Brands that trust us as their stand builder
What your Light + Building stand needs depending on luminaires, home automation, electrical installation or lighting design
In 2026 the fair gathered 1,927 exhibitors and 144,767 visitors. It is a trade-only show, and lighting is bought by seeing: the stand is a light workshop that works.
Luminaires and light design
Dark zones and scenes to see each luminaire lit, and hung at its real height.
Home automation and systems
A living-room or office scene where the system responds, and demo stations with a screen.
Installation and components
Technical sample boards and product panels at hand height, with the data sheet next to them.
Architects and specifiers
A meeting room with samples on the table, to talk project away from aisle noise.
Light + Building special rules for building a stand at Messe Frankfurt
The Light + Building special construction rules supplement Messe Frankfurt’s technical guidelines. These are the ones that shape a lighting stand most.
See all 9 rules, with their source
| Basic height | The basic height is 2.50 m. Above it, the back of walls facing a neighbouring stand is smooth and in a neutral colour, such as white or light grey. source |
|---|---|
| Maximum height per hall | Up to 30 m², the maximum is 4 m. For stands over 31 m² it depends on the hall: from 4 m in 1.1, 4.1 and 4.2 to 8 m in 2.0, 3.0, 3.1 and 5.1. Halls 6.1 and 6.2 allow 3.70 m. source |
| Hung elements | In halls with a 5 m limit for hung items, rigging, lighting and advertising are set back at least 1 m from neighbouring stands. source |
| Two storeys | They need plan approval. In Hall 5.0 two storeys cannot be built. source |
| Approved plans | Scaled plans, with floor plans and elevations, are sent six weeks before build-up. Stands over 100 m², anything above 4 m, closed ceilings and two storeys need approval. source |
| Open sides | At least 50% of each side adjoining an aisle stays open or transparent. Long closed constructions on the aisle are not allowed. source |
| Walls with a neighbour | Walls over 2.50 m facing a neighbour are smooth on the back, white and opaque, or from a suitable stand system. source |
| Monitors and noise | Demo monitors stay at least 2 m from the aisle, with room for the audience on the stand. The maximum noise is 70 dB at the stand boundary. source |
| Build-up | From 15:00 on the last build-up day only work inside the stands is allowed and the aisles are cleared. No work is allowed on the first day of the fair. source |
Source: Light + Building 2026 special construction rules and Messe Frankfurt heights factsheet, consulted 2026-10-07. The 2028 ones will be published closer to the show.
Designing a Light + Building stand as a light workshop with the open-frontage rule solved
In lighting the stand must be dark inside and open outside: at least 50% of each side open or transparent. So we draw the light and the frontage first.
Dark zone and open frontage
An interior with controlled light and open or glass fronts, to meet the rule without losing the effect.
Luminaires at their height
Product hung at its real height, with approved rigging and plans in time.
A scene that responds
A scene where the system switches on and responds, with monitors set back from the aisle.
Project room
A room with samples on the table, to talk with architects and lighting designers.
Planning to exhibit at Light + Building?
Tell us which luminaires or systems you present and how many metres you have. We come back with a 3D proposal and a quote.
Real stand projects, like the ones we built for Active Concepts, K-Pharm and EVA Pharma
Active Concepts
2026
Open white stand with backlit graphic walls, lit product display and meeting area for Active Concepts at in-cosmetics Global 2026, Paris.
K-PHARM
CPHI · 2025
White and green stand with a suspended circular services header, high tables and lounge corner for K-Pharm at CPHI Frankfurt 2025.
EVA PHARMA
CPHI · 2025
Curved yellow wall with backlit product niches, graphic wall and meeting area for EVA Pharma at CPHI Frankfurt 2025.
VEFA ILAÇ
CPHI · 2025
White and green stand with curved wall, backlit wooden slat logo wall and lounge for VEFA İlaç at CPHI Frankfurt 2025.
PGP GLASS
CPHI · 2025
White and orange stand with illuminated shelving for glass packaging, suspended canopy and meeting area for PGP Glass at CPHI Frankfurt 2025.
AMADOR VARAS
METPACK
White portal with blue fascia, central bar and two meeting areas for Amador Varas at METPACK, Essen.
More stand projects in our portfolio.
What makes a Light + Building stand with hung luminaires and light scenes cost more
We do not give figures without seeing your plot: the cost of a Light + Building stand depends on the metres, the luminaires and the scenes. These are the six factors.
Hung luminaires
Hanging product at its height needs rigging, approved plans and a calculated structure.
Light control
A dark scene with controlled light adds installation, dimming and labour.
Open frontage
Meeting the open or transparent frontage rule adds glass and finishes, but it is compulsory.
Demo monitors
Each monitor adds power, a support and a minimum distance from the aisle.
Approved plans
A large, tall or two-storey stand needs approval and structural calculation.
Build-up and noise
The noise limit and no work on the first day call for a prefabricated stand.
At Contemporanea Eventi we design and build your Light + Building stand
Tell us which luminaires or systems you present, how many scenes you want and how many meetings you expect. We come back with a 3D proposal and a quote for your stand at Light + Building.
- 3D proposal with a quote
- Built in our Barcelona workshop
- Installed and dismantled by our crew at Messe Frankfurt
Meet the team that designs, builds and installs it.
Questions from Light + Building exhibitors about their stand and Frankfurt’s rules
The questions that come up most when preparing a stand at Messe Frankfurt, answered with the 2026 special rules, so the 2028 ones will be confirmed when published.
When is Light + Building 2028?
On 5-10 March 2028 at Messe Frankfurt. It is a trade-only show.
What were the figures of Light + Building 2026?
Per its website, 1,927 exhibitors and 144,767 visitors from around the world.
How much does a Light + Building stand cost?
It depends on the plot, the luminaires and the light scenes, so we give no figure without the plan. To orient yourself on the items, see how to calculate a trade show stand budget.
Can I close my stand with walls?
At least 50% of each side facing the aisle must stay open or transparent, and long closed constructions are not allowed.
How much noise is allowed?
A maximum of 70 dB at the stand boundary, checked during the fair and subject to a penalty.
When should I start designing?
With months to spare, because approved plans are sent six weeks before build-up. See the steps to organise a trade show in advance.
From the Barcelona workshop to the build-up of your Light + Building stand in Frankfurt
We build the stand in our Barcelona workshop and take it to Messe Frankfurt. We install and dismantle it ourselves, within the organiser's hours.