12 Tips You Need to Know for Interpack 2017

Editor's Note: It feels like drupa 2016 just came to an end, but before you know it, the packaging industry will return to Düsseldorf, Germany for Interpack 2017. To help you prepare for one of the largest global packaging trade shows, Messe Düsseldorf North America has provided these 12 tips to keep in mind during the show.

Getting to the fairgrounds:

1. Public transportation is recommended to get to the fairgrounds. From downtown Düsseldorf, Tram No. U78 goes to the North Entrance, Tram No. U79 to the East Entrance and Bus No. 722 serves the East and South Entrances. From the airport, Bus No. 896 connects to all fairgrounds entrances. Visitor, exhibitor and press entrance passes to the show allow free use of all public transportation on all days of interpack 2017 within the Rhine-Ruhr regional network (VRR) of Düsseldorf. Exhibitors can also ride free of charge two days before and after the show.

2. Taxi fares are made up of a basic flat rate plus a charge per kilometer; fares are generally higher than in the U.S.; for tips: round up to the next full Euro amount (maximum 10%). Taxis must be boarded at taxi stands.

3. Rental cars are available from Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and other companies; offices are located at the Düsseldorf airport, the main train station and several downtown locations. On the main streets in Düsseldorf, “Messe Düsseldorf” signs show the way to the fairgrounds; parking signs will lead to one of the fairgrounds' 12 parking lots.

At the show:

4. interpack will take place from May 4-10, 2017 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

5. Entrance passes and show directories can be purchased online at www.interpack.com starting in winter 2016 at reduced rates or on show site at regular rates.

6. The KATI electronic visitor guidance and information system makes it easy to find the location of every exhibitor and product category; KATI terminals are located in every hall.

7. The exhibit halls are linked by protected walkways, moving sidewalks and shuttle buses.

8. Located in the middle of the fairgrounds is a food store, hardware store and telecommunication store (where vouchers for wireless access can be purchased) as well as a courier office and travel agency.

Germany in general:

9. Shops are generally open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday. Larger department stores are often open until 8 pm on weekdays and until 6 pm on Saturday. All stores are closed on Sunday.

10. Banks are generally open from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Thursdays to 5:30 pm); the Euro is the single currency for the European Union Nations, including Germany. The Euro comes in denominations of Euro 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 bills and Euro 1 and 2 and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents coins.

11. Restaurants: Asking for a quick service in a non fast-food restaurant is considered impolite; water does not accompany the meal but can be ordered by the bottle; tipping: service charge is included in the bill (but a small tip should be handed to the waitress/waiter directly).

12. A brochure about German business customs and practices can be ordered from Messe Düsseldorf North America free of charge.

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at interpack 2017, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit our web site http://www.mdna.com; Subscribe to our blog at http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Packaging_MDNA

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America.