Planning a stand party at a German trade fair.
In Germany a stand party needs approval from the fair, a GEMA license and guests with valid tickets or invitations. Each fairground has its own hours. Here is the order in which to do things.
Raphael Nuevo · updated · 5 min read
The order of things
- Read the fair's rules: hours, volume, maximum guests, deadline.
- Register with the fair through the exhibitor shop and wait for approval.
- License the music with GEMA. A stand party is a separate item, live music too.
- Invite guests and sort out tickets or written invitations.
- Book catering, music and equipment, including vehicle access for caterer and DJ.
- Plan the run of show: arrival, speech, when it gets louder, when it ends.
Rules on the main fairgrounds
| Fairground | Hours | Registration | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt | 6 pm to 10 pm, extension to 11 pm or midnight | StandpartyPlus, 25 % surcharge under 22 days | all with ticket, 1 person per 2 m² |
| Cologne | after visitor hours until midnight | service shop, at least 14 days ahead | all with ticket, 1 person per m² |
| Düsseldorf | until 10 pm, not on the last day | online order system, fee by area | max. 500, 0.5 per m², original invitation |
| Munich | 6 pm to 10 pm | application at least 1 week ahead | guests and suppliers with ticket |
A run of show that works
The first 30 to 45 minutes after closing are for arriving: guests come from their last meeting, drinks, conversation, music in the background. Then a short speech while everyone is still there. If you want people to dance, the music gets louder after that. Towards the end of the allowed time it gets quieter again, so nobody has to leave the hall in the middle of a song.
I play stand parties from €1,200 net for 2 to 4 hours, travel, accommodation and equipment depending on the fair. Request a quote.
- Messe Frankfurt: tips for your stand party (German, 03/2026)
- Koelnmesse: stand party terms (German, 07/2026)
- Messe Düsseldorf: use of stands outside fair hours (example MEDICA)
Rules change. The current document of the fair or GEMA always applies.