Exhibition Stand Builders for IDEF International Defence Industry Fair Istanbul

Scope and exhibitor profile

The organiser presents the fair's scope in three main areas, covering platforms, systems and suppliers across the defence value chain:

• Land: armoured vehicles, weapon systems and logistic support solutions for land forces
• Naval: combat and support vessels, submarines, amphibious vehicles, naval aviation and unmanned maritime systems
• Aviation and space: fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite systems and space research
• Related technologies such as electronics, simulation, communications, components and sub-system suppliers, as seen in the organiser's participant listings

At the time of review, the organiser's layout plan page stated that the IDEF 2027 hall plan was still being prepared and would be published on the official website once finalised. Check it before you finalise the size and position of your stand.

Closed meeting rooms and confidentiality

Many defence exhibitors plan at least one closed meeting room with a door that locks, solid (not fabric) walls and some acoustic insulation, so sensitive discussions are not overheard from the aisle. Frosted glass or film keeps the room visible from outside without showing screens or documents. If you will discuss programmes under NDA, tell your stand builder early — it affects the layout, the materials and who on the build crew sees your drawings.

Heavy exhibits and floor loading

Armoured vehicles, weapon stations, naval systems or large UAVs bring questions about floor load, access doors, turning space and how the exhibit enters the hall. Share weights, axle loads and dimensions with the organiser and your stand builder before you commit to a design, and plan raised platforms or ramps so the exhibit sits safely and is easy to view. Large exhibits usually have to be positioned before the stand is built around them, which shapes the build-up sequence.

Mock-ups, models and display security

Scale models, missile and munition mock-ups, electronics and sensor heads are often valuable and sometimes sensitive. Plan lockable showcases, plinths with anchoring points and a secure storage room for items that should not stay on display overnight. Ask the organiser what applies to inert munitions, replicas and demonstration of weapons — such items are commonly subject to declarations and specific conditions.

Export-control and communication sensitivities

What you show and say on a defence stand can be subject to export-control rules in your home country and in Türkiye. Agree internally which products, specifications and imagery may be displayed, and brief your stand builder so graphics, video loops and brochures only show approved content. Keep source files of sensitive visuals with your own team rather than with third-party printers where possible.

VIP and delegation hospitality

Official delegations often visit in groups with protocol. A defined reception point, a lounge or hospitality area, coat and bag storage and a small pantry help your team host them smoothly. Think about routes: a VIP group should be able to reach the meeting room and the main exhibit without crossing a crowded presentation area.

Screens, simulators and technical services

Simulators, LED walls, live system demonstrations and radar or communication consoles need reliable power, data and sometimes cooling. List every device with its power draw and decide early who orders the power connection and internet from the organiser or venue. Radio-frequency equipment may need permission before it is switched on — check with the organiser.

Build-up, approvals and site access

Large defence fairs commonly have structured site access, accreditation for build-up crews and design approval steps before construction. Confirm the build-up and dismantling windows, the stand-design submission deadline, height and double-deck conditions, and crew registration in the organiser's exhibitor documents, and ask your stand builder who prepares and submits the drawings.

• Hall, stand number, exact dimensions and open sides (or the space you are applying for, if the plan is not yet published)
• Every exhibit with its dimensions, weight and how it arrives (driven, craned, on a trailer, in crates)
• Number and size of closed meeting rooms, required level of sound insulation and lockable doors
• Showcases, plinths and secure storage for models, mock-ups and electronics
• Hospitality: VIP lounge, reception counter, pantry, seating capacity
• Screens, simulators and demo consoles, with power and data requirements
• Content restrictions: what may and may not appear on graphics and screens
• Whether you need design and production, production only, or a reusable stand for other defence shows
• Budget range, and deadlines for design approval and build-up

Selection criteria

• Experience with defence, aerospace or security exhibitors, and willingness to sign an NDA
• Experience at the Istanbul Expo Center and with large-exhibit logistics (forklifts, cranes, access routes)
• In-house production versus subcontracting — who actually builds the stand and who is on site
• Ability to prepare structural and technical drawings for organiser approval
• References from comparable stands, ideally with closed meeting rooms and vehicle displays
• A clear plan for crew accreditation and on-site supervision

What is included — and what is not

Line up quotes on the same scope and check each one for:

• Design, 3D visuals and number of revisions
• Walls, flooring, raised platforms and ramps for heavy exhibits
• Closed meeting rooms with doors, locks and acoustic treatment
• Showcases, plinths and secure storage
• Graphics production and LED screens or AV equipment (bought or rented)
• On-stand electrical installation and lighting
• Transport of stand materials, build-up and dismantling crew
• Handling of exhibits (usually quoted separately by a forwarder or the venue)
• Items ordered from the organiser or venue, such as power connection, internet, cleaning and waste disposal
• Insurance, payment terms and storage of the stand for the next edition