In short
IAA Transportation is about trucks, vans, buses and the systems around them. Vehicles dominate the floor, so a stand has to explain what a fleet buyer gets: total cost, range, charging and service. Open the vehicle up, show the running gear, and give fleet managers a place to run the numbers. 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: Hannover, every two years in Hannover, in even years.
- The audience is mostly fleet operators.
- Vehicles visitors can get into.
- Cost and range figures that are easy to find.
- Plan a custom stand about 12–15 months before the show.
IAA Transportation for exhibitors
The show is the European commercial vehicle industry's meeting, and alternative drivetrains and logistics software have a growing share. Stands range from huge vehicle halls to suppliers of a single component.
| IAA Transportation | |
|---|---|
| City | Hannover |
| Venue | Deutsche Messe |
| Sector | Commercial vehicles and logistics |
| Cycle | Every two years in Hannover, in even years |
| Main stand activity | Working machinery |
| Custom stand lead time | 12–15 months |
Who you are designing for
Fleet operators, logistics managers, body builders, dealers and suppliers.
What matters most on an IAA Transportation stand:
- Vehicles visitors can get into.
- Cost and range figures that are easy to find.
- Fleet-manager meeting space.
- Charging and service stories.
Layouts for working machinery, by stand type
Most IAA Transportation exhibitors build around working machinery. 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 | One machine side-on to the aisle so its working side is visible, with a screen showing it in use. |
| Island | 4 | A hero machine centred with at least 1.5 m of walk-around space, demo times on a screen and meetings to one side or upstairs. |
Stand ideas for IAA Transportation
- A running-gear display with the body removed.
- A total-cost calculator on a large screen.
- A charging demo that shows real power levels.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Moving trucks into halls requires careful sequencing and floor protection. Plan the vehicle route before the stand design, because walls may need to go up after the truck arrives.
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 IAA Transportation
Vehicle preparation, transport and floor protection come first. Budget for a technician too, as a truck on a stand still needs looking after.
Mistakes we see at IAA Transportation
- Rows of parked trucks with no story.
- Forgetting the access steps and handrails for vehicle cabins.
An example IAA Transportation brief
A 15 × 12 m stand with one electric truck, cab steps and handrails, a total-cost screen, a charger demo and a fleet-manager lounge.
Replace the size and the zones with your own. The plot and height limit come from your contract and the exhibitor manual.
Try your IAA Transportation layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about working machinery 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 IAA Transportation held?
Every two years in Hannover. The IAA Mobility passenger-car show runs separately in Munich.
02How do trucks get on to a stand?
They are driven in during build-up, on a fixed schedule. Plan the route and floor protection early.
03How early should I start designing an IAA Transportation 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 IAA Transportation stand at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, working machinery 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.
