In short
A MEDICA stand has to work for clinicians, distributors and hospital buyers at once: clean, calm surfaces, devices shown as they are used, and private space for distributor and procurement meetings, with every claim on the graphics checked against what is approved. Start a custom stand about 6–9 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Düsseldorf, annual, in November, alongside COMPAMED.
- The audience is mostly distributors.
- Devices demonstrated in context: a treatment chair, a lab bench or a ward bed set-up.
- Distributor meeting tables, with privacy for commercial discussions.
- Plan a custom stand about 6–9 months before the show.
MEDICA for exhibitors
MEDICA is one of the largest medical trade fairs, covering devices, diagnostics, lab equipment, health IT and consumables; COMPAMED alongside it covers the supply chain. Many exhibitors are international companies looking for distributors, so meeting space matters as much as display.
| MEDICA | |
|---|---|
| City | Düsseldorf |
| Venue | Messe Düsseldorf |
| Sector | Medical technology |
| Cycle | Annual, in November, alongside COMPAMED |
| Main stand activity | Demonstrations |
| Custom stand lead time | 6–9 months |
Who you are designing for
Distributors, hospital procurement, clinicians, lab managers and OEM partners from many countries. Language and regulatory status vary by market, so staff need to know what may be said to whom.
What matters most on a MEDICA stand:
- Devices demonstrated in context: a treatment chair, a lab bench or a ward bed set-up.
- Distributor meeting tables, with privacy for commercial discussions.
- Graphics limited to approved claims and clear about regulatory status by market.
- Hygienic, easy-clean surfaces and good, neutral lighting.
Layouts for demonstrations, by stand type
Most MEDICA 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. |
| Corner | 2 | A demo facing each aisle, with the tallest brand element at the closed corner so it reads from both approaches. |
| Peninsula | 3 | Demo pods on the three open sides, a small meeting table against the back wall for follow-up conversations. |
| 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 MEDICA
- A simulated treatment room with the device in clinical use.
- A distributor lounge with country-by-country regulatory status on a screen.
- An easy-clean demo bench with hand sanitiser and a visible cleaning routine.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Some devices need special handling, power or medical gases for demos; confirm with the organiser. International exhibitors should allow time for customs and temporary import of demo equipment.
Allow about 6–9 months for a custom stand. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Mistakes we see at MEDICA
- Graphics that make claims not approved in every market visitors come from.
- No private area, so pricing talks with distributors happen in public.
Try your MEDICA 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
01What should a MEDICA stand show?
The device in the setting where it is used, with someone qualified to demonstrate it. A simulated clinical space communicates more than a product on a plinth.
02How do I handle claims on medical stand graphics?
Use only claims cleared by your regulatory team for the markets you are addressing, and mark products not approved in some regions. See [healthcare booth design](/guides/healthcare-medical-booth-design).
03How early should I start designing a MEDICA stand?
For a custom stand, about 6–9 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme stands can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my MEDICA 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.
