In short
BAU attracts architects and specifiers as well as contractors, so a stand must let them see the product used in a real building detail. Build a full-scale façade, window or floor section, offer material samples and give planners access to technical data they can use. Start a custom stand about 12–15 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Munich, every two years in Munich, in odd years.
- The audience is mostly architects.
- Full-scale details rather than product shots.
- Material samples to take away.
- Plan a custom stand about 12–15 months before the show.
BAU for exhibitors
BAU covers façades, windows, doors, flooring, insulation and digital planning. Because many visitors are planners, the stand itself is judged as a piece of architecture, and manufacturers often invest in strong spatial ideas.
| BAU | |
|---|---|
| City | Munich |
| Venue | Messe München |
| Sector | Architecture, materials and building systems |
| Cycle | Every two years in Munich, in odd years |
| Main stand activity | Product display and orders |
| Custom stand lead time | 12–15 months |
Who you are designing for
Architects, planners, engineers, contractors, developers and building owners, largely from Europe.
What matters most on a BAU stand:
- Full-scale details rather than product shots.
- Material samples to take away.
- BIM and technical data.
- Stand architecture that reflects the product.
Layouts for product display and orders, by stand type
Most BAU exhibitors build around product display and orders. How that works depends on how many sides of your plot are open. If you are unsure which type you have, see exhibition stand types.
| Stand type | Open sides | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Row (inline) | 1 | A shop-like display wall with a counter for orders, leaving the floor clear to browse. |
| Island | 4 | A gallery route around a central feature, with order desks and buyer seating along one side. |
Stand ideas for BAU
- A full-height façade section you can walk behind.
- A sample library arranged like an architect's studio.
- Project case studies with real drawings.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Full-scale mock-ups are heavy and slow to install. Allow for build-up time and floor loads, and confirm height limits for each hall.
Allow about 12–15 months for a custom stand. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Where the budget goes at BAU
The full-scale mock-up takes most of the budget and most of the build-up time. A simple surrounding stand lets the detail stand out.
Mistakes we see at BAU
- A small product on a plinth where a building detail is needed.
- No way for a planner to get the data.
An example BAU brief
A 10 × 8 m stand with a full-height façade section you can walk behind, a sample library, BIM downloads by QR code and a planner's table.
Replace the size and the zones with your own. The plot and height limit come from your contract and the exhibitor manual.
Try your BAU layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about product display and orders into an editable 3D stand for 5 credits, renders it and exports a plan for your builder. New workspaces get 5 free credits.
Frequently asked questions
01How often is BAU held?
Every two years in Munich, usually early in odd years. Check the organiser's dates.
02Who visits BAU?
Architects and planners as well as contractors and developers, so specify-level detail matters.
03How early should I start designing a BAU stand?
For a custom stand, about 12–15 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme stands can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my BAU stand at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, product display and orders area) to work on several plot sizes, and swap graphics per show. See [modular vs custom stands](/guides/modular-vs-custom-exhibition-stands).
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
