In Brief: ITB Berlin has announced that its 2027 edition will prioritize forward-looking venue planning, signaling a shift in how large-scale hospitality trade shows approach event infrastructure and future operational needs.
As part of the long-term modernisation of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, ITB Berlin (16 – 18 March 2027) is adapting its hall layout, thereby creating ideal conditions for the future of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. These changes are being implemented in parallel with the construction of dock9, the new multi-purpose convention and event venue, on the site of the former Hall 9.
During the construction of dock9 the exhibition grounds will undergo forward-looking development and the hall layout will be individually optimised. Exhibitors from Halls 7.1c, 8.1, 9 and 10.1 will find a new home in the CityCube Berlin. The new layout creates theme-oriented clusters, short distances and ensures an even better experience for exhibitors and trade visitors at the show. The CityCube Berlin will be even more closely integrated into ITB Berlin, expanding the exhibition grounds with state-of-the-art, high-quality floor space. As an integral part of the new hall layout it will play a pivotal and effective role in enhancing the trade show concept.
Individual adaptation instead of comprehensive restructuring
The changes affect only individual groups of exhibitors. The aim is to concentrate thematically related exhibitor products and services and thus make the hall layout clearer and more straightforward. “The adapted hall layout is more than just a response to the construction of dock9. It gives us the opportunity to align ITB Berlin even more closely with the requirements of our international exhibitors and trade visitors and make thematic focal points more visible“, said Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin. This will create clearly defined areas that make it easier for trade visitors to find their way around and encourage dialogue within the respective tourism segments. Overall, it will lead to a stronger thematic focus and greater alignment in terms of content between exhibitors.
Hall layout at ITB Berlin 2027. (c) ITB Berlin
CityCube Berlin as a complementary venue
The CityCube Berlin will be even more integral to ITB Berlin 2027 and take on a key complementary role as part of the new hall layout. For the first time, it will also be used as an exhibition hall, offering exhibitors additional floor space. A flexible and modern multi-purpose hall, it is an established part of the exhibition grounds and seamlessly integrated into the event’s visitor flows. The venue has its own entrances (East and West), a separate taxi drop-off, and is located only a short distance from public transport at Messe Süd S-Bahn station.
With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, the CityCube Berlin offers ideal conditions for larger, technically advanced stands and specifically increases the capacity of ITB Berlin where additional space and flexibility are required. With its clear functional focus, it enables a concentrated presence of high-quality exhibitors in a professional conference environment and strengthens the clustering of content, particularly in the technology and service-oriented segments.
dock9 is a new multi-purpose conference and event centre being built on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and replaces the existing Hall 9. From October 2026, Hall 9 will be demolished to make way for the new building. ITB Berlin is using this change to adapt its hall layout and organise the available space even more efficiently.
Communications and close coordination with exhibitors
ITB Berlin 2027 is in contact with the exhibitors affected by the relocation plans. Through close coordination, individual and, wherever possible, suitable solutions for reallocation are being developed. This process is purposely being carried out in stages, as exhibitor reallocation is still undergoing final coordination. The final assignment of stand space will be completed later this year. “It was important for us to involve the partners concerned in a timely manner and to develop viable solutions together. The hall layout is still evolving, which is why allocations will be finalised later this year. We are supporting these adjustments with comprehensive communications. These include an updated map of the hall layout, clear signage on the grounds, and notifications in the ITB app and across all key digital channels,” said Ramona Zaun, Head of Sales & Administration at ITB Berlin.
Detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions about the new hall layout at ITB Berlin can be found here: FAQs on the new hall layout at ITB Berlin.
About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360°
ITB Berlin 2026 took place from Tuesday, 3 to Thursday, 5 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, and taking as its slogan ’Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy’, this year celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. 5,601 exhibitors from 166 countries and territories displayed their products and services to nearly 97,000 attendees. At the ITB Berlin Convention, under the heading ’Leading Tourism into Balance’, 400 leading speakers from business, science and politics discussed current and future industry challenges on four stages featuring 17 theme tracks. More than 24,000 visitors attended the convention. With ITB 360°, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the shape of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats.
