FAQs for Your Trade Fair Appearance

Are you planning to take part as an exhibitor at Leipzig Book Fair but have some unanswered questions about participating? On this page, we will be answering the most frequently asked questions. Topics are:

General Questions

Why should I exhibit at Leipzig Book Fair?

Leipzig Book Fair is a crowd puller and a major platform for literature education and the promotion of reading. You can present your publishing programme or range of services directly to customers. This allows you to inform both trade visitors and reading fans personally about your book, media and service offers on-site.

You can find reasons to participate in the Book Fair here ...

What is Leipzig liest (Leipzig reads)?

Leipzig liest is Europe's largest reading festival, held on the exhibition grounds and throughout the city of Leipzig as part of Leipzig Book Fair. The festival is a platform where you as an exhibitor can bring authors, books and media closer to the public in a very unique way.

Does Leipzig Book Fair have a hygiene concept?

Currently, there are no more requirements when holding events.

Where can I find information about travel and accommodation?

The following sub-pages offer comprehensive information on how to get to Leipzig Book Fair and on your stay in Leipzig:

traffic guidelines (PDF, 478 kB)

Where can I park during the trade fair?

Parking on the grounds of the Leipziger Messe is available to exhibitors for a fee. From February, you can conveniently buy your parking ticket in the online shop for exhibitors , where it can be found in the list of services. Alternatively, it can also be purchased using the last-minute service on-site before noon on the Wednesday and Thursday of the fair.

No parking ticket is required for set-up and dismantling. All you need is a copy of your stand allocation as access authorisation for you and your stand constructors. We will inform you in good time if additional assembly passes are necessary.

You can find detailed information on the Directions & Parking subpage.

Exhibitor Application

What are the important dates for exhibitors to keep in mind?

Whether for registration, beginning of placement or times for stand construction: You can find an overview of all important dates for exhibitors on our website.

Please be sure to observe the specified registration deadlines for the individual areas and processes. These all run at the same time, so each registration must be considered independently.

How can I register as an exhibitor at Leipzig Book Fair?

Exhibitors must register exclusively via our online booking system . You can find more information here .

Registration for the Leipzig Book Fair 2023 is currently no longer possible.

When do I have to register as an exhibitor?

Registration for the Leipzig Book Fair 2023 is currently no longer possible.

You can register as an exhibitor from August. The early bird rate applies until 30 September, after that a new price applies. Registration deadline is 15 November 2022.

Please submit your binding registration as an exhibitor by 15 November. From 16 November, registration is only possible on request and at the discretion of Leipziger Messe.

For further information, please refer to the Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) the Price List (PDF, 671 kB) .

Click here to register.

Do I have to register co-exhibitors or an additionally represented company?

Co-exhibitor registration is no longer possible for the Leipzig Book Fair 2023.

Co-exhibitors and companies additionally represented on the stand must be registered by the main exhibitor.

• The registration should be done along with your online exhibitor application . You can also add them at a later date: Just send us an email at aussteller@leipziger-buchmesse.de . Please use our Registration Form (PDF, 100 kB) .

• There is a fee for each co-exhibitor and each additionally represented company. For an overview of fees, please see our Price List (PDF, 671 kB) . Please also note our Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) .

• As the main exhibitor, you will receive a free exhibitor's pass for each co-exhibitor. Co-exhibitors will be listed in the exhibitor directory.

Please note: As an exhibitor, you are not entitled to sublet the stand allocated to you to any third party or transfer it in any other way or to advertise for third companies without the permission of Leipziger Messe. (See also Conditions of Participation (PDF, 152 kB) )

Why does Leipziger Messe charge a communication flat rate?

The communication flat rate is charged to cover mandatory entry in the exhibitor directory. It is obligatory for main and co-exhibitors. The media flat rate for co-exhibitors is included in the co-exhibitor fee. Invoices will be sent to the main exhibitor(s) on the basis of our current Price List (PDF, 671 kB) .

For a breakdown of all components of the communication flat rate, please refer to the Special Terms and Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) .

Important Information

We have contracted NEUREUTER FAIR MEDIA GmbH exclusively to produce the exhibitor directory for the Leipzig Book Fair and for the advertising campaign. Other publishers who issue similar catalogues and directories are not authorised by us. We strongly recommend that you read all offers and forms from other companies carefully and look closely at the "small print".

When will I get the invoice for the trade fair rental?

The invoice for your trade fair rental will be issued by Leipziger Messe GmbH approximately 6 weeks before the start of the trade fair. During registration, you can choose to have your invoice sent by e-mail and select a central billing address for your publishing house or company.

Invoices for services will be issued around 4 weeks after the trade fair.

A complaint is only possible within 4 weeks after the date of invoicing.

Can I cancel my registration?

Cancellation of registration by the exhibitor prior to confirmation must be delivered to Leipziger Messe in writing.

In case of withdrawal prior to admission the cancellation fee will be:

  • EUR 180.00 plus VAT for exhibitors with up to 6m²
  • EUR 380.00 plus VAT for exhibitors with 8m² or more.

In case of withdrawal after the admission confirmation has been sent and before 15 November, exhibitors will be required to pay 25% of their stand rental. After 16 December 2022, clause 10.2. of the General Conditions of Participation of Leipziger Messe GmbH will come into force and you will be invoiced for the full trade fair rental fee.

Please also note our General Conditions of Participation (PDF, 152 kB) and Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) .

What should I do if my address changes?

If your contact and address details change, please inform Leipziger Messe GmbH immediately in writing by email to aussteller@leipziger-buchmesse.de .

Please note that we will charge you a processing fee according to our Price List (PDF, 671 kB) for a change of address after the invoice has been issued.

Stand Planning

What happens after registering as an exhibitor?

After the exhibitor registration you will receive the admission in due time and can then begin with your further preparations for the trade fair. It will be possible to register events and submit entries for the Leipzig Book Fair Prize from November onwards. In February you will receive the stand allocation with your stand number.

Where can I find information on stand sizes, stand variants and prices?

Whether applying for an individual stand or a stand for Book Art & Graphics: Leipzig Book Fair has a selection of stand variants for you to choose from, made up of modular systems. You can find an overview of your options and detailed information here:

Is it possible to select a specific stand location?

We are happy to accommodate your wishes regarding the placement of your exhibition stand. Please let us know your ideas in as much detail as possible when applying as an exhibitor. Our project managers will begin allocating stand spaces in September.

However, we cannot guarantee your requested location.

How can I book additional services?

Leipzig Book Fair offers a wide range of services and additional options . You can easily book these through the online ordering system . Use your login details from your customer account.

Please be aware of registration deadlines and any late fees that may apply.

I have lost the login details for my customer account. Now what?

Open the page www.leipziger-messe.de/customerlogin and follow the link "Forgot password". On the following page you will be asked to enter your "user" or the company e-mail address of the main exhibitor. The "user" will be communicated to all main exhibitors with the admission letter. After you have requested the password, an e-mail with new initial access data will be sent. Please note that for technical reasons this e-mail will be sent to the company e-mail address of the registered main exhibitor and not to the fair organiser or the requesting person. After logging in for the first time and entering your initial password, you will be asked to change it. Please be sure to remember the newly assigned password for your further activities in the customer account.

When do stand construction and disassembly take place?

Stand construction

Construction and dismantling of the exhibition stands will take place during the following periods:

Self-builders

  • Monday, 24 April 2023, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, 25 April 2023, 7:00 am to 12:00 midnight
  • Wednesday, 26 April 2023, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Complete stands can be set up starting Wednesday, 26 April 2023, 9:00 am.

Last Minute

You can book individual services (e.g. stand construction services) and purchase exhibitor parking permits at short notice at the Last Minute desk. It is located opposite the project management in the glass hall.

Opening times:

  • Wednesday, 26 April 2023, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, 27 April 2023, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon

Stand dismantling

  • Sunday, 30 April 2023, 5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight*
  • Monday, 1 May 2023, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, 2 May 2023, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Please note: You and your employees need a copy of your stand allocation to gain admission to the exhibition grounds.

* Transport vehicles will only be admitted once the aisle carpets have been removed and Leipziger Messe staff have approved the halls.

When and how does my stand need to be staffed?

Essentially, individual exhibition stands must be attended by staff between at least 10 am and 6 pm.

Are there specific admission rules for stand staff?

Leading up to the fair, please make sure that each member of your team has an exhibitor pass or other access authorisation (e.g. visitor ticket). Additional exhibitor passes can be purchased via the online shop for exhibitors starting from March. This can be found in the services category.

Exhibitor passes entitle the holder to use the MDV public transport system in selected zones for free round-trip travel to the exhibition grounds and access to the exhibition grounds from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the trade fair.

Where can I get exhibitor passes and visitor tickets?

As an exhibitor, you will receive a certain number of free exhibitor passes granting free admission to the grounds of the Leipziger Messe. The amount is determined by the stand space booked. You can find more detailed information in our Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) .

Additional paid exhibitor passes and day tickets for contributors to the programme can be purchased from mid March onwards via the online shop for exhibitors .

The exhibitor pass authorises the holder to use public transport in selected zones during the trade fair to travel to and from the trade fair grounds, and grants access between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Visitor Tickets are available from January in the online ticket shop.

What should I bear in mind when decorating my stand?

When designing or decorating your stand, you should make sure that it conforms to Leipziger Messe's Technical Guidelines (PDF, 755 kB) and to fire protection measures in place at the exhibition centre.

Information for self-builders: A stand construction permit is required for your stand, which must be submitted to the Leipziger Messe Event Technology Department (Abteilung Veranstaltungstechnik) in good time.

Can I have parcels delivered to my stand?

Yes, parcel deliveries are possible during the stand construction and disassembly periods of the trade fair. Parcels will be delivered to your stand between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Shipments must be addressed as follows:

Leipziger Buchmesse/Manga-Comic-Con
Name of recipient/company
Hall/stand number
Messe-Allee 1
04356 Leipzig

Can I sell my books directly at my stand?

Exhibitors have the opportunity to sell their books or media at their own booth, in the signing areas on the exhibition grounds, or through the exhibition bookstores. Detailed information can be found in the Book Sale section.

However, certain conditions apply to the sale of books. In addition to the German law on fixed book prices, please note the following requirements in particular:

The fair bookshop in Hall 4 and the children's and fantasy bookshop in Hall 3 are organised by our partner Hugendubel.

Stand Assignment

When will the stand allocation be sent out?

Allocations will be sent to exhibitors in February 2023.

So what happens next?

You can find out more by reading our important information for exhibitors (PDF, 256 kB) .

Events and Programme Planning

Which dates should I be aware of when registering for events?

Event registration for the Leipzig Book Fair 2023 is no longer possible.

Exhibitors can take part in the Leipzig Book Fair's literary programme with their own events. All important dates for registration for

  • the Leipzig liest (Leipzig reads) programme,
  • the Book Industry Conference Programme
  • the Focus Education Programme and
  • the events as part of the Manga-ComicCon

can be found in our overview of dates .

Please be sure to observe the specified registration deadlines for the individual areas and processes. These all run at the same time, so each registration must be considered independently.

How can I register for Leipzig liest events held at the exhibition grounds or in the city?

As an exhibitor at the Leipzig Book Fair, you have the opportunity to participate in the event programmes with your authors. Registration for the events will take place exclusively online from 1 to 30 November 2022.

Information: Would you like to be part of the Leipzig liest programme, the Conference Programme of the book industry, the Focus Education programme or the Manga-Comic Con events? Then please register your event requests in time by 30 November 2022.

How much does it cost to participate in an event as part of Leipzig liest?

A fee is payable for each event listed in the events calendar. You can find the fee in our Price List (PDF, 671 kB) .

What is the deadline for registering my event for Leipzig liest & Co?

For event requests in the Leipzig liest programme, in the Conference Programme and in the Focus Education programme, the registration deadline is 30 November. For already organised events (e.g. by the media), the deadline is 10 January.

Please contact our event service if you have any further questions about programme planning.

How can I participate in the opening event or trade fair party?

Exhibitors at the Leipzig Book Fair are cordially invited to attend the opening ceremony at the Gewandhaus zu Leipzig and the Fair Party at the Congress Hall at Leipzig Zoo.

Registration for the Fair Party will be possible from March onwards. Exhibitors will receive information and ticket orders by e-mail.

The personal invitation to the opening will be sent by mail.

Booking Additional Services

How can I book additional services?

Main exhibitors will be able to book any of the media services offered by Neureuter Fair Media via their customer account in the "Media Shop" from January onwards. This for example includes entries in the online exhibitor directory and online banners. To log in, please use the details from your customer account .

All other services, such as parking tickets, stand cleaning, security, customer invitations, rental furniture and graphic or communication services can be ordered in the online shop for exhibitors starting in February. These can be found under services.

Exhibitor passes, which are subject to a fee, can be purchased at the same location starting from March.

How will I be listed as an exhibitor in the exhibitor directory?

As an exhibitor, you pay a compulsory communication flat rate. This covers the automatic inclusion of your name in the list of exhibitors.

The communication flat rate is made up of:

In the list of exhibitors online at www.leipziger-buchmesse.de and in the Book Fair app:

  • Listing of the publisher's or company name, address, telephone, email, internet and trade fair stand
  • Link to exhibitor's website
  • Optional interactive email address
  • 2 persons named in the Who's Who
  • Individual promotional text of 450 characters
  • Listing of all sectors and product groups given in the company profile on the exhibitor application form
  • Images of all social media buttons

If you would like to take advantage of additional services, these can be booked from January in the online shop for exhibitors .

How can I purchase admission vouchers for customers and partners?

To make it easier for your customers and partners to visit the trade fair, you can purchase vouchers for paid admission tickets. These can be ordered easily and conveniently in digital form via the online shop for exhibitors . After the fair, you will only be invoiced for the customer invitations that were redeemed.

Book Sales at the Leipzig Book Fair

Exhibitors are permitted to sell books on their stands at the Leipzig Book Fair and at book signings on the exhibition site, subject to certain conditions.

Please note in particular the General Conditions of Participation (PDF, 152 kB) and Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) , the current hygiene concept and the Technical Guidelines (PDF, 755 kB) issued by Leipziger Messe and ensure you are compliant with the German Book Price Fixing Act (Buchpreisbindungsgesetz).

Bookshops or service providers in the book industry who are interested in organising sales at one or more exhibition stands should please contact aussteller@leipziger-buchmesse.de . If you have any questions, we will be happy to put you in touch with interested exhibitors.

General Information on Book Sales

What has changed compared to previous years?

For the 2020 edition of the fair, the organisers of the Leipzig Book Fair authorised direct book sales to the public, subject to conditions. This means that all exhibitors now have the opportunity to sell their own assortment on their stand and at book signings.

Exhibitors are free to conduct sales themselves or to hire a partner/service provider (e.g. a bookshop) for sales on the stand.

Nevertheless, new publications and authors should remain the focal point of the trade fair programme.

Hiring a service provider

Exhibitors that are unwilling or unable to conduct sales themselves are free to find a partner. Partners can be bookshops or other companies.

Contractual conditions must be negotiated directly with the partner/service provider. The partner must also comply with Leipziger Messe's General (PDF, 152 kB) and Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) as well as the Technical Guidelines (PDF, 755 kB) .

The exhibitor is responsible for ordering any services required for sales (e.g. additional exhibitor passes). Furthermore, the exhibitor is responsible for providing the hired service providers with all the relevant information or placing orders on their behalf.

Note for co-exhibitors

Co-exhibitors must contact their main exhibitor directly to coordinate the stand sales arrangements.

Book signing and book sales at events

A signing area is available for book signings.

If you would like to host a book signing, please register this as a separate event.

When hosting an event at one of our forums, you can use the table for signing and book sales located at the respective forum for 30 minutes after the event.

The event host is responsible for organising these book sales and book signings.

Sales Guidelines

All sales are the responsibility of the exhibitor or the contracted service provider. Exhibitors are required to ensure that the trade fair runs smoothly, regardless of any additional sales efforts. This applies to both personnel planning and book presentation.

Adherence to fixed book price regulations (Buchpreisbindung)

When selling publications, it is mandatory to comply with the German Book Price Fixing Act (Buchpreisbindungsgesetz). Discounts and price reductions are prohibited.

The law and additional information on the fixed book price regulations can be found on the German Publishers and Book Sellers Association (Börsenverein) website at https://www.boersenverein.de/de/portal/Preisbindung/158315

Inspections and test purchases will be conducted to ensure compliance. Leipziger Messe will report violations of the fixed book price regulations to the German Publishers and Book Sellers Association (Börsenverein).

In the event of violations, we also reserve the right to impose a contractual penalty in accordance with the Special Conditions of Participation (Section 1.23).

Furthermore, we encourage exhibitors to sell all articles that are not subject to the German Book Price Fixing Act (Buchpreisbindungsgesetz) at the recommended retail price.

Tax and accounting due diligence

Exhibitors must comply with legal regulations. As a result, all sales must be recorded and documented and buyers must be issued with a receipt. This receipt serves to substantiate the sale. Suitable cash register systems or records of sales must be used. The exhibitor is responsible for properly recording revenue and for bookkeeping. Further information can be obtained from your tax advisor or tax office.

Authorised products for sale

The Leipzig Book Fair is a trade fair for new publications. As a result, authors and their latest books must be the main feature of the exhibition. As a general rule, only products intended for distribution through booksellers or for the manufacture of publishing products may be exhibited and sold. All products sold must originate from the company's own production, its own publishing house assortment or the assortment of registered co-exhibitors.

The following are prohibited from sale: Defective copies, residual items (that are no longer subject to price-fixing) or remaindered stock.

Non-book exhibition area

Non-book items are only admitted insofar as they fulfil the necessary requirements of the book trade in accordance with section 3 of the Special Conditions for Participation and are presented by the companies publishing or producing them. Retailers who offer non-book articles only for resale are excluded from participating.

Please take note of the relevant additional regulations in the Special Conditions of Participation (PDF, 544 kB) , particularly sections 1.3, 1.6, and 1.11.

Stand Design

Stand appearance

When designing your stand concept, the required exhibition space for the book presentation as well as space and equipment for sales should be included. Publishers must ensure that the stand is adequate and that there are enough books, particularly for the last day of the fair. Please refer to the FAQ on "fire protection and storage quantities" regarding the amount of stock to be kept on the stand.

Adherence to stand limits

Stand limits must be adhered to. Stand-up displays, tables or the like must be positioned within the stand area. Any request to clear access to escape routes must be complied with immediately.

When the stands are set up, different stand depths can create empty spaces behind the stands. If you intend to use this space, it must also be rented in advance as stand space. It will be invoiced at the list price.

If the limits of the stand area are exceeded, you will receive an additional invoice for stand rental or a request to clear the area you are using without permission.

Fire protection and stock quantities

The permitted quantity of stock at the stand must not exceed the daily requirement. Additional inventory must be stored outside the stand.

Storing empty containers and wooden pallets at the stand or using pallets to raise the floor or to present books is prohibited.

In general, exhibition stands must comply with Leipziger Messe's Technical Guidelines (PDF, 755 kB) . Particular attention must be paid to the regulations regarding fire loads.

Deliveries and Storage Facilities

In accordance with the Technical Guidelines, the publisher makes a decision on the number of books that will be presented and kept in stock on the stand, as well as on subsequent deliveries and additional storage space.

Delivery of parcels and books to the fair

For any shipments that need to be delivered and stored prior to construction and the trade fair, please use our appointed on-site shipping company DHL.

Contact:
DHL Global Event Logistics GmbH
Messe-Allee 1
D-04356 Leipzig
Phone: +49 341 678-7244 / -7245
Email: fairs.lej@dhl.com

Commissioned mail and package shipments can be delivered to exhibitor stands during set-up and the trade fair between 8 am and 5 pm. Shipments must be addressed as follows:

Name of event
Name of recipient/company
Hall/stand number
Messe-Allee 1
04356 Leipzig

During the trade fair, entry to the exhibition site (e.g. for service providers or suppliers) is possible via the access roads at Nord 1 and Süd 1. Entry permits are only valid for 60 minutes. A deposit is paid upon entry and will be refunded when departing within the deposit period.

Any major restocking of the stands can only take place before the start of the fair or after the fair has closed. Smaller additional deliveries are also possible while the fair is open. It is essential that this does not interrupt the flow of visitors.

Leipziger Messe cannot supply any equipment to help with transporting books.

Detailed information on traffic logistics will be published along with the traffic management guidelines in January.

Traffic guidelines (PDF, 478 kB)

Renting storage facilities

Our service provider DHL will offer intermediate storage space for books and delivery to the stands as required. Storage space can be rented at the halls.

Contact:
DHL Trade Fairs & Events GmbH
Messe-Allee 1
D-04356 Leipzig
Phone: +49 341 678-7244 / -7245
Email: fairs.lej@dhl.com

Stand Organisation

Stand staff

If you need additional staff for sales at the stand, you will be able to request them from January via our personnel booking service in the online shop for exhibitors. All exhibitors will have received log-in data together with their stand permits.

Trade fair passes/Admission tickets

Any hired service providers (e.g., bookshops) will also require admission tickets to enter the trade fair. From March exhibitors can obtain additional exhibitor passes from the online shop. These give the holder entry to the trade fair site from 8 am to 7 pm. Day tickets are available at the ticket shop but are only valid from 10 am to 6 pm.

Electronic payment options

We recommend that you offer visitors the option of paying electronically at your stand. In the past, many visitors to the Leipzig Book Fair have chosen to use electronic payment options.

A cable internet connection provided by the Leipzig Book Fair offers the most secure solution for electronic payments. From January, exhibitors will be able to order this from the online exhibitor shop.

You can purchase or rent mobile payment terminals from various companies. An example of this is the company SIX payment that offers suitable devices as part of the "Seitenreich" benefits programme provided by the German Publishers and Book Sellers Association (Börsenverein).

You can find the contact information here: www.boersenverein.de/seitenreich

Additional information

For your sales, please make sure you take enough small change and packaging such as paper bags if necessary.

Information on the Trade Fair Bookstore

As a result of the tendering process for operating the trade fair bookstore and designing the product range, we selected a new partner in 2020.

Hugendubel will organise the trade fair bookstore in Hall 4 and the children's and fantasy bookstore in Hall 3 according to the assortment principle.

Further information

Approved exhibitors will receive detailed information on participation in the fair bookstore directly from Hugendubel.

For more information, please get in touch with:

Adriane Toplak
Head of Product Range Management
Hugendubel Buchvertrieb GmbH

Maria-Luiko-Straße 54
80636 Munich
Phone: +49 (0)89 55 2 33 - 506
Fax: +49 (0)89 55 2 33 - 555
Email: atoplak@hugendubel.de

Exhibitor Service Leipzig Book Fair
(Mo-Fr, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm)