Despite the fact that the overall exhibition surface for IMA 2007 in Düsseldorf is already some 700 square metres larger than at previous fairs, the trade fair team at IMA organiser Reed Exhibitions can barely meet all the booking requests from manufacturers and importers.

This is why talks are under way with Messe Düsseldorf to add a mobile exhibition hall. This would mean an additional 3,000 square metres of exhibition space. Nowadays, the quality of mobile exhibition halls is very high, both in terms of construction and technical equipment. Their main use is for special events in conjunction with trade fairs, for high-grade festivities or cultural events.

The shortage of exhibition space at this year’s IMA could not be predicted from the number of bookings received in previous years. The main reason for the revival of the fair is probably the shift of the trade-fair venue to Düsseldorf and the new gaming law for the German coinoperated machine industry, which was passed recently.

If this trend continues, IMA will be in a position to expand considerably in 2008. It will then be one of the first trade fairs to move into the new Hall 8b, which is directly adjacent to the present Hall 8a (IMA Hall). This second hall will be a twin of exactly the same size with the same dimensions, the same technical standards and excellent connections of Hall 8a.

Trade-fair director Petra Lassahn advised all interested exhibitors to submit their booking requests as soon as possible. The later requests are received, the more she has to ask for exhibitors’ understanding that in view of this year’s situation, there will only be very few places left for the desired stand sizes.

IMA will be held from January 16-18, 2007, at Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre (Hall 8a). These dates also mean that, for the first time, IMA will take place midweek. This was the wish of the association organising IMA, the Verband der Deutschen Automatenindustrie (VDAI).

By shifting the trade-fair days away from the weekend to mid-week, the organisers hope to be able to spread attendance levels more evenly over the days of the fair.

Exhibitors seem to approve of this arrangement as well, since it enables them to optimise set-up and dismantling times. Market reaction has already shown that this concept will also meet with approval from visitors to the fair, most of whom now have a shorter journey.

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