and creator contacts
Organiser: Merz Verlag GmbH & Co. KG; technical organisation by Messe Essen GmbH
Edition: Annual; 2026 edition from 22 to 25 October 2026 in Essen
Target audience: Games fans, families, hobby gamers, board game community, publishers, retailers, authors, illustrators, artists, press, bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, trade visitors, distributors and international industry contacts
Our clickwand system was developed in 2007 as a sustainable alternative to the throwaway culture in exhibition stand construction. The modular elements can be reused as often as required; they are stored after each use and can be flexibly re-deployed. With a lifespan of over 10 years, they combine sustainability, efficiency and long-term cost-effectiveness.
- 80% less waste than with traditional timber stand construction
- Re-use of walls, counters, lighting elements and decorations
- Storage of your stand elements with us – ready to go for the next trade fair
- Short routes from Cologne to Essen, bundled games and material logistics and modular stand planning reduce transport effort and make on-site adjustments easier during build-up, the fair and dismantling
SPIEL Essen is aimed at games fans, families, hobby gamers, the board game community, trade visitors, press, bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, authors, retailers, distributors and international industry contacts. For exhibitors, one point is especially important: visitors can test games on site and buy directly at the stand.
Row stands, corner stands, peninsula stands and island stands are possible. Larger stands from 16 m² are charged per square metre. Island stands start from 40 m². Small stands have 15 m² and are offered at a reduced fixed price. Row stands are suitable for compact publisher or accessory offers, corner stands for greater visibility, peninsula stands for several demo and sales areas and island stands for large brand worlds, tournaments, community areas or international publisher presences.
Larger stands from 16 m² are charged per square metre. Small stands of 15 m² are available at a reduced fixed price. Costs include not only the stand space, but also stand boundary walls, media package and waste-disposal flat rate. Furniture, carpet, electricity, internet, water, storage, graphics, additional technical equipment, checkout logic, game tables, demo areas, staff areas and logistics are added depending on the concept.