In short
IDS is the dental industry's main global fair, where dealers and clinicians come to place orders and see new equipment. A stand needs treatment units or scanners that can be tried, a clinical workflow demo, and a calm area for dealer talks. Hands-on use and hygiene both matter. Start a custom stand about 9–12 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Cologne, every two years in Cologne, in odd years.
- The audience is mostly dentists.
- Try-it stations for scanners and software.
- A complete digital workflow, from scan to print.
- Plan a custom stand about 9–12 months before the show.
IDS for exhibitors
Manufacturers launch digital scanners, 3D printers, implants and materials, and dealers from around the world visit to negotiate. Hands-on training sessions and live workflows are popular.
| IDS | |
|---|---|
| City | Cologne |
| Venue | Koelnmesse |
| Sector | Dental |
| Cycle | Every two years in Cologne, in odd years |
| Main stand activity | Demonstrations |
| Custom stand lead time | 9–12 months |
Who you are designing for
Dentists, dental technicians, dealers and laboratory owners.
What matters most on an IDS stand:
- Try-it stations for scanners and software.
- A complete digital workflow, from scan to print.
- Dealer meeting tables.
- A clean, clinical look.
Layouts for demonstrations, by stand type
Most IDS exhibitors build around demonstrations. 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 demo point at the front edge with a screen behind it and a counter to one side; visitors watch from the aisle and step in. |
| Island | 4 | A hero product or small stage at the centre, demo pods on each face, and a closed core for storage and a meeting room. |
Stand ideas for IDS
- A live scan-to-print workflow.
- Hands-on stations with phantom heads.
- A dealer lounge separated from the demo area.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Water, compressed air and suction are common needs for dental units, so order them early. Check rules on any live clinical work.
Allow about 9–12 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 IDS
Spend on connections and on staff who can teach. Hands-on stations need supervision, so plan rotas around them.
Mistakes we see at IDS
- Equipment you can't touch.
- Dealers with nowhere to sit.
An example IDS brief
A 9 × 6 m stand with a treatment unit, two scanner stations using phantom heads, a printer finishing a crown and a dealer 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 IDS layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about demonstrations 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 IDS held?
Every two years in Cologne, in odd years. Check the organiser's dates.
02What services do dental units need?
Often power, water, compressed air and suction. Check the show's service forms.
03How early should I start designing an IDS stand?
For a custom stand, about 9–12 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme stands can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my IDS stand at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, demonstrations 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.
