
Unlike corporate travellers who need to plan their trip on short notice, trade fair participants have months (even years for certain events) to make their preparations. How do they use this advantage? Among other things, to identify the most convenient hotel for their needs, and to make sure they book before it’s fully occupied for the duration of the event they’re interested in. Recent surveys like this one reveal the key factors behind the booking decision. Location always keeps the number one spot, which is why we’ll address it separately.
So, what does the perfect location for visiting an expo look like?
The obvious one, just steps away from the venue
This is the case with DORMERO Hotel Frankfurt Messe – 100 metres from Frankfurt Messe, the ideal location for visiting Frankfurt Book Fair and many other exhibitions. It’s beyond convenient to step out of your hotel and into the expo centre – especially if the event lasts a week or longer. Attendees who choose this option are left with more time to focus on their presentation at the fair, to relax and explore the city, go get some office work done or to connect with their family or peers.
Useful tip: Securing accommodation so close to the venue may be difficult as expo hotels are the first to be completely booked for any given event. With competition of thousands of other visitors, the only sure way to obtain such a gem is to book as soon as the participation is confirmed.
The central one
Trade fairs are full of opportunities and doing business is by no means restricted to the expo grounds. On the contrary, countless winning partnerships begin outside exhibition hours, in the less formal setting of the trendiest restaurants and bars. Exhibitors know how to make every minute of their business trip count, so they organise additional meetings with potential customers and partners. It doesn’t come as a surprise that they search for a centrally located hotel in order to be near such establishments. Just like Savoy Cologne, perfectly situated for visiting IMM Cologne, and within a short walk from the best restaurants in the city, some of which boast a Michelin star.
Useful tip: Download the local food and sightseeing apps or the local coupon app. They help visitors not only tour the city but taste the cuisine and indulge the nightlife without compromising their budget.
The slightly remote one offering good public transport links
What are a few extra kilometres if the trip to the expo centre takes half an hour or less. Hotel Loccumer Hof is situated 9 km from the Hanover Fairground but ITMA is just two S-bahn stops away. This is not an exception – most cities present a wide variety of reliable public transportation options allowing passengers to reach their destination with no difficulties or delays.
Booking a remote hotel has certain advantages. First, it could be more budget friendly. It also allows visitors to get away from the busy expo site, explore the new city in a different way and experience aspects of local life they would otherwise miss out.
Travellers willing to use public transportation often inform themselves on the possible routes before making a decision, as the short distance between the hotel and the expo centre doesn’t necessarily mean a short trip. If there aren’t direct links to the venue, choosing a further located accommodation with more convenient transport actually makes sense.
Useful tip: Keeping an open mind helps when considering this type of location – sometimes hotels in small towns, other cities or even other countries near the venue might offer the ideal location. For example, Art Basel in Switzerland can be reached in approximately 35 minutes from Mercure Mulhouse Centre, France.
The one next to the airport or the central railway station
Many travellers prefer to stay near the airport/railway station terminal they need, provided the venue is easily accessible as well. And it usually is. MARITIM Hotel Dusseldorf for instance, is within walking distance from Dusseldorf Airport, and just 15 minutes by bus from Medica. Such location is especially valued by people who simply wish to pack and go after their time at a trade fair, so they could get home as fast as they can and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Useful tip: There are plenty of hotels situated close to the airport/central train station of any big city. Some of them might be quite noisy due to the proximity to a transport hub so it’s always a good idea to take a look at the reviews before you book to find out if guest rooms are well soundproofed.
Securing a strategically located hotel can contribute to your company’s success at the trade fair you chose to attend. But just like you, everyone else needs that perfect location, the perfect flying start. Would you let the competition take it from you? No matter which one of the options above appeals to your tastes and requirements, early booking is the smartest move you can do to get there first.
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