By Adam Dragos, Exhibitor Success Specialist · Sources reviewed 12 October 2026
Quick answer: Plan water and drainage for exhibition stands from the equipment requirements and the allocated service positions. Separate the venue supply from the installation inside the stand. Give the installer the appliance specifications, route, operating schedule and access requirements before the layout is fixed.
Describe each appliance and its task
List the sink, beverage equipment, dishwasher or demonstration unit individually. Obtain the manufacturer’s installation information for the actual model. Record the required supply, discharge arrangement, operating conditions and any ancillary equipment that the responsible installer specifies.
Explain how the appliance will be used: occasional demonstration, continuous service or scheduled cleaning. Include the event dates and the times when access is needed for testing and removal. Keep equipment documentation with the brief so purchasing and installation work from the same version.
| Interface | Information to agree | Owner to identify |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Model, installation documents and intended use | Equipment supplier |
| Venue supply | Ordered service and confirmed position | Venue service coordinator |
| Stand installation | Route, fittings and appliance connection scope | Responsible installer |
| Floor and cabinetry | Access panels and usable service space | Stand designer |
| Acceptance | Test record, limitations and support contact | Installer and exhibitor |
| Move-out | Shutdown, disconnection and collection sequence | Technical and logistics leads |
Fix the service position before cabinetry
Place the requested service point and every appliance on the same dimensioned plan. Ask the installer to review the route between them before cabinets and raised-floor details are released. Mark which panels must remain accessible and who can open them during the show.
A service location hidden behind a fixed cabinet can be difficult to reach when the stand is occupied. Use the drawing review to resolve access, visitor circulation and storage together. Ask the technical team to approve the actual arrangement; a line on a presentation render does not describe an installation.
Make the quotation boundary visible
Ask what the venue order supplies and what the stand contractor or specialist must provide. Identify fittings, appliance installation, access provisions, testing, support and disconnection as separate responsibilities where appropriate. Confirm the proposed equipment is included rather than assuming that a water order includes a complete working sink.
Keep costs tied to the agreed equipment and location. If the appliance or service position changes, request a reviewed revision before ordering. Record any effect on cabinetry, floor access, installation time and support arrangements. This makes quotations easier to compare on an equivalent scope.
Handover includes operation and removal
Have the responsible installer demonstrate the agreed equipment in its intended operating state and record the outcome. Give the stand team a support contact and instructions appropriate to the installation. Staff should know how to report a problem and whom to call; technical interventions belong to the responsible provider.
Before move-out, coordinate when the equipment stops operating, who disconnects it and when it can be collected. Keep this sequence in the logistics plan so a collection team does not arrive while an appliance remains connected. Confirm the event’s current requirements and the equipment supplier’s instructions throughout.
Video: stand design context
A reused approved-channel video giving stand-planning context at IFEMA Madrid. Appliance selection and plumbing require their own technical specification.
Frequently asked questions
Does a venue water order include the sink?
Confirm the exact order and quotation. The appliance, stand fittings and installation responsibilities should be stated separately.
Can the sink move after the floor is built?
Ask the installer and designer to review the revised service route, access and scope before approving the move.
Coordinate water-service needs with the sampling provider. Explore Adam Expo Stand exhibition services.
Prepare the next step
Send Adam Expo Stand the floor plan, appliance models and intended service so the stand layout and specialist interfaces can be included in the agreed brief. Discuss your stand brief.
Adam Expo Stand: exhibition stand design and build for European trade fairs. Find more exhibitor planning guides.
Follow our exhibition planning guides
Choose Adam Expo Stand as a preferred source to help you find our exhibition guides and updates on Google.
Add as a preferred source on GoogleGoogle may ask you to sign in and confirm your choice.
