SPOGA+GAFA

Cologne, Germany

June 18, 2023 to June 20, 2023

SPOGA+GAFA
  • The Show
  • Exhibitor Package
  • Cost Factors
  • DIT Funding
  • Application Form

The Show

spoga+gafa covers all aspects of practical, decorative and leisure gardening.  It is divided into the following product sectors: garden living (garden furniture, decoration, garden equipment, sports & games, camping & leisure), garden creation & care (plants & flowers, bio-chemistry & soils, machinery, tools & accessories, garden equipment & sheds, water & lights), garden bbq (grills & barbecues) and garden unique (exclusive presentations in the outdoor living sector).

Germany is by far the largest market for garden products in Europe, with sales of around €20.8 billion.  Buyers, though, visit spoga+gafa not just from Germany but from countries around the world.  In recent years British group exhibitors have seen buyers from across Europe as well as leading distributors and retailers from markets such as the USA, Canada, Dubai, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia – along with some of the leading players from the UK.

The show attracts a broad spectrum of buyers, including independent garden centres, DIY and garden centre chains, mail-order and online businesses, super and hypermarket groups, discounters, department stores, specialist furniture retailers and landscapers, along with many international distributors and wholesalers of garden products that supply the retail and contract trade worldwide.

For more information about exhibiting at spoga+gafa 2023, please contact Lydia Stubbs at Gardenex, and take a look at the spoga+gafa website.

Our 6th year at spoga+gafa and one of the best!

- Concept Research

Exhibitor Package

Gardenex is able to offer the package below to British firms:

  • Prime exhibition spots for the British pavilion or in appropriate sector halls. Minimum stand size 12m², larger options also available.
  • A comprehensive British themed pavilion with a new fresh look and stand package designed so that you can just turn up and display products.  Package includes walls, carpet, lighting, electrical connection and a power point, fascia with name, table, chairs, counter and stand cleaning.
  • New for 2023: Gardenex British Group exhibitors will be able to display a product in the Boulevard of Ideas on a British Product display area – this opportunity is exclusively on offer to the Gardenex British Group.  The Boulevard of Ideas walkway links all the halls and entrances to the show, so a prime location to introduce your latest products to visitors.  To qualify, you must return your completed application to Lydia Stubbs at Gardenex by the 31 January 2023 deadline.
  • Help with freight, travel & accommodation and other logistics from Gardenex’s dedicated event organisers.
  • Background market information and exporting advice for Gardenex members.
  • The support at the show of an industry information stand, organised by Gardenex and manned by its experienced team and interpreter.
  • A schedule of press releases before, during and after the show, to publicise the goods and services of the British group participants.
  • A preview sent out to named buyers across Europe before the show to generate advance publicity for the group.
  • Advice and information about how to prepare for, and how to maximise, your presence at the show.
We met with key buyers we would not otherwise have had access to.

- Hum Partnership LLP

Cost Factors

The table below shows costs and examples for a variety of stand sizes.  The pricing incorporates costs as quoted by the organisers for space, auma fees, lump energy and other mandatory charges imposed by them as described, and an estimated amount for the stand package whilst quotations are sought.

12m² 15m² 25m²
Gardenex stand package, estimated @ £359 per m2  £4,308 £5,385 £8,975
Mandatory Marketing Services Package (now includes visitor package and other new elements such as data capture) ♣ £1,310 £1,310 £1,310
Total £5,618 £6,695 £10,285
Space only – cost per square metre plus mandatory costs ♣ ♦   £199
♦Plus Gardenex management fee, mandatory for all British group exhibitors and payable on application Gardenex
Member (+VAT)		 Non-Member
+VAT
£495 (£594) £685 (£822)
The Gardenex management fee includes support as outlined in the Exhibitor Package tab and is designed to simplify the process of exhibiting, help you prepare for and make the most of the show, promote the British group presence and to make your exhibiting experience as smooth and trouble-free as possible.  Please note, this fee is non-refundable.


Please note: Space is limited; book quickly to secure!  

 

Other factors Ballpark budget Information
Travel, accommodation and subsistence
the latter being entirely subject to your budget		 Around £950 per head could be budgeted for a reasonable hotel and budget airline seat.
Out Friday 16 June, back Wednesday 21 June gives you a clear day to dress your stand.		 Direct flights to Cologne run from Stansted (Ryanair) and Heathrow (Eurowings).  Alternatively direct flights to Düsseldorf are available (train journey to Cologne max 1 hour).  Ryanair from Stansted to Cologne costs £125 with 20kg hold bag at the time of publishing.  Hotel prices vary greatly; a budget of £160 per night should secure a reasonable central 3 star hotel.  Further advice on request.
Interpreters £170 – £250+ per day An interpreter will be based on the Gardenex stand for the shared use of all British group exhibitors.  We advise you, though, to arrange your own dedicated interpreter if your team does not have language skills.
Getting your display / goods to the show Budgeting for this is difficult due to Brexit.
1 pallet 120 x 100 x 125cm 1.50cbms, 300 kilos, value £1,500 with 5 HS codes
roughly £1,750		 Exhibitors might consider driving goods to Cologne which is a relatively easy option as access to the halls is available during set-up and break-down (please note that this can be subject to restricted times/fees).  You should arrange ATA carnets well in advance of your departure.  See here for further information.  Alternatively, details of suggested specialist exhibition freight forwarders will be provided.
Enhanced catalogue / web entries Costs start from around €500
(approx £440)		 Basic show catalogue and website entries are included in the mandatory Marketing Services Package.  Options to enhance with logos, more products etc will be circulated.
Additional display equipment Subject to needs and budget. The Gardenex stand package is comprehensive so there should be limited need for extras but options will be offered.

 

Notes

  • All costs based on exchange rate £1=€1.14 which may alter.  Gardenex reserves the right to adjust rates and invoice accordingly if there is movement in the £/€ exchange rate.  They do not include local taxes which may apply to some or all factors.  All costs must be paid upfront.
  • ♣ Some mandatory costs are imposed by Koelnmesse and apply to all exhibitors.  These include the Marketing Services Package.
  • It is preferred that exhibitors on the British pavilion take advantage of the Gardenex stand package.
  • Whilst unlikely to vary significantly beyond costs outlined, final costs for the Gardenex stand package will be notified to exhibitors in due course.
  • The exhibitor must insure against costs and expenses which may be incurred in the event of the Fair being abandoned, cancelled, postponed or curtailed in whole or in part for causes outside the trade association’s control, since we accept no responsibility in such an eventuality.

DIT Funding

The Trade Show Access Programme (TAP) funding for specific trade shows has been discontinued by the Department for International Trade (DIT).  A new UK Tradeshow Programme has been launched.  UK businesses can apply to exhibit at, or attend, one of a small number of trade fairs selected by the DIT. Gardenex has requested that spoga+gafa be included in the list of approved shows for the period from 1 April 2023 but this has not yet been confirmed.

Please note that the eligibility criteria for the new Tradeshow Programme are stricter than for TAP and companies can only receive funding once.  You must be exhibiting for the first time or wishing to target a new market, and your annual turnover must be between £250,000 and £5 million.  You must apply for funding, if it becomes available, direct to the DIT, not via Gardenex.  For full details, click here.

If you are considering exhibiting at spoga+gafa 2023, please contact Lydia Stubbs at Gardenex as soon as possible as prime space is limited at this popular event!  Please let her know if you hope to apply to the DIT for funding.  NB You should not commit to exhibiting before submitting your funding application to the DIT or it will automatically be declined.

WE VERY MUCH BENEFITED FROM ATTENDING THIS EVENT.  IT IS THE MAJOR GARDEN TRADE SHOW IN EUROPE SO AN IDEAL MARKET FOR OUR PRODUCTS.  THEY WERE WELL RECEIVED AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO ATTENDING AGAIN NEXT YEAR. – Morris Brothers & Co, t/a Boskke

Application Form

To reserve a stand at spoga+gafa 2023:

 

  1. Complete the Gardenex exhibitor application.
  2. Submit the application form to Gardenex, along with payment of the Gardenex management fee.

 

Questions?  Please contact Lydia Stubbs at Gardenex on 01959 565 995 or by email.