Three years ago, my logistics partner dropped out of the mid-project.
I needed a new transport solution quickly. Online searches were giving me the same recycled leads. Cold calls were a dead end.
So I flew to Hannover for IAA Transportation with zero expectations.
What I found there changed my approach to sourcing forever.
One hall after another, packed with suppliers, tech demos, and real people I could actually talk to. That trip helped me lock in a deal that saved both time and freight costs.
If you’re on the fence about attending, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through every key detail dates, tickets, what’s inside, and who you’ll meet. More importantly, I’ll help you figure out if this event makes sense for your goals.
You’ll leave with a clear answer and the tools to grow your business.
So let’s get started!
1. How to Prepare for Your Visit
Before I went to IAA Transportation, I thought I could just show up and walk the halls. I figured I’d get ideas, meet a few suppliers, and maybe grab a few brochures.
I was wrong.
The event is massive. If you don’t prepare, you’ll waste time. You might even miss the booths or people that could actually help your business.
Here’s how I learned to plan my visit and how you can too.
Define Your Goals Before You Go
Start by asking one question: What are you trying to solve?
For me, it had long lead times and rising transport costs. I needed new trailer partners, and fast.
Your goals might be different:
- Are fuel costs eating into your margins?
- Are your trailers breaking down too often?
- Are you scouting for new tech like electric trucks or better fleet software?
- Are you looking for backup suppliers?
- Do you want to meet current vendors face to face?
Be honest. Write down what matters most. It helps you focus when the halls get overwhelming.
And if you’re just starting out? That’s fine too. Even a basic goal like “compare reefer trailer options” is enough.
Build a Target Exhibitor List
Don’t wait until you’re there to figure out who to visit.
Go to the official IAA exhibitor directory on their website. Use the filters to sort by:
- Product type (like flatbeds, tankers, or refrigerated trailers)
- Industry (like mining, logistics, or agriculture)
- Country (helpful if you’re sourcing within a region)
- Brand name (if you already have some in mind)
Save or print your list. Mark booths you must visit.
This saves you from walking aimlessly or getting distracted by booths that don’t fit your goals.
Book Meetings Ahead of Time
If you know which companies you want to talk to reach out now.
Most exhibitors list a contact form or email on their profile. Don’t wait until the event. They get busy, and you’ll risk being brushed off or rushed.
Here’s a tip: Mention your use case when you reach out. It helps them prep for your visit. For example:
“We run a mining operation in Chile and need 40-ton dump trailers with short lead times.”
That tells them you’re serious. And you’ll likely get a better, more specific reply.
Planning doesn’t take long but it makes your visit count.
2. Travel, Tickets, and Timing
Planning your trip right can save you stress and maybe even money.
I learned that the hard way.
My first IAA visit, I booked a hotel too far from the venue. Each morning, I sat in traffic for nearly an hour. By the time I reached the show, I was tired before I even started.
Since then, I’ve changed how I plan. And you can too.
Where and When
IAA Transportation takes place in Hanover, Germany. It’s one of Europe’s biggest trade shows for commercial transport.
The event happens every two years. Mark it early in your calendar.
Most editions are held in mid-September. For example, in 2024, it runs from September 17 to 22. There’s also a Press Day the day before—on September 16—if you’re in media or want an early look.
Make sure to check the official dates for the year you plan to attend. Schedules can shift.
Ticket Options
There are several ticket types, depending on your needs:
- Single Day Pass: good for one full day
- Multi-Day Pass: best if you want to explore across several days
- Weekend Pass: cheaper, often more relaxed
- Group or Family Tickets: available for teams or if you’re bringing others along
Tip: Buy your ticket online ahead of time.
You’ll get better pricing and avoid long lines at the venue.
Some tickets are valid for re-entry the same day. Others aren’t. Read the details carefully before buying.
Check the official site for pricing updates: https://www.iaa-transportation.com/en
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Hanover is well-connected by train, air, and road.
But once you’re in the city, getting to the Messe Hannover fairgrounds is easier if you stay nearby.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Book early. Hotels near the venue fill up fast sometimes 2–3 months in advance
- Stay close. Even being 10 minutes closer can save you hours over the week
- Use local trams or shuttle buses. They often run from the city center to the venue
- Avoid driving if you can. Traffic gets heavy during the event
Some hotels also offer free public transport passes for guests. Ask when booking.
A little planning goes a long way. And it means more energy to focus on the real reason you’re going to find answers, meet partners, and grow your business.
3. What to Bring With You
You don’t need to pack heavy. But you do need to pack smart.
My first IAA Transportation visit? I wore dress shoes. I thought I was being professional. By lunch, I was limping. By day two, I had blisters.
That was a hard lesson.
Since then, I’ve fine-tuned what goes in my bag and what stays out.
Here’s what I take with me now:
Essential Items to Bring
Start with the basics. These are the things you’ll reach for over and over:
- Business cards. Still valuable. Many people prefer them over scanning badges
- Lightweight bag or folder. You’ll collect brochures, flyers, and maybe small samples. Don’t try to carry everything by hand
- Comfortable shoes. No matter what they look like. You’ll walk several kilometers inside the halls
- Water and a small snack. Food stalls can get packed at lunch. And staying hydrated keeps your energy up
I also throw in a small packet of tissues and hand sanitizer. The little things matter after a long day walking and talking.
Tools to Stay Organized
At a big event like IAA, it’s easy to forget who you spoke to or where that one great booth was. These tools help me keep track:
- Notebook or a notes app. Write down booth numbers, product specs, or contact names while they’re fresh
- Phone charger or power bank. You’ll be using your phone for photos, maps, and contact sharing. It dies faster than you expect
- Printed schedule or booth list. Yes, the app is great. But your phone might freeze or lose signal. A printout is a solid backup
One more thing bring a pen. It’s basic, but I always carry one. Sometimes it’s easier to jot a name or booth number on a flyer than to type it out.
You don’t need a big backpack. Just the right tools. Enough to keep you moving, comfortable, and sharp through the day.
Plan your kit right, and the event becomes a lot easier to handle.
4. What to Look for at the Show
Walking through IAA Transportation can feel like stepping into a city made of trucks, trailers, and tech.
Everywhere you turn, there’s something new massive displays, shiny machines, live demos. It’s easy to get pulled in every direction.
That’s why I always keep a checklist in my pocket. It helps me focus. And if you’re there to solve real business problems, this list will help you too.
Here’s what to keep your eyes on.
Trailers Built for Your Industry
Not all trailers work for every job. The terrain you run on, the weight you haul, and how often you move all matter. Look for:
- Heavy-duty trailers built for construction, mining, or industrial use
- Tankers, reefers, and livestock trailers made for agriculture, food, or energy work
- Specialized options that match your roads, climate, and loading style
Walk into the booth and ask real questions. Ask how their trailers hold up after five years. Ask where they’re used now. You’ll get more honest answers face to face than in a brochure.
Smart Logistics and Fleet Tech
There’s a lot of software at IAA and some of it can make your job easier. Pay attention to:
- GPS and real-time tracking systems
- Load sensors and route planning tools
- Fleet dashboards and driver monitoring
Ask vendors:
- Does it work with the software you already use?
- How hard is it to train your drivers or team?
- What kind of support comes after the sale?
These tools can save money but only if they’re easy to use.
Sustainable Transport Solutions
If you’re trying to reduce fuel costs or meet green targets, this section matters. Look for:
- Electric trucks and hybrid trailers
- Lightweight builds that reduce drag and save fuel
- Low-emission options that meet new rules in your region
Even if you’re not switching now, it’s worth seeing what’s coming. A few years from now, these might be your only options.
Spare Parts and Aftermarket Gear
This part often gets overlooked but it shouldn’t. Check out:
- Axles, suspensions, landing gear, lighting systems
- Upgrades for older trailers
- Vendors that offer fast shipping and easy replacements
Compare side by side. Ask about lead times. Find out what warranties look like. If you manage a fleet, these parts keep your business moving.
Live Demos and Product Testing
Some things you need to see in action. That’s why I always make time for:
- Live demos
- Test drives
- Walk-throughs of new models
You’ll get to see how trailers handle turns, how tracking software updates in real time, or how a suspension responds under load.
Some demos require advance sign-up, so check the IAA website early and reserve your spot.
You came to the show to see what works. Don’t miss the chance to test it for yourself.
5. Events and Learning Opportunities You Shouldn’t Miss
There’s more to IAA Transportation than booths and brochures. The real value often happens in side rooms, open forums, and even over coffee.
At my first IAA, I sat on a panel about fuel efficiency. I wasn’t sure if it would help but 30 minutes later, I had three pages of notes and a new contact in the energy sector.
If you want more than just product flyers, this section is for you. Here’s what to look for:
Keynote Speeches and Panels
Every year, IAA invites experts to speak about where the industry is headed. These talks are built around real-world issues that affect your daily work. Topics often include:
- Electrification of logistics fleets
- Digital tools for supply chains
- Sustainability, carbon goals, and new fuels
You don’t have to attend every session.
Pick two or three that match where your business is going. For example, if you’re switching to electric vehicles or planning for hydrogen fuel, those talks will give you insight that brochures can’t.
Bring a notebook. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. These sessions are made for learning, not for selling.
Networking Events
Some of the best conversations don’t happen in a booth. They happen at coffee tables, lunch lines, or small evening gatherings.
Many companies host:
- Evening meetups
- Product launches
- Invite-only demos or happy hours
You don’t need a fancy title to join in.
If you’re an independent buyer or new to the industry, just walk up and say hello. Most people are happy to talk, especially after hours when things slow down.
That’s where I met one of my current suppliers. It started with a chat about fleet downtime and ended with a factory tour booked the next week.
These casual moments can turn into real business.
So check the schedule. Ask vendors if they’re hosting anything. And leave a little room in your day for the unexpected.
That’s where the real value often shows up.
6. What to Do After the Event
The show ends. You pack your bag. Your feet hurt.
But your work isn’t done.
In fact, the most important part comes next.
After my last IAA visit, I let two weeks pass before following up. By then, one of the suppliers I liked had already booked out their production line. That delay cost me six weeks in delivery time.
Now, I follow a simple plan. You can do the same.
Follow Up Promptly
Don’t wait. Within 3 to 5 days, reach out to the people you meet. A short email is all it takes.
Keep it simple and clear:
“Thanks for your time at IAA. We’re interested in your refrigerated trailer. Could you send specs and pricing for 2–5 units?”
Mention your use case again. Include your expected timeline. That makes it easier for the supplier to give a focused reply.
And if you promised to send something like fleet details or a sample order send it now. Quick follow-up shows you’re serious.
Compare and Decide
Once the replies start coming in, it’s time to sort them out. Ask yourself:
- Who offered the best lead times?
- Who explained their support and warranty clearly?
- Who treated the conversation like a partnership, not just a sale?
Also notice who didn’t reply. That silence can be a red flag.
Keep all quotes in one folder. Make a list of pros and cons for each vendor. This part takes time, but it’ll save you from costly mistakes later.
Bring It Back to Your Team
You don’t have to decide alone. After IAA, I sat down with my team. We go over:
- What we saw
- Who stood out
- What we actually need to move forward
From there, we narrow it down to2 or 3 serious options. Sometimes we run a trial. Other times, we start negotiating right away.
Whatever path you choose, make sure you bring your findings home and use them.
Because a good trade show isn’t just about the visit it’s about what you build after.
7. Final Tips for a Productive Visit
After a few visits to IAA Transportation, you start to pick up little tricks. The kind of things you don’t think about until you really need them.
The first time I went, I packed everything except a charger. My phone died before lunch. No photos. No maps. No follow-ups until I got back to the hotel.
Don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Here are a few tips that can make your visit smoother and more productive:
Bring a Power Bank
Your phone will be busy all day. You’ll take photos. Check booth numbers. Save contact details. Use the event app. And if you’re like me, you’ll scroll through your notes during lunch.
Bring a power bank. Even a small one will save you the stress of a dead battery halfway through the day.
Don’t Overpack
You’ll be picking up:
- Brochures
- Product catalogs
- Sample parts or materials
So keep your bag light in the morning. Just bring the basics. Leave space for what you collect during the day.
A shoulder bag or backpack with one empty section is perfect.
Eat Breakfast Early
The food at the venue is good but the lines get long fast.
If you wait until 9:00 or 10:00 to eat, you’ll be in a crowd. And if you’re rushing to a meeting or demo, skipping breakfast makes it worse.
Eat early. Or grab something from your hotel before you head out.
Coming from Outside Germany?
A few small things will help:
- Bring an international charging plug. German outlets use Type C or F plugs (230V)
- Know basic greetings. A simple “Hallo” or “Danke” goes a long way. Most people speak English, but locals appreciate the effort
Also double-check your phone plan. Make sure you’ll have data or roaming. You’ll need it for directions and the IAA app.
Small details can make a big difference. Prep a few of these things before you leave, and your visit will run smoother from start to finish.
Conclusion
You’ve got the full picture now how to prep, what to see, and what to do after.
This guide was built from real experience, not theory. I made the mistakes, so you don’t have to.
So ask yourself: What’s the one deal, idea, or connection waiting for you at IAA?
You won’t know until you go.
Make your plan. Book your ticket. Pack your shoes.
And if you’re unsure where to begin reach out. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.
