Exhibition stand builders for DKM 2026

About DKM

DKM is a trade show for the insurance and financial services industry, held in Dortmund, Germany at Messe Dortmund (Westfalenhallen). It takes place every year. Exhibitors can compare exhibition stand builders who work at the show and request stand proposals with one brief on StandsZone Global.

The 2026 edition runs 27–28 October 2026. Exhibitors who want a stand that stands out in the hall need a builder who knows Messe Dortmund (Westfalenhallen), its build-up rules and its delivery schedule. Dates on this page are checked against the organiser’s announcement.

Your stand timeline for DKM 2026

These dates are counted back from the opening day, 27 October 2026. Your exhibitor manual has the binding deadlines; use this as your working plan.

1. 16 weeks before

   7 July 2026 · passed

   Shortlist builders and send one brief

   Share stand size, hall and stand number (if allocated), budget range and what the stand must achieve at DKM. Ask three to five builders who work in Dortmund to quote on the same brief so the offers are comparable.

2. 12 weeks before

   4 August 2026 · passed

   Choose the builder and approve the concept

   Compare quotes line by line (see the checklist below), check recent stands the builder has delivered, then sign off the 3D concept, budget and payment schedule.

3. 10 weeks before

   18 August 2026 · passed

   Read the exhibitor manual

   The organiser’s manual sets the real deadlines for stand plans, rigging, electrics, water and flooring orders, and lists any approved-contractor rules. Send it to your builder as soon as you receive it.

4. 8 weeks before

   1 September 2026 · passed

   Submit final drawings for approval

   Custom and double-deck stands usually need technical drawings and structural calculations approved by the organiser before build-up. Your builder normally prepares and submits them.

5. 6 weeks before

   15 September 2026 · passed

   Send final graphics

   Artwork for walls, counters and screens should be final and print-ready, in the sizes your builder specifies. Late changes are the most common cause of extra cost.

6. 3 weeks before

   6 October 2026 · passed

   Confirm logistics and staff

   Book exhibitor badges, furniture, AV and lead-capture devices, and agree delivery and storage of your products with the builder.

7. Before opening

   Build-up ends 26 October 2026

   Build-up on site

   Build-up typically runs one to four days before opening, depending on stand size and the hall schedule in the manual. Plan a final walk-through with the builder the evening before.

8. Show days

   27–28 October 2026

   DKM is open

   Keep the builder’s on-site contact number handy for small repairs during the show.

What works for finance and services stands

With nothing physical to show, the stand is about meetings. Prioritise comfortable meeting spaces, good acoustics, discreet storage and clear brand messaging over large display areas.

Choosing a stand type

What every quote should include

Quotes for the same stand can differ a lot because builders include different things. Ask each builder to price these items separately:

• Design, project management and drawings for organiser approval
• Construction materials and finishes (walls, flooring, counters, storage)
• Graphics production and installation
• Electrics and lighting, and who orders the venue connection
• Furniture, AV and screens (bought or rented)
• Transport, build-up, dismantling and waste removal
• Storage of reusable parts after the show
• Insurance, payment terms and what happens if the design changes

Planning resources

• How to write a stand brief

  A copy-and-paste template for your builders.

• Exhibition stand costs

  What you pay for and how to compare quotes.

• Choosing a stand builder

  Questions to ask and warning signs.

• Stand types compared

  Shell scheme, modular, custom or double-deck.

Frequently asked questions