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Tag Archives: gamescom B2B
Gamescom 2026 Booth Application, Location and Strategy
March 6, 2026
The Gamescom 2026 booth application process goes well beyond picking a size. This guide covers when and how to applyPlanning your Gamescom 2026 presence goes well beyond picking a booth size. This guide covers the application process, strategic hall selection, cost calculation, and how to brief an agency properly.
Gamescom 2026 Booth Application, Location Strategy
& How to Write a Winning RFP
In Part 1 of this series, we covered Gamescom 2026’s key dates, ONL sponsorship rates, and booth rental pricing. This time, we go deeper into the three questions we hear most from exhibitors planning their Gamescom 2026 booth application:
- ✔️ What is the booth application process, and what budget should I plan for?
- ✔️ Which halls and locations at Koelnmesse get the most visitor traffic?
- ✔️ What must be included in a Gamescom RFP?
How Do You Apply for a Gamescom 2026 Booth — and When?
Apply before February 24, 2026. That single decision determines your booth location more than any other factor.
Gamescom assigns booth positions on a first-come, first-served basis. Early bird applicants receive approximately 10% off the standard rental rate — but the more valuable benefit is priority placement. Once the early bird window closes on February 24, the remaining positions are assigned from whatever space is left after priority applicants are placed.
The standard application deadline is July 15, 2026, but by that point the highest-traffic corridors are typically gone. Returning exhibitors also receive preferential treatment in location assignments, which means new entrants need to move even faster.
Key deadlines:
| Application Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Bird | February 24, 2026 |
| Standard | July 15, 2026 |
If you need main corridor visibility, early bird is not optional — it is the strategy.
Which Halls and Locations at Gamescom Have the Highest Visitor Traffic?
Over 70% of general visitors enter through Koelnmesse’s north entrance. From there, the dominant traffic flow runs through Hall 8 toward the main corridor connecting Halls 6, 7, 9, and finally Hall 10.
Understanding this pattern lets you maximize organic footfall without increasing your booth size.
Hall layout by year:
| Year | B2C Halls | Event Hall |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6, 8, 9, 10 | Hall 7 |
| 2025 | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Hall 2 |
| 2026 (expected) | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | TBC |
Hall 5 is dedicated to merchandise and goods.
The golden visitor route:
North Entrance → Hall 8 (Event Hall) → Main Corridor → Halls 6, 7, 9 (B2C) → Hall 10 (Indie)
Booths positioned along the main corridor between these halls benefit from natural, high-volume foot traffic. For exhibitors in Hall 10 (Indie Area), the instinct is to target the main entrance — but in practice, positions near the Hall 9 connecting passage consistently see higher actual visit rates.
Tip: Reference the previous year’s floor plan when selecting your position. Layout details shift year to year, but the core traffic patterns remain consistent.
What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at Gamescom 2026?
Booth rental is only part of the budget. Every exhibitor must also pay for energy usage, the AUMA fund contribution, and the mandatory gamescom NOW marketing package — and these add up quickly.
Korean exhibitors can consult with Linemesse (the official Korean representative of Gamescom) for guidance, but the booth application itself must be submitted directly through the official Gamescom online platform. Use the gamescom stand cost calculator to model your specific configuration before applying.
Mandatory fees added on top of rental:
| Item | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy cost | €16.00/m² | Power and facility usage |
| AUMA fee | €0.60/m² | German Trade Fair Industry Fund |
| gamescom NOW package | €995 (B2C) / €337 (B2B) | Branding rights and online marketing |
Minimum booth size: 12 sqm.
Pre-application checklist:
- • Consumer-facing game companies must apply for a B2C booth first — B2B eligibility depends on it.
- • Your B2B booth cannot exceed 1.5× your B2C area (e.g. 50 m² B2C = max 75 m² B2B).
- • Final booth assignment authority rests with the organiser, regardless of preference.
- • Cancellation after contract confirmation incurs a penalty fee — complete internal sign-off before submitting.
What Does a Gamescom Agency Actually Handle
Once your booth is confirmed, the compliance and logistics work begins. This is where first-time international exhibitors are most likely to encounter unexpected delays or costs.
Typical agency scope for Gamescom 2026:
- • Booth design (content regulations vary by IP age rating / USK classification)
- • Organizer communication: structural approval, German safety regulation compliance, truss approvals, show service applications
- • Cosplay and multilingual on-site staff recruitment
- • Merchandise production
- • International logistics and customs coordination
- • On-site operations and risk management
Working with an agency that has handled these layers before — ideally with a local presence in Cologne — removes the most time-consuming and error-prone parts of the process.
What Must Be Included in a Gamescom 2026 RFP?
A Gamescom RFP is not a price comparison document. It is the brief that sets the quality ceiling for everything your agency produces. The more precisely you define your requirements, the better — and more comparable — the proposals you receive.
1. Event Information
- Event name, dates, venue
2. Booth Overview
- Number of titles and title names
- Participation objective
- Booth size (sqm)
- Space allocation per title (e.g. Title A 60% / Title B 40%)
- Whether you are participating as a main sponsor (affects design scope and available ad placements)
3. Proposal Requirements
- Overall concept direction
- Demo zone configuration (mobile / PC / console unit counts)
- Stage event planning
- Cosplay zone / photo zone
- Merchandise production (and merchandise budget as % of total)
- Staffing plan (note mandatory requirements, e.g. interpretation staff)
- Detailed cost estimate
4. Design Guide (assets required)
- BI logo files and brand color guide
- IP logos and character assets
- Reference footage or visual benchmarks
5. RFP Timeline
- RFP distribution date
- Q&A period
- Proposal submission deadline
- Submission format and required documents
- Selection announcement date
Pro tip: Share your evaluation criteria upfront. When agencies know what you’re prioritising — creative quality, budget efficiency, on-site experience — proposals focus accordingly. Quality goes up significantly.
Make Gamescom 2026 Count — Work with People Who’ve Done It Before
We have managed Gamescom B2C and B2B for major studios and publishers across Korea, the US, and China. Three things set us apart:
- • In-house operations — planning, marketing, and design handled by a dedicated in-house team, not subcontracted. Faster decisions, fewer handoff errors, and better responsiveness when things change on-site.
- • Local team in Cologne — EIDETIC staff based in Germany maintain ongoing relationships with the Gamescom organizer and local vendors, meaning smoother compliance and faster problem resolution.
- • Veteran show floor staff — Our multilingual operations team has worked multiple Gamescom editions and knows how to create an environment where players from any country feel at home.
See our Gamescom work — or get in touch to discuss your Gamescom 2026 plans.
Frequently Asked Questions — Gamescom 2026
The early bird application deadline for Gamescom 2026 is February 24, 2026. Early bird applicants receive approximately 10% off the standard rental rate and gain priority booth placement — high-traffic corridor positions are assigned to early applicants first.
Over 70% of visitors enter through Koelnmesse’s north entrance and follow the route: North Entrance → Hall 8 (Event Hall) → Main Corridor → Halls 6, 7, 9 (B2C) → Hall 10 (Indie). Booths along the main corridor see the highest natural foot traffic. Exhibitors in Hall 10 should prioritise positions near the Hall 9 connecting passage over the main entrance.
In addition to rental fees, all Gamescom 2026 exhibitors must budget for: energy costs at €16.00/m², the AUMA fund fee at €0.60/m², and the mandatory gamescom NOW marketing package (€995 for B2C, €337 for B2B). These are calculated automatically in the official Gamescom stand cost calculator.
Yes, but with conditions. Consumer-facing game companies must apply for a B2C booth first — B2B booth eligibility depends on it. For B2B-only participation, an additional €500 surcharge applies. The B2B booth size is also capped at 1.5× the B2C area.
A Gamescom RFP should cover five areas: event information (dates, venue), booth overview (title count, size, space allocation per game), proposal requirements (concept, demo zones, stage events, merchandise, staffing plan), design guide (logo files, brand colors, IP assets), and RFP timeline (Q&A period, submission deadline, selection date). Sharing your evaluation criteria upfront significantly improves proposal quality.
Gamescom 2026: Everything Exhibitors Need to Know
February 18, 2026
From early bird registration to on-site strategy — everything you need to know about Gamescom 2026, Europe’s largest gaming event.
Gamescom 2026 Everything Exhibitors Need to Know
Why Gamescom 2026 Should Be on Your Radar
Gamescom 2026 is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition of Europe’s largest gaming event yet. Held every August at the Koelnmesse complex in Cologne, Germany, Gamescom has become the definitive stage where the gaming industry reveals its future. With record-breaking attendance of 357,000 visitors from 128 countries in 2025 and over 630 million digital impressions worldwide, this is no longer just a European trade show — it is the stage where the gaming industry reveals its future.
For studios, publishers, and gaming brands aiming to reach both industry professionals and passionate consumers, Gamescom 2026 offers unmatched dual access to B2B and B2C audiences in a single event. Whether you are launching a new title, scouting partnerships, or building brand awareness on a global scale, a presence at Gamescom 2026 could be the most impactful marketing investment you make this year.
Why Gamescom 2026 Is the One Event You Can’t Skip
Gamescom 2026 is Europe’s largest gaming event — and after a record-breaking 2025, expectations are higher than ever. If you’re a studio, publisher, or gaming brand looking to reach both industry insiders and consumers on a global stage, Gamescom 2026 is the most cost-efficient, high-reach event on the calendar.
Gamescom 2025 at a Glance
Before planning for 2026, it helps to understand just how big Gamescom has become.
| Metric | 2025 Figure |
|---|---|
| Venue | 233,000 m² across Koelnmesse |
| Total Visitors | 357,000+ from 128 countries |
| Exhibitors | 1,568 companies from 72 countries |
| B2B Trade Visitors | 34,000+ |
| Opening Night Live Views | 72 million (live) |
| ONL Total Online Reach | 630 million+ impressions |
These numbers make one thing clear: Gamescom is no longer just a European trade show. It is one of the most-watched moments in the global games calendar.
Gamescom 2026 Key Dates & Schedule
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| gamescom dev (formerly devcom) | August 23–25, 2026 |
| Opening Night Live | August 25, 2026 (evening) |
| Business & Media Day | August 26, 2026 |
| B2B Days | August 26–28, 2026 |
| B2C / Public Days | August 26–30, 2026 |
| Venue | Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany |
B2B runs Wednesday through Friday — dedicated to publishers, platform holders, press, and investors. B2C opens Thursday through Sunday, bringing in hundreds of thousands of consumers ready to play, react, and share. One event, two entirely different audiences.
gamescom dev (the former devcom conference) now runs under the Gamescom umbrella — a useful pre-show window for developer-focused networking and sessions before the main event begins.
Opening Night Live 2026
Opening Night Live (ONL) is the annual pre-show broadcast hosted by Geoff Keighley. In 2025 it drew 72 million live viewers and 630 million total online impressions — making it one of the highest-reach moments in gaming media.
Sponsorship in ONL is a separate investment from your booth, with minimum eligibility requirements (B2C booth of 100 m²+ or an official B2C activation).
ONL 2026 Integrated Airtime Rates
| 30 sec | 60 sec | 90 sec | 120 sec | 150 sec | 180 sec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-show | €63,000 | €92,000 | €120,000 | €150,000 | €180,000 | €210,000 |
| Main Show | €155,000 | €225,000 | €300,000 | €370,000 | €440,000 | €510,000 |
ONL sponsorship is best suited to brands with a major announcement or launch timed to Gamescom — the audience is already primed for reveals.
Booth Registration for Gamescom 2026
The single most impactful decision you’ll make is when you register. Early bird applicants get approximately €15/m² off the standard rate and, more importantly, priority booth placement — high-traffic locations go fast.
Applications are submitted through the official Gamescom exhibitor portal and go through a review process before hall and location assignments are made. Companies with consecutive years of participation often receive preferential placement.
Booth Registration & Location Tips
Gamescom 2026 Exhibitor Checklist
- • Register early — save on costs and lock in a prime location before inventory runs out.
- • Define your objective — B2B deal-making, consumer activation, media coverage, or all three? Your goal determines everything from booth size to staffing.
- • Build a demo-first experience — hands-on content consistently outperforms passive displays in footfall and social sharing.
- • Coordinate logistics early — Cologne has strict build-up schedules and customs requirements for international shipments. Factor these in from the start.
- • Align your digital strategy — Gamescom generates massive social buzz. Plan your influencer outreach and press moments around the event window.
- • Book accommodation immediately — with 357,000+ attendees, hotels in Cologne fill up months in advance.
Make Gamescom 2026 Your Biggest Stage Yet
EIDETIC is a global experiential marketing agency specializing in gaming and tech events. Our edge at Gamescom comes from three things:
- ✔️In-house production — strategy, design, and fabrication handled internally, not outsourced.
- ✔️Local team in Germany — staff based in Cologne who know Koelnmesse, its regulations, and its logistics inside out.
- ✔️Gamescom veterans — we’ve been on this show floor across multiple editions. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the surprises that derail first-timers.
Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or scaling up an existing presence, we handle the complexity so your team can focus on what matters: the show.
Gamescom Booth Cost FAQ for 2025 Exhibitors
May 3, 2025
One of the most frequently asked questions from companies preparing for Gamescom is, “How much does it cost to exhibit?”
Gamescom booth costs vary depending on booth type, size, application timing, and additional fees. This section provides a complete overview—from B2B/B2C booth costs to ONL sponsorship and extra fees—to help exhibitors make an informed budget plan.
Previous posts:
Booth costs vary by booth type (e.g., terrace, corner, island), area (㎡), and application timing. You can use the Gamescom Stand Cost Calculator to get a real-time quote.
A Terrace Stand has one open side facing an aisle:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €183.50/㎡ → approx. €1,651.50 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €163.50/㎡ → approx. €1,471.50 per booth (9㎡)
A Corner Stand has two open sides:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €190.00/㎡ → approx. €1,710.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €171.00/㎡ → approx. €1,539.00 per booth (9㎡)
A Two-corner Stand has three open sides:
Up to 150㎡ (~16 booths): €197.00/㎡ → approx. €1,773.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €177.00/㎡ → approx. €1,593.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 1,000㎡ (~111 booths): €157.50/㎡ → approx. €1,417.50 per booth (9㎡)
Above 1,001㎡: €129.50/㎡ → approx. €1,165.50 per booth (9㎡)
An Island Stand has aisles on all four sides:
Up to 500㎡ (~55 booths): €184.00/㎡ → approx. €1,656.00 per booth (9㎡)
Up to 1,000㎡ (~111 booths): €163.50/㎡ → approx. €1,471.50 per booth (9㎡)
Above 1,001㎡: €135.50/㎡ → approx. €1,219.50 per booth (9㎡)
To qualify for a B2B booth at Gamescom, you must first apply for a B2C booth if your company targets end-users. The B2B booth size can be up to 1.5 times larger than your B2C booth.
The maximum B2B booth size must not exceed 1.5 times the area of your B2C booth. For example, if your B2C booth is 50㎡, your B2B booth can be up to 75㎡.
What additional costs are there besides the Gamescom booth fee?
Additional mandatory costs include:
- • Energy fee: €16 per ㎡
- • AUMA fee (German Exhibition Promotion Fund): €0.60 per ㎡
- • Gamescom now Package (Marketing Promotion Package):
- – B2C exhibitors: €975
- – B2B exhibitors: €330
❗️Please note, prices listed by Gamescom are before taxes, so expect about a 20% increase in total costs.
How much does ONL sponsorship cost at Gamescom?
Opening Night Live (ONL) is the official opening event of Gamescom and one of the most high-profile live-streamed game marketing stages globally. Sponsorship costs vary by video duration:
| Video Duration | ONL Sponsorship Cost |
|---|---|
| 30 seconds | €140,000 |
| 60 seconds | €205,000 |
| 90 seconds | €270,000 |
| 120 seconds | €335,000 |
| 150 seconds | €400,000 |
| 180 seconds | €465,000 |
ONL is not just an advertisement; it’s the moment your IP makes its first impression. High-impact trailers and smart creative planning are crucial—especially if you plan to showcase more than one title.
To apply for ONL sponsorship, exhibitors must have a B2C booth of at least 100㎡ or operate an official B2C activation (e.g., demo zone).
ONL is a pre-approved program so your game content and marketing strategy must meet Gamescom’s evaluation criteria.
Gamescom parking permit fee: €50.58 (including tax)
Exhibitors must purchase an Exhibitor Parking Permit in advance. Upon arrival, clearly display the permit on your dashboard, and the parking staff will guide you accordingly.
Gamescom service purchase page (Link)
Eidetic Marketing: Your Agency for Global Exhibitions
👉 Visit the Eidetic Gamescom Portfolio for real examples and insights.
Gamescom 2025: Essential Guide for Exhibitors
March 9, 2025
Gamescom’s Popularity Continues to Rise
The early bird registration for Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest gaming exhibition, closed on February 21.
Gamescom continues to set new records each year, with increasing exhibitors and visitors. In 2024, a lot of game companies, including Hoyoverse, Bandai Namco, and Krafton, showcased their latest titles to European gamers. Let’s take a look at some of last year’s impressive numbers:
🔥
3,060,000 sqft exhibition space
335,000 attendees from 120 countries
1,462 companies from 64 countries
1.5 million ONL live viewers
540 million ONL total online views
We attended Gamescom in 2023 and 2024 as part of exhibition projects, witnessing firsthand the event’s massive impact on the gaming industry. With growing anticipation for this year’s participating companies, we’ve compiled key information to help businesses prepare for Gamescom 2025.
Gamescom 2025 Schedule & Key Programs
Gamescom 2025 will take place from August 20 to 24 in Cologne, kicking off with Opening Night Live (ONL) on August 19.
Since B2B and B2C schedules differ, check the table below for details.
| Gamescom Date | Devcom | ONL (Opening Night Live) |
B2B | B2C | Event |
| 8/18 (MON) |
9:00-19:00 | ||||
| 8/19 (TUE) |
20:00-22:00 | ||||
| 8/20 (WED) |
9:00-19:00 (7:00-20:00 for exhibitors) |
Media Day 9:00-19:00 (7:00-20:00 for exhibitors) |
|||
| 8/21 (THU) |
9:00-20:00 (7:00-21:00 for exhibitors) |
9:00-20:00 (7:00-21:00 for exhibitors) General adminssion from 10am |
12:00- Varies by event schedule |
||
| 8/22 (FRI) |
|||||
| 8/23 (SAT) |
9:00-20:00 (7:00-21:00 for exhibitors) |
||||
| 8/24 (SUN) |
|||||
| *Gamescom City Festival: 8/22(FRI)-8/24(SUN) |  |
||||
Beyond the exhibition halls, Gamescom is a festival featuring diverse events across the city. Since last year, the Gamescom City Festival has taken over Rudolfplatz and Hohenzollernring, with live performances, gaming showcases, and food markets adding to the excitement.
Additionally, many game developers and publishers leverage the Gamescom Awards as a major marketing tool. Game studios can submit their upcoming titles online throughout July, with nominees announced on opening day in August. The awards ceremony, typically held on the final Friday of Gamescom, is a powerful way to generate buzz before a game’s release.
Gamescom Opening Night Live (ONL)
Gamescom ONL: A Global Branding Opportunity
ONL isn’t just an opening ceremony—it’s a global marketing event live-streamed on Twitch, YouTube, and Gamescom’s official website. Major game studios use ONL to debut trailers, with developers taking the stage to share insights about their games.
In 2024, Hoyoverse showcased Zenless Zone Zero, Bandai Namco unveiled Tekken 8, and Krafton introduced Dark and Darker. The event’s massive reach makes it a prime opportunity for game marketing.
Gamescom 2025 ONL Sponsorship & Costs
Only exhibitors with a minimum booth size of 100m² can apply for ONL sponsorship. Pricing is based on video length:
While the cost is significant, the exposure is unparalleled—ONL viewership exceeds 540 million. Because ONL shapes the first impression of a game, developers should create high-impact trailers and strategically plan content if showcasing multiple IPs.
Gamescom’s Massive Exhibition Hall – Koelnmesse
Gamescom takes place at Koelnmesse, spanning 3,060,000 sqft, making it one of the largest gaming expos in the world.
For comparison, Anime Expo is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is 720,000 sqft—Gamescom’s venue is more than four times larger.
Gamescom Hall Plan
- [B2B Area] → Hall 2, 3, 4
- [B2C Area] → Hall 6, 7, 9, 10
- [Merchandise Area] → Hall 5
- [Event Area] → Hall 8
📍 Note: B2C hall assignments may change based on exhibitors and booth sizes. In 2023, Halls 6, 8, 9, and 10 were used for B2C, while Hall 7 hosted events.
📍 Tip: Koelnmesse is huge and maze-like, so save a digital map on your phone. The venue has multiple entrances (East, West, North, South)—plan your route accordingly.
How to Get the Best Booth Location at Gamescom 2025
Game companies planning to exhibit should apply during the early bird period (~Feb 21) to secure a better booth location and save on costs.
High-Traffic Booth Placement
Companies with well-placed booths gain higher visitor engagement. Last year, HYBE’s booth strategically positioned near key traffic zones saw strong foot traffic.
Booths can only be registered through Gamescom’s official website.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover step-by-step booth application tips and expert insights!
Eidetic Marketing – Your Gamescom B2B Partner
We are an experienced agency specializing in Gamescom marketing, helping game companies maximize their global reach and KPIs with strategic planning and execution.
Having worked with major gaming companies from the US, Korea, and China, EIDETIC offers unique advantages:
Why Work with EIDETIC for Gamescom 2025?
- ✔️ In-House Expertise: Unlike ad agencies or third-party event firms, EIDETIC has dedicated teams for planning, marketing, and design, ensuring seamless communication and execution.
- ✔️ Local Team in Germany: With staff based in Cologne, we navigate complex local regulations and logistics, minimizing risk for exhibitors.
- ✔️ Multilingual Event Staff: Gamescom attracts diverse attendees, making experienced multilingual staff essential. Our team ensures smooth interactions with international gamers and industry professionals.
💡 Behind-the-Scenes at Gamescom with EIDETIC!
With a track record of delivering exceptional results, EIDETIC ensures your vision aligns with execution for a successful Gamescom experience.
✨ Stay tuned for exclusive insights from our Gamescom 2025 projects!
Eidetic Marketing Gamescom Works
Gamescom Tips for Exhibitors A-Z, from Parking to Store
July 9, 2024
Gamescom Tips for Exhibitors A-Z, from Parking to Store
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Essential Tips from a Gamescom Agency
Gamescom Tip 1: Entrance for Exhibitors
If you have received your Gamescom ticket via email, it’s a good idea to save the ticket image on your phone. When entering the exhibition hall, note that the entrances for exhibitors and visitors are different. Show your mobile ticket to the staff and enter through the exhibitor line (EXH line).
The visitor entrance line can be extremely long. 👯👯👯👯👯
Once inside the venue, you’ll see a scanner for QR codes, similar to a subway turnstile. If you arrive before the official opening time, use the far-left lane designated for exhibitors. Simply tag your mobile ticket’s QR code at the scanner, and your ticket will be printed, allowing you to enter immediately.
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Gamescom Tip 2: Prepare a Name Tag Case
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Gamescom provides only a lanyard but does not include a name tag case. If you attach the paper ticket directly to the lanyard and wear it around, it can quickly become tattered and torn as you walk around the exhibition. Be prepared to bring a name tag case in advance, keeping your ticket intact!
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Gamescom Tip 3: Parking
During Gamescom, when exhibitors and visitors flock to the event, finding parking can become quite a challenge. There are several parking lots around the exhibition center, and purchasing a parking ticket in advance can save you a lot of time and hassle. Simply place the ticket on your vehicle’s dashboard, and the parking attendants will check and guide you accordingly.
- • How to Apply: Visit the Gamescom official site and navigate to the Service Shop
- • Parking Fee: If you apply in advance, the total cost for the entire Gamescom period (5 days) is 41 euros. (excl.VAT)
- • Without Advance Application: The daily rate is 20 euros (2023).
- • Construction Period: Free parking.
- • Ticket Receipt: Tickets will be sent by mail from the administrative office.
The parking permit is only valid in original form; copies or photos are not permitted.
The ticket will indicate ‘P21,’ which denotes the specific parking area. After checking the location on the map on the back of the ticket, you can only park in the designated area. The administrative office assigns locations close to the halls for convenience.
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Gamescom Tip 4: Closest Store
Last year, we were in charge of BMW’s exhibition marketing at Gamescom. On the first day of the event, we prepared some wine and snacks, understanding the local game show culture and proposing the idea to BMW. The enjoyable gathering served as the launch signal for introducing the AirConsole gaming platform featured in the new BMW i5.
If you suddenly need a wine opener🍷 or additional snacks🍪, head to Lidl, a German grocery chain located just a 5-minute walk from the exhibition center. Most items you might need but can’t find within the venue can be quickly sourced from Lidl, making it a practical stop for event organizers.
Gamescom Tip 5: Are You Looking for an Iced Americano?
In Europe, it can be challenging to find an iced americano unless you’re at Starbucks. Europeans typically enjoy the pure taste of coffee, so an espresso diluted with water is considered a foreign drink, and “iced” versions are even rarer.
The same holds true in Cologne, where most large restaurants only serve hot coffee. However, there is one exception! You can find iced americano from a self-service coffee machine. 😉
At the entrance between Hall 8 and Halls 6 and 7, you’ll spot a restaurant where Gamescom operates a self-service coffee machine. An iced americano is so popular that it’s often sold out before 3PM. Although it’s not the quickest machine, and there might be a wait, every minute counts. So, be sure to place your order early!
We look forward to another exciting and successful Gamescom this year!
Follow us on our social media and stay in the loop with our latest news and events on the Gamescom Exhibitors Guide!
Previous: 2024 Gamescom Exhibitors Guide (Booking, Schedule, Service)
Next: Where is the best meeting place in the hall and all around?!
2024 Gamescom Exhibitors Guide (booking, schedule, service)
July 2, 2024
2024 Gamescom Exhibitors Guide (booking, schedule, service)
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for exhibitors at Gamescom 2024. This guide will provide essential information to ensure a successful and smooth experience at one of the world’s largest gaming conventions.
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Increasing Exhibitors
As of February 29, 2024, early bird registration for Gamescom 2024 has closed. This year, Gamescom has seen a 21% increase in the number of exhibitors compared to its record-breaking year in 2019. This represents a 28% increase over 2023, with a 66% rise in booked exhibition space. A total of 42 countries have registered early, with many participating through national pavilions. Confirmed participants include South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Belgium, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.
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Gamescom Exhibitors Guide #1
Schedule
The official schedule for 2024 Gamescom is from Wednesday, August 21 to Sunday, August 25.
The event will have separate schedules for the B2B (Business Area) and B2C (Entertainment Area) sectors. Please refer to the following table for details:
- • B2B (Business Area): Open for business meetings and networking.
- • B2C (Entertainment Area): Open for general public entertainment and consumer engagement.
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Gamescom Exhibitors Guide #2
Exhibition Hall
Gamescom is held at the massive Koelnmesse exhibition center, covering an area of 700,000 square meters, making it the largest gaming show globally. The exhibition is divided into B2C, B2B, merch store, and event areas.
- • B2B Halls: Halls 2-4
- • B2C Halls: Halls 6-10
- • Merchandise Hall: Hall 5
- • Gamescom ONL1 Event: Hall 7
You’d better download the following Gamescom hall plan images on your phone in advance!
Navigating the vast Koelnmesse center can be challenging, so it is advisable to save the map on your phone. Entry points are located at the east, west, south, and north gates.
Other useful links and downloads
Make sure to determine which entrance is closest to your destination hall. Maps are also available at hall entrances, where “Level 1” and “Level 2” indicate the floors.
Since the B2B area spans multiple floors, plan your movements with ample time, especially if you have scheduled meetings. For shortcuts, refer to the additional post linked in the guide.
Gamescom Exhibitors Guide #3
Booking a Booth
With the early bird period concluded, booth applications now follow regular pricing. Booth costs at Gamescom include rental fees, energy costs, deposits (facility usage fees), and mandatory contributions to the German Trade Fair Industry Fund.
Gamescom Booth prices vary based on type (e.g., corner stand, island stand), so calculate costs on the Gamescom business site before applying.
Booth applications are only accepted online. Note that costs differ if you only rent a B2B booth, so verify prices on the site in advance. Key regulations for booth rental include:
- B2B rental cannot exceed 1.5 times the B2C rental area.
- Consumer-related (end-user) game companies must apply for a B2C booth to rent a B2B booth.
- Booth allocation is at the discretion of the organizer.
- Deposits (facility usage fees) are settled after the exhibition concludes.
Once your booth rental is confirmed, it’s just the beginning. Ensure you understand booth installation regulations, design restrictions, and undergo the design approval process.
Working with an agency can help navigate these requirements efficiently.
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Gamescom Agency: Eidetic Marketing
Eidetic Marketing, the agency behind successful campaigns for HYBE IM and BMW at Gamescom 2023, combines global talent and local trends to help game companies achieve their KPIs. Our strategic planning aligns with on-ground execution, delivering seamless and effective results.
Given the diverse international audience at Gamescom, multilingual staff are crucial. Our global team speaks English, German, Japanese, Chinese, and French, ensuring smooth communication and engagement with visitors. Our positive energy and cohesive teamwork resonate well with attendees.
As a dedicated Gamescom agency, our strengths lie in trend-aligned exhibition planning and robust execution. From operational know-how to dining recommendations, our extensive local knowledge adds significant value.
We look forward to another exciting and successful Gamescom this year!
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Next: Gamescom Real Tips for Exhibitors From Parking to Store
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