Here are 12 tips that you will find extremely helpful when attending Thermprocess, GIFA, METEC and NEWCAST 2019 June 25-29 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Public transportation is recommended to get to the fairgrounds. From downtown Düsseldorf, Tram No. U78 goes to the North Entrance, Tram No. U79 to the East Entrance and Bus No. 722 serves the East and South Entrances. From the airport, Bus No. 896 connects to all fairgrounds entrances. Visitor, exhibitor and press entrance passes to the show allow free use of all public transportation on all days of trade fairs within the Rhine-Ruhr regional network (VRR) of Düsseldorf. Exhibitors can also ride free of charge two days before and after the show.
- Taxi fares are made up of a basic flat rate plus a charge per kilometer; fares are generally higher than in the U.S. For tips: round up to the next full Euro amount (maximum 10%). Taxis must be boarded at taxi stands.
- Rental cars are available from Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and other companies. Offices are located at the Düsseldorf airport, the main train station and several downtown locations. On the main streets in Düsseldorf, “Messe Düsseldorf” signs show the way to the fairgrounds. Parking signs will lead to one of the fairgrounds’ 12 parking lots.
- Thermprocess, GIFA, METEC and NEWCAST will take place concurrently from June 25-29.
- Entrance passes and show directories can be ordered in advance of the shows online at www.gifa.com, www.metec-tradefair.com, www.thermprocess-online.com or www.newcast.com at reduced rates. Only one entrance passes is needed to visit all four trade fairs. Visitor, exhibitor and press entrance passes allow free use of all public transportation to and from the trade shows.
- The KATI electronic visitor guidance and information system makes it easy to find the location of every exhibitor and product category. KATI terminals are located in every hall.
- The exhibit halls are linked by protected walkways and shuttle buses.
- Located in the middle of the fairgrounds is a food store, hardware store and telecommunication store (where vouchers for wireless access can be purchased), as well as a courier office and travel agency.
- Shops are generally open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday. Larger department stores are often open until 8 pm on weekdays and until 6 pm on Saturday. All stores are closed on Sunday.
- Banks are generally open from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Thursdays to 5:30 pm); the Euro is the single currency for the European Union Nations, including Germany.
- Restaurants: Asking for a quick service in a non-fast food restaurant is considered impolite; water does not accompany the meal but can be ordered by the bottle. Tipping: service charge is included in the bill, but a small tip should be handed to the waitress/waiter directly.
- A brochure about German business customs and practices can be downloaded here.
For further information on visiting or exhibiting at Thermprocess, GIFA, METEC or Newcast, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America at info@mdna.com or www.mdna.com
