BAU 2027 – What to Look For and What to Expect

At BAU, a conversation about a product can quickly shift from the material’s appearance to how it’s installed and used in a specific project. It’s a good idea to set up a display that allows visitors to examine a sample up close, compare finishes, and understand how the entire solution works. For the exhibitor, this serves as a starting point for planning the booth and the team’s work during the trade show.

When and where will the BAU 2027 trade show take place?

The BAU 2027 trade show will take place January 11–15, 2027, at the Messe München exhibition center in Munich. The event is held every two years and brings together professionals from the architecture, building materials, and construction systems industries. Participants include architects, designers, developers, contractors, and trade representatives, among others.

The scale of the event is illustrated by the results of the previous edition: BAU 2025 attracted over 180,000 visitors and 2,230 exhibitors from 58 countries. These are historical figures, not the projected attendance for 2027.

When planning to participate as an exhibitor, keep the January deadline in mind. It’s a good idea to finalize the booth design, exhibit documentation, and transportation schedule before the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to minimize the number of issues that need to be decided right before setup.

What topics will be the most important at BAU 2027?

The organizer highlights four main themes for the upcoming edition:

• Materials and Resources — responsible use of raw materials, existing buildings, and construction materials.
• Climate Protection and Adaptation to Climate Change — reducing emissions and preparing buildings and cities for heat waves and heavy rainfall.
• The Evolving Living Space — flexible, affordable housing and better use of existing buildings.
• Digitization and Productivity — streamlining the design, construction, and collaboration among participants in the construction process.

The program also includes prefabricated and modular construction in part of Hall A2. A new addition will be the interior finishing area in part of Hall A4.

For exhibitors, these topics can serve as a guide on how to present their offerings. If a product makes installation easier, show the step-by-step process. If it allows for the replacement of a single component or the reuse of materials, prepare a demonstration. Specifications and examples of use will help explain the benefits more clearly than simply claiming the product is innovative.

What will make the upcoming edition of BAU stand out?

One of the new features announced is BLACK BOX in Hall B0. This space is designed to showcase the connections between the planning, construction, and use of building solutions. The organizer has announced, among other things, presentations on prefabrication and systems integration, the use of digital tools, and the material cycle. There will also be booths where visitors can touch the products and test how they work.

It’s worth applying a similar approach to your own exhibition. A cross-section of the wall can explain the arrangement of the layers, and an exposed facade joint can illustrate the method of fastening. These are details that aren’t visible in a photo of the finished building, but which can serve as a starting point for a technical discussion.

How to Set Up a Booth for BAU 2027?

Start designing your booth by selecting the products and scenarios you want to showcase. Determine what visitors should see from the aisle, what they’ll be able to touch, and which solutions require a demonstration with an advisor.

It helps to tailor your presentation to different audiences:

At BAU, the part of a product that is hidden after installation can be just as important as its visible surface. It’s therefore a good idea to design display units that showcase the structure and allow the sales consultant to explain the details at length.

Operating windows, doors, or sliding systems require space for their full range of motion. Heavy exhibits require appropriate supports, and equipment requires power arrangements. Provide the booth contractor with the dimensions, weight, and handling instructions for the exhibits as early as the briefing stage. This will allow the booth design and assembly sequence to be tailored to the products.

Also plan for the storage of samples, catalogs, and packaging. This will ensure that the materials the team needs are within easy reach, and the presentation area will remain organized.

How much does it cost to participate in BAU 2027 as an exhibitor?

The organizer has published the rental rates for exhibition space at BAU 2027. The price depends on the number of open sides of the booth, and the minimum area is 20 m².

The rates do not include design, construction, setup, or takedown. The organizer’s fees also include, among other things, a mandatory transportation fee of 1,300 EUR, the AUMA fee of 0.60 EUR/m², and the waste disposal fee of 10 EUR/m². An advance payment for services in the amount of 30 EUR/m² is also collected, to be settled after the event based on actual usage. Before booking, check the current price list and terms of participation.

The full budget should also account for the transportation of exhibits, unloading services, necessary utility connections, equipment, staff labor, and travel and lodging. In the case of large structural elements, the method of delivery to the booth and securing them for the return trip are also important.

When comparing quotes for booth construction, review the scope of each offer. Determine who is responsible for assembling the products, arranging technical services, storing packaging, and dismantling the display. This makes it easier to compare the total cost of your participation.

Is BAU the right trade show for smaller companies?

A smaller manufacturer can use BAU to showcase a specialized solution, seek out distributors, or meet with designers. The decision to participate depends primarily on the presence of the right audience and the company’s readiness to follow up with the contacts it makes.

Before booking a space, define your main objective. It could be finding partners in a specific market, presenting a new system, or scheduling meetings regarding specific investments. This decision will help you determine the size of the space, the necessary equipment, and the composition of your team.

At a smaller booth, limit the number of exhibits to those that best illustrate your offering. Leave room for demonstrations and conversation. It will be difficult for visitors to take advantage of the opportunity to view a product up close if other samples or furniture block their view of it.

How can a Polish company prepare for meetings at BAU?

Poland was among the countries with the largest representation among foreign exhibitors at BAU 2025. As you prepare for the next edition, make sure that interested visitors can easily assess the practical applications of your offerings.

It's a good idea to have the following on hand:

• product materials in German or English, tailored to the planned meetings;
• technical data sheets and documents related to the products on display;
• examples of projects with descriptions of the solutions used;
• drawings, CAD files, or BIM models, if you share them with designers;
• Information about delivery schedules, markets served, and terms of cooperation.

Even before the trade show, decide how you’ll keep track of your discussions. During a meeting, it’s a good idea to note down any products that catch your interest, the stage of the project, and the next agreed-upon step. Sending the right drawing or sample after you return will then be easier than trying to reconstruct the conversation based on a business card.

How to plan your visit to BAU 2027?

If you're attending as a visitor, start by checking the exhibitor directory and hall map available on the organizer's website. Select companies and solutions related to your current projects, and then plan your route and meetings.

When comparing materials, prepare a shared list of questions: about their application, specifications, installation method, maintenance, and availability of documentation. Label photos of samples with the manufacturer’s name and product code. After a few days at the trade show, the photos alone may not be enough to find the right option.

Be sure to set aside time for demonstrations and unscheduled conversations as well. A detail you see at the exhibit might prompt a question you didn't consider during your preparations.

Design and Construction of a Booth for BAU 2027 with BWS Expo Plus

At BWS Expo Plus, we design and implement trade show booths in Munich, tailoring the space to the products, the brand, and the purpose of participating in the event. When preparing a booth for BAU, it’s important to integrate the presentation of materials, the technical requirements of the exhibits, and the conditions for meeting with clients from the very beginning.

Are you planning to participate in BAU 2027? Please send us the square footage and floor plan, a list of products with dimensions, and your budget estimates. Also let us know what you’d like to demonstrate in action and who you plan to meet with. Based on this information, we can prepare a booth proposal tailored to how you want to present your offerings.