Berlin ExpoCenter Airport: event and exhibition space

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (often shortened to BECA) is an exhibition and event complex on the edge of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), built for projects that need room to breathe, real scale, and “airport-grade” logistics.

Venue address: Messestrasse 1, Berlin, Germany (right next to BER, Schönefeld area).

This is a natural fit for industrial trade fairs, B2B events, equipment showcases and formats where large halls, easy access roads, and fast, reliable infrastructure set-up really matter.

History of Berlin ExpoCenter Airport: why the venue was built right here

The decision to build the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport was made in autumn 2010 as a strategic move next to the future major hub, BER.

Construction began in August 2011 and was completed by April 2012: speed was essential because the site was being prepared for aviation and international events.

The official launch aligned with the opening of ILA Berlin Air Show — September 11, 2012. ILA became the complex’s signature event and cemented its reputation as a venue for large-scale industrial showcases.

Other notable early events included PANORAMA Berlin shows during Berlin Fashion Week — a clear sign the venue can handle far more than aviation, including public-facing formats.

Video about Berlin ExpoCenter Airport

Key advantages of Berlin ExpoCenter Airport for exhibitions and events

• A truly professional exhibition layout: 3 column-free halls mean flexible floorplans and a strong visual stage for stands, equipment and live demonstrations.

• Space that lets you think big: around 20,000 m² of covered exhibition areas and approximately 129,000 m² of outdoor space for temporary structures, demo zones and outdoor activations.

• Logistics without the “quest”: all three halls are accessible from the central road, which simplifies vehicle access, build-up, and on-site operations.

• Solid on-site basics, ready to use: the first level includes an information desk, restrooms, a first-aid room, and upstairs you’ll find offices and meeting rooms.

• Comfort for year-round projects: the halls can be centrally heated and cooled, which matters when your dates fall outside the “perfect season”.

• A practical technical setup: high- and low-voltage connections are routed in from the side via floor ducts, helping the site stay clean and organized even with complex production.

Halls and conference areas at Berlin ExpoCenter Airport: what’s inside

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport is built as a “straightforward” exhibition venue: three large halls form the core, supported by everything organizers need to manage visitor flows and run a project team smoothly.

• 3 exhibition halls (pillar-free / column-free).

  • Format: open-plan layouts for trade fairs, forums, presentations, test areas and live demonstrations.

  • Access: entry from the central road, convenient for build-up and unloading.

• Support spaces and meeting zones.

  • First level: entrance area, restrooms, an info point, and a first-aid room.

  • Second level: offices, meeting rooms, technical rooms, and additional restroom areas.

  • Industry overviews of the venue also often mention around 12 side rooms (support rooms), which is convenient for the organizing team, VIP meetings and press work.

Important: exact layouts, hall plans and parameters for a specific format are usually confirmed during the technical brief and production planning stage.

How to get to Berlin ExpoCenter Airport

One of the strongest advantages of Berlin ExpoCenter Airport is easy access thanks to its proximity to BER.

• By car: straightforward access via the main roads around BER, then follow navigation to Messestrasse 1. For major events, logistics typically include dedicated unloading areas and contractor routes.

• By public transport: use Flughafen BER station (airport terminal) as your reference point. From there, the easiest option is usually an event shuttle, bus or taxi, depending on the specific event’s transport setup.

• On foot / by bike: the route depends on access zones and the event operating mode. For exhibitions with outdoor areas, organizers often provide dedicated entrances and clear wayfinding from transport hubs.

Visitor tips: how to enjoy a comfortable day at Berlin ExpoCenter Airport

• Arrive with a time buffer: at large events near airport venues, queues at entry and security checks can happen — it’s better to build in extra time than to miss the start of the program.

• Clothes and shoes matter: the scale of the complex and outdoor areas will add up in steps fast. Comfortable shoes are a small hack that saves your mood.

• Plan navigation in advance: if the event uses halls + outdoor space, save the map/route on your phone and mark your must-see spots.

• A hidden perk: the venue is designed so service points (info desks, restrooms, first aid) sit logically close to the entrance area — don’t hesitate to use the infrastructure; it’s built for large visitor flows.

• Food and drinks: catering on site is handled by a professional team specialized in trade fairs and conventions. In practice, this means food service typically scales well to crowd size and event format.

Most significant events and “milestones” of Berlin ExpoCenter Airport

• ILA Berlin Air Show: a key international aviation event and the flagship format the venue was essentially built to host.

• A record-fast delivery: the complex was built in a short timeframe (start in 2011 — readiness in 2012), often highlighted as an example of focused, industrial-scale planning.

• A strong indoor + outdoor balance: a rare combination of three large halls and extensive outdoor space, enabling demonstrations, temporary structures and truly “live” zones.

Requirements for event participants at Berlin ExpoCenter Airport

Specific rules depend on the event organizer, but major shows at the venue typically follow standards common to international trade fairs and air shows.

• Accreditation and passes: entry and on-site work usually require tickets/badges, and exhibitors need confirmed stand registration.

• Service orders: for large projects, services (parking, passes, power connections, service options) are usually arranged through the event’s official service platforms; as a rule, ordering requires a confirmed stand booking.

• Technical and safety regulations: build-up/dismantling runs in time slots, electrical setups and load limits are controlled, and outdoor areas often have additional access rules.

• A note for exhibitors: allow time for logistics and approvals — the venue likes a precise plan, and in return delivers a “clean” production without last-minute surprises.