Exhibiting at MRO Shows: Our Experience with International Exhibitions
At Insideout Events, we’ve spent the past five years honing our expertise in designing and building stands for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) events. What began with just two stands at MRO Europe in 2019 has evolved into a significant presence across all four regions where the show takes place. Our strong partnerships with event organisers have enabled us to expand our portfolio, now managing multiple stands at these key industry events.
MRO shows are premier gatherings for the commercial aviation aftermarket, attracting companies specialising in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. These events offer unparalleled opportunities for networking and showcasing innovations within the aviation sector. So, buckle up and prepare for takeoff as we chart our course through international exhibitions, providing insider tips for exhibiting on a global scale.
Where do MRO shows take place?
The MRO event series shows take place in various key regions around the world, providing opportunities for aviation professionals to connect and explore industry advancements. The primary MRO events are:
Europe
Middle East
Asia-Pacific
America
Other Regions
MRO BEER, MRO Australasia, and MRO Latin America also form part of the MRO series, with MRO South East Asia occurring biennially, next in 2026. However, Insideout Events does not cover these regions, as our current clients do not participate in these particular shows.
Maximising market reach with regional MRO events
Participating in MRO events globally offers businesses the opportunity to expand their market reach and connect with diverse audiences. One of the key advantages of the MRO series is its regional diversity, allowing exhibitors to specifically target the areas where they wish to operate.
This localised approach to exhibitions often results in strong attendance, as customers can attend a nearby show without the burden of long-distance travel. This is evidenced by the American MRO event being recognised as one of the 50 fastest-growing exhibitions.
However, to reach new customers in different regions, exhibitors may need to allocate budgets for multiple events across various locations.
Considering the prestige of the MRO shows, it's essential to maintain high standards for your exhibition stand. It's not about size but about making a strong impact. Even with a 3m x 3m space, innovative design solutions can ensure your stand stands out.
Why are adaptable stand designs crucial for international exhibitions?
Adaptable stand designs are crucial for international exhibitions because they enable companies to minimise costs while maintaining a fresh and impactful presence across multiple regions. Given the expenses involved in exhibiting internationally, most of our clients choose to stand designs that can be reused for 2-3 years without looking outdated. By creating custom modular stands, we help our clients reduce expenses in subsequent years. When a stand is stored and rebuilt the following year, the cost typically drops to around 70% of the original.
The following exhibitors have, or are planning to, reuse their stands to support future budgeting:
Barnes Aerospace
This stand made its debut at MRO Europe in 2019 when the company was still operating as MB Aerospace. The stand was subsequently used at the 2019, 2021, and 2022 events. Following MB Aerospace’s acquisition by Barnes Aerospace in 2023, the stand was rebranded and reused under the Barnes name. The same stand, with minor adjustments, is set to be used again at the 2024 event.
The stand occupies a 6m x 6m island space, offering a versatile and impactful presence at the exhibition.
Barnes Aerospace has been an exceptional client, playing a pivotal role in helping us expand our presence at this event through valuable introductions. We at Insideout Events are immensely grateful for their support.
Additionally, we have had the privilege of managing their stands at MRO Asia and MRO Americas, further strengthening our partnership.
TAP Maintenance and Engineering
This 6m x 6m TAP Maintenance and Engineering stand was first designed and built for the 2022 event in London. Highlighting the importance of adaptable designs for international exhibitions, this stand was successfully reused and rebuilt for the 2023 event in Amsterdam and is scheduled for reuse at the 2024 event in Barcelona. This approach ensures a consistent brand presence and maximises cost efficiency across multiple locations. Note how updating the signage and imagery can also give the stand a fresh, new feel each time it’s reused.
Röder
We initially designed and built this stand for Röder at the MRO Europe 2022 event. Following its success, the same design was reused for Röder’s participation in the MRO Middle East and Europe events in 2023. Demonstrating the adaptability of the stand, it was again utilised at MRO Middle East 2024, with a slight modification to incorporate shelving into the back wall, it will be reused for the Europe event in October 2024. For each show, Röder opts for a 6m x 3m space with a single back wall, showcasing how adaptable stand designs can be effectively reused across multiple events, ensuring consistency while allowing for updates that refresh its appearance.
SAMCO
This 6m x 3m stand for SAMCO originated from our collaboration with the MRO team in 2023. For the 2024 event, SAMCO is opting to reuse the stand with a few adjustments. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of adaptable designs in maintaining a fresh yet consistent presence across multiple exhibitions.
Aviation Logistics Network
We were introduced to Aviation Logistics Network in 2023, and they will continue to exhibit with the same 6m x 6m island stand for future events. This approach ensures consistent branding and highlights the importance of sustainable stand designs by maximising the lifespan of materials while reducing environmental impact across multiple exhibitions.
We have had the privilege of designing and building stands for notable clients such as ABC International, Dedienne Aerospace, Avioparts, TT Repairs, and Shannon Airport Group at MRO Europe. Additionally, we have crafted stands for Schneller at MRO Middle East. Where possible we handle exhibition logistics too, meaning we are involved from start to finish, guaranteeing each stand is pristine year after year.
Looking ahead, we are excited to work with new clients like Courier Network and Magnetic Group at MRO Europe. We look forward to showcasing our innovative designs on our social channels and website once the event concludes.
Planning to exhibit at an MRO event next year?
Design Brief Form
5 tips for international exhibitors at MRO Shows
When planning to exhibit at international events, it’s essential to recognise that the requirements and costs associated with your stand can vary significantly depending on the region. To ensure you make the most of your budget and achieve the best possible impact, consider the following key points before committing to a stand space and design.
Regional differences
- Exhibition stands vary by region due to different regulations, materials, and costs.
- Exhibiting in America is typically 2-3 times more expensive than in Europe.
- Costs in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are similar to European prices.
Budget considerations
- Carefully consider your budget for each show before booking your stand space.
- If your budget is consistent across events, calculate staff expenses and shipping costs, then allocate the remaining funds for the stand build.
Consult with a stand design expert
- Before booking, discuss your budget with a trusted stand builder.
- They can advise on the stand size and design that will captivate attendees within your budget.
Stand space booking
- Avoid booking a large stand space if your budget only covers basic furnishings.
- Opt for a smaller stand with eye-catching features to attract visitors.
Proceeding with the right design
- Once you’ve booked a suitable stand space, use the remaining budget to work on the design that aligns with your business exhibition objectives.
When exhibiting at MRO events, where making a strong impression is crucial, partnering with a professional stand design and build company is essential. The right company will guide you through the design process, ensuring your stand and its features are optimised for the show.
At Insideout Events, we have extensive experience working with exhibitors across MRO Europe, Asia-Pacific, America, and the Middle East. We not only provide expert advice on effective stand design but also offer insights into how each event operates within different regions, considering the unique regulations and venue specifics. Trust us to create eye-catching, impactful stands that will attract the right visitors and help you succeed at any MRO event.
If you’re thinking about exhibiting, we’re ready to assist! Reach out to us for more details.