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Welcome to The Reference Point

We are The Reference Point, an international, multilingual trade show agency headquartered in Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK.

Trade Show representation

We are representing several world-leading technology trade shows to the UK and Irish markets. We are your first port of call for exhibitors and visitors that wish to participate at these events.
Process Technology
Sole Representative for the UK and Ireland

We are the official sole representatives for ACHEMA, the World Summit and Forum for the Processing Technologies in Frankfurt, Germany. This event takes place every three years. The next time from 10 - 14 June 2024.

Marine Technology
Official Representative

The Reference Point is the official representative for Hamburg Messe und Congress for the UK and Ireland. In the shipbuilding and maritime sectors we are representing SMM Hamburg (Shipbuilding, Marine Interiors, Machinery), Marine Interiors (Hamburg) as well as INMEX SMM India in Mumbai.

Wind Energy
Official Representative

The Reference Point is the official representative for Hamburg Messe und Congress for the UK and Ireland. In the renewable sector we look after WindEnergy Hamburg, the global on- and offshore expo, also held in Hamburg.

Leisure Marine
Official Representative

The Reference Point represents Germany's largest in-water boat show, the ancora Yachtfestival at the German Baltic coast to the Dutch, French, English and Irish markets.

Our trade show services for you

With many years of experience in the international trade fair industry, we know the ins and out, the nitty-gritty and the stumbling blocks of organising an exhibition participation at trade shows and congresses.

We can plan for you how to take part in an exhibition anywhere in the world, from start to finish. Let us do the hard work – we will let you enjoy just being there. Our services will make your life easier: one reference point for your questions and concerns and our solutions.

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Lets talk trade shows

our team are ready to help

What we do

Our main service areas

Head to our trade shows, exhibitor services, or our trade show selector to find out more about where you can exhibit and how we can help.
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TRADE SHOW & EVENT SERVICES
Count on us to sail through your exhibition and event participation stress-free
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INDUSTRIES & SECTORS
Event Finder
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HELPFUL INSIGHTS
News, Insights, Guides, Best Practice
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UPCOMING EVENTS THAT WE REPRESENT

Review the upcoming trade shows that we represent here.

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Marine Interiors Cruise & Ferry Global Expo
Biannual trade show and conference for the cruise and ferry industry.
2 - 5 Sep 2025
Hamburg, Germany
View Event Info

Any Questions?

Please call us on +44 1243 884 389 or email us to discuss your requirements.

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY.

The Reference Point has always been an excellent partner for Vickers Oils in planning and organising the SMM exhibition in Hamburg, Germany. From efficiently handling the requirements of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (the event organisers), to supporting us with our requirements at the exhibition, they have played a crucial role in our success at SMM over the years. Nele Andersch has personally looked after the requirements of Vickers Oils and supported us along every step in organising and planning the exhibition. All queries were effectively conveyed to the organisers by Nele and appropriate solution was reached on behalf of both parties. We always look forward to exhibiting at SMM and working with Nele in making it a success. Vickers Oils have partnered with The Reference Point for more than 10 years.
Vickers Oils, Leeds
We’ve been working with The Reference Point since 2016. Due to the scale of the event, the booking process for WindEnergy Hamburg is quite different to other exhibitions we attend, Nele is always on hand to help us navigate this and achieve our objectives both with exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities. Her knowledge and expertise have been extremely useful as well as her flexible approach adapting to changes in our business needs.
Renewable Energy Systems Limited
Nele is a consummate professional. Multi-skilled, multi-lingual and head of a multi-disciplined practice. Efficient, energetic with good business sense and great contacts throughout the maritime, offshore and renewables sectors in particular. Very easy to work with.
Edwin Lampert, Group Editor, Riviera Maritime Media

2022 Combined figure from the shows we represent

Everyone is happy

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313.3000
Sq m sold
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152.007
Visitors
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5.912
Exhibitors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

They have, and they vary from show to show. SMM has a deadline which is one year ahead of the show (14 September). The other shows do not have deadlines. For all shows it is worth remembering that stand spaces are being allocated in a very bespoke way and in date order of receiving bookings.

That is not necessary.

ACHEMA charges exhibitors in three instalments. The first one is due on booking a stand space. The remaining amounts will be invoiced in two steps prior to the show and based on the final agreed stand space. The payment is due before the show starts.

The ancora Yachtfestival bills you upon agreement of the berth or space on land (pagoda tents). The payment is due before the show starts.

SMM and WindEnergy will invoice exhibitors the whole amount of the floor space after the final stand space has been agreed. The invoices will be issued that the beginning of the year in which the show is being held and the amount is payable in full at a certain, advised date.

This is not possible for any of the shows we represent. The shows are too big for that and all our exhibitors have individual requirements that we will be considering when offering a stand space. These requirements are for example type and size of stand, hall (all the halls are dedicated to industry sectors), close to or not close to competitors, vicinity to customers and many more.

All exhibitors are being made at least one, if not several, stand offers (this varies from show to show). Stand offer. That can certainly be discussed and alternatives can be found.

You have several options.

Everyone can apply by using a pdf and send it back to us. That is often the best choice as we will be forwarding your application with any information that we have received from talking with you to a dedicated person in the management team.

Alternatively it is possible to apply online on the website of each show.

Existing exhibitors have access to their online account using a bespoke log-in code. An application for a trade show can be made from within an online account as well.

The Reference Point will send you their TRP booking information document for each show. Once a company has been admitted as an exhibitor the main contact will be given log-in details by the organisers to access an online exhibitor centre that holds all the relevant (historic) information and offers further booking options.

Get In Touch

We'd love to talk