You are planning your company’s participation in an international trade show. You already have the stand design, the message and the team who will be there sorted out… and then someone from the production department mentions rigging. What exactly is that?
If the term sounds unfamiliar or only vaguely familiar, do not worry: it is one of those technical concepts that marketing teams rarely hear until they are facing a project of a certain scale. And when they do, it is often too late to make informed decisions.
This article is designed to help you understand exactly what rigging is, when it is necessary, what it involves from a logistics and regulatory point of view, and how it can make the difference between a stand that is seen and a stand that makes an impact.
What exactly does “rigging” mean in the context of a trade show?
The term rigging comes from English and originally refers to the systems of ropes and tackle used on ships or in theatre stages to hoist and support elements at height. In the world of exhibition stands and events, the meaning is exactly that: the overhead suspension of structures, visual elements or equipment from the ceiling of the exhibition venue, without them touching the floor.
We are talking about things like:
- Illuminated signs or lightboxes suspended above the stand
- Three-dimensional structures floating above the space
- Screens, monitors or projectors hung at height
- Lighting bars or trusses with spotlights
- Large-format decorative or branding elements
The difference from a conventional stand structure is fundamental: instead of the weight being supported by the stand’s walls or floor, rigging elements are anchored to the load-bearing points in the hall ceiling. That completely changes the construction logic and the authorisation processes required.
Something to think about: Have you ever seen a stand with a brand floating in the air several metres above the space? Do you remember which company it was? If the answer is yes, you already have a very clear intuition of the value of rigging as a visibility tool.
When does it make sense to use rigging in a stand?
Not every project needs it, and not every venue allows it. But when the right conditions are in place, rigging can be one of the most powerful resources for standing out in a crowded exhibition environment.
It makes particular sense when:
The stand is competing for visibility with many others. At trade shows with thousands of exhibitors and very busy aisles, what sits at eye level gets lost in the noise. An element at height can be seen from 30, 50 or even 100 metres away.
The stand area is limited but the budget justifies impact. With a stand of 30 or 40 m², rigging allows you to multiply your visual presence without needing more square metres.
The brand needs 360° consistency. Some brands need their visual identity to wrap the space from every angle, including from above. A suspended lightbox with the logo does exactly that.
You want to create an immersive experience. In sectors such as technology, automotive, architecture or design, vibrant spaces with floating elements create a perceptual experience that is different from a conventional stand.
At TARS Design, we have worked with clients who did not initially consider rigging and, once they saw the possibilities of the space assigned to them at the show, made it the central axis of the design. In every case, the result was a clear increase in visibility and visitor flow.
Professional tip: Before ruling out rigging on budget grounds, ask the venue what the nearest available load-bearing point is to your assigned space. Sometimes the infrastructure is already there and the cost is lower than you imagine.
What you need to know about logistics and permits
This is where many marketing teams get a surprise: rigging is not just a design decision. It is a technical and regulatory process with significant implications.
Exhibition venues have their own regulations. Each hall defines how many kilos each ceiling load point can support, which materials are allowed at height, how far in advance rigging use must be requested and who is authorised to carry it out. In Spain, venues such as IFEMA, Fira de Barcelona or Feria Valencia have their own technical specifications. In Europe, trade shows such as Messe Frankfurt or Messe Stuttgart add further regulatory layers.
Installation must be carried out by certified personnel. It is not optional. Work at height inside exhibition venues requires technicians with specific training, approved equipment and, in many cases, supervision by the venue itself. If your stand builder does not have that team, they will have to subcontract it… or admit that they cannot deliver the project.
Coordination is critical and works to deadlines. Rigging requests are usually processed weeks or months before the trade show. If you arrive late, the load point you need may already be assigned to another exhibitor or simply unavailable.
The structural design must be calculated. Any element suspended at height requires a load calculation signed off by a competent technician. It is not improvised on site.
Something to think about: Do you know who in your company, or in your stand agency, is responsible for processing rigging permits? Is that process integrated into your trade show planning checklist?
Rigging and safety: why it cannot be improvised
This section is brief but important. Rigging involves elements hanging above people. Even a small failure can have serious consequences.
That is why the sector has clear protocols:
- All suspended elements are calculated with high safety factors, usually a minimum ratio of 7:1 against the maximum load.
- Metal components such as slings, shackles and carabiners must be certified and checked before each use.
- Installation and dismantling are carried out with the hall empty or with clearly defined safety perimeters.
- There is mandatory documentation: rigging plan, structural calculations and venue authorisations.
A serious stand-building company does not improvise this, nor does it agree to do it when the schedule does not allow the necessary time. If someone offers you rigging “without paperwork” or “done quickly”, that is a red flag.
Professional tip: Always ask your stand supplier to show you the rigging documentation before installation starts. It is not bureaucracy: it is the guarantee that everything hanging above your team and your visitors has been calculated and certified.
Rigging and budget: which factors influence the cost
The cost of rigging varies a lot depending on the project. The main factors are:
Weight and dimensions of the element. Hanging a 15 kg sign is not the same as suspending a truss structure with lighting that weighs 200 kg.
Number of anchor points required. The greater the structural complexity, the more points, the more installation time and the higher the cost.
Venue fees. Most exhibition venues charge for the use of their load-bearing points. Some trade shows include the cost of the hoist operator required for installation.
Transport and storage logistics. Rigging structures are bulky elements. Their transport, storage between trade shows and installation all carry their own logistics costs.
As a general reference, at medium-sized trade shows in Spain, a rigging system for a stand between 40 and 100 m² can account for between 10% and 25% of the total project budget, depending on the complexity.
Something to think about: Are you measuring the return on your stand only in cost per square metre? Are you also considering metrics such as visits generated, qualified leads or post-show brand recognition?
Conclusion: rigging is not a technical whim
If you have made it this far, you already know that rigging is not a decorative detail or an option reserved for large multinationals. It is a strategic visibility tool that, when used well, amplifies the impact of your stand without the need for more square metres.
You also know that it requires planning, technical expertise and coordination with the venue. It cannot be improvised and it is not something you can add at the last minute.
If you are planning your next trade show participation and want to explore whether rigging makes sense for your project, at TARS Design we can help you assess the options from the design stage, manage the permits with the venue and carry out the installation with full technical and safety guarantees.
Tell us about your next trade show and we will start working on the possibilities.
