WESTGENUSS

Terms and Conditions of Participation for Exhibitors

(Binding Terms and Conditions of Participation)

As at: July 2026

1. Scope

1. These Terms and Conditions of Participation apply to all contracts relating to participation as an exhibitor at the WESTGENUSS event – the Euregional Food and Lifestyle Fair. They govern the rights and obligations between the organiser and exhibitors and form an integral part of every exhibitor contract concluded.

2. In addition, the Technical Guidelines, the Food and Hygiene Guidelines and all event-related exhibitor information apply. These will be made available to exhibitors in good time and form a binding part of the contractual relationship.

3. By submitting the application, the exhibitor accepts all components of the contract.

2. Organiser

1. The organiser is

Marktimpuls GmbH & Co. KG, Schillerstr. 59, 41061 Mönchengladbach

2. The organiser is entitled to commission third parties to carry out the event.

3. Event

1. WESTGENUSS is a public trade fair for gourmet delights, cuisine and lifestyle. The event will take place from 16 to 18 October 2026 in Mönchengladbach.

2. The opening hours and set-up and dismantling times published on www.westgenuss.eu shall apply. The organiser reserves the right to make changes for organisational or regulatory reasons.

4. Registration and Conclusion of Contract

1. Registration must be made exclusively via the official registration form or the online procedure provided for this purpose.

2. By registering, the exhibitor submits a binding offer to enter into a contract.

3. The contract is concluded exclusively upon written acceptance by the organiser.

4. Confirmation of receipt of the registration does not constitute acceptance of the contract.

5. There is no entitlement to admission.

5. Admission

1. Companies, businesses, manufacturers, producers, traders, institutions or organisations whose offering is in keeping with the nature of the event shall be admitted to participate.

2. The organiser shall decide on admission at its discretion in accordance with its duties.

3. In particular, admission may be refused or revoked if

• incorrect or incomplete information has been provided,
• statutory provisions are breached,
• there are significant safety concerns,
• the nature of the trade fair would be compromised,
• the exhibitor’s business operations have ceased,
• or there are outstanding claims from previous events.

6. Stand allocation

1. Stand allocation is carried out exclusively by the organiser.

2. There is no entitlement to a specific stand area, stand size or hall location.

3. The organiser is entitled to alter stand areas for organisational, technical or safety-related reasons, provided this is reasonable for the exhibitor.

4. This shall not give rise to any claims for damages or a reduction in fees.

7. Co-exhibitors and subletting

1. The transfer of the stand space, in whole or in part, to third parties is not permitted without a written agreement (subject to a fee).

2. Co-exhibitors or sub-exhibitors require the organiser’s prior written consent.

3. In the event of breaches, the organiser may terminate the contract without notice and close the exhibition stand.

8. Terms of Payment

1. Upon admission, the exhibitor will receive the invoice.

2. The invoice amount is due without deduction no later than four weeks before the start of the event.

3. If the exhibitor defaults on payment, the organiser is entitled to

• revoke admission,
• prohibit the stand from being set up,
• allocate the stand space to another party,
• close the exhibition stand.

4. The obligation to pay the agreed stand hire fee in full remains unaffected by this.

9. Withdrawal by the exhibitor

1. Withdrawal must be made in writing.

2. The date of receipt by the organiser shall be decisive.

3. In the event of withdrawal, the following cancellation fees shall apply:

Date of withdrawal | Cancellation fees

53 to 43 days 25%

42 to 36 days 50%

35 to 29 days 75%

from 28 days before the start of the event 100%

No-show 100%

4. The exhibitor reserves the right to prove that the organiser has suffered no loss or a significantly lower loss.

10. Cancellation, postponement or alteration of the event

1. The organiser is entitled to postpone, reschedule or cancel the event for good cause.

2. Good cause shall include, in particular:

• force majeure,
• official orders,
• pandemics,
• natural disasters,
• significant security risks,
• threat of terrorism,
• unavailability of the venue,
• and other circumstances beyond the organiser’s control.

3. Claims for damages against the organiser are excluded – to the extent permitted by law.

11. Obligations of the Exhibitor

1. The Exhibitor undertakes to

• comply with all statutory regulations,
• offer only authorised products and services,
• operate the exhibition stand properly throughout the entire opening hours,
• have the stand fully operational no later than 30 minutes before the start of the exhibition,
• keep the stand open until the official end of the event,
• dismantle the exhibition stand only after official authorisation from the organiser,
• and to comply immediately with instructions from the organiser and the relevant authorities.

12. Stand Operations

1. The exhibition stand must be kept clean, safe and in a proper condition throughout the duration of the event.

2. Each stand must be clearly marked with the company name and the exhibitor’s full business address.

3. Sales, advertising and product presentations may only take place within the allocated stand area.

4. It is not permitted to cause a nuisance to other exhibitors or visitors through noise, odours, aggressive sales tactics or similar disturbances.

13 Staff and Exhibitor Badges

1. The exhibitor must ensure that only persons authorised by them are present on the stand area.

2. All staff working at the exhibition stand must carry a valid exhibitor pass for the entire duration of the event and present it upon request by the organiser, the security service or the relevant authorities.

3. The exhibitor must keep an up-to-date list of all persons working at the stand available for the entire duration of the event. This must contain at least the following details:

• First name and surname
• Company
• Role
• Contact details of the responsible stand manager

4. Upon request, appropriate evidence of employment or engagement must be provided. This applies in particular to staff, temporary workers, hostesses, promotional staff, external service providers and subcontractors.

5. Compliance with all labour, social security, tax, residence and trade regulations is the sole responsibility of the exhibitor.

14 Food and Hygiene Legislation

1. Exhibitors who manufacture, prepare, store, transport, serve, sell or offer tastings of food or drink are responsible for complying with all relevant legal provisions.

2. In particular, the following must be complied with:

• the EU food hygiene regulations,
• food information requirements,
• the German Food and Feed Code,
• the Food Hygiene Regulation,
• the Infection Protection Act,
• regulations on the traceability of food,
• veterinary regulations for products of animal origin,
• provisions relating to the protection of minors,
• all official requirements.

3. All foodstuffs must be fully marketable at the time of being placed on the market.

4. Responsibility for this lies solely with the exhibitor.

15. Documentation requirements for food businesses

1. Food businesses must keep the documents required by law available at their exhibition stand throughout the entire event.

2. These include, in particular, where required by law:

• Proof of the food business’s registration or authorisation,
• HACCP or self-monitoring records,
• temperature records,
• proof of traceability,
• allergen information,
• cleaning and hygiene documentation,
• proof of statutory staff training,
• veterinary documents,
• other documents required by law.

3. The organiser is entitled to request the presentation of these documents.

4. This does not affect the carrying out of official inspections.

16. Special provisions for exhibitors from Belgium and the Netherlands

1. Exhibitors based in Belgium or the Netherlands must also carry all registrations, authorisations and certificates required in their country of origin.

2. These include, in particular, the documents required by law for the respective business by the competent food safety authorities, as well as evidence of the self-monitoring system prescribed there.

3. All documents required by law must be available at the exhibition stand throughout the entire duration of the event.

4. Documents available exclusively in Dutch, Flemish or French must also be kept available in German or English and presented at the request of the organiser or the relevant authorities.

5. Missing documents may result in a ban on sales, the closure of the exhibition stand or exclusion from the event.

17. Serving of alcoholic beverages

1. The serving or sale of alcoholic beverages is carried out solely at the exhibitor’s own risk.

2. All statutory provisions, in particular those relating to the Licensing Act and the Youth Protection Act, must be complied with.

3. Where a licence or authorisation under the Licensing Act is required, the exhibitor must apply for this in good time and keep it available at the exhibition stand throughout the event.

4. The Exhibitor bears sole responsibility for ensuring that all necessary authorisations are in place.

18. Electrical Installations and Equipment

1. All electrical appliances, machinery and equipment may only be used if they are in a technically sound condition and comply with the applicable statutory safety regulations.

2. This applies in particular to:

• refrigeration units,
• coffee machines,
• beer dispensing systems,
• lighting,
• extension leads,
• multi-socket adaptors,
• cable reels,
• adapters,
• chargers,
• power supplies,
• presentation equipment,
• electrical machinery and all other electrical appliances.

3. All electrical equipment in use must – where required by law – have been tested in accordance with the applicable regulations. This includes, in particular, tests carried out in accordance with the relevant DGUV regulations and the applicable DIN-VDE standards.

4. Test stickers or appropriate test certificates must be presented on request.

5. Damaged or obviously faulty appliances must not be used.

6. Multi-socket adaptors must not be connected in series.

7. Cable reels must be fully unrolled.

8. Unauthorised self-installations and temporary electrical connections are not permitted.

9. The organiser is entitled to take unsafe electrical installations out of service immediately.

19. Insurance

1. Every exhibitor is obliged to maintain adequate public liability insurance for the duration of the event.

2. The insurance must cover personal injury, property damage and financial loss that may arise in connection with participation in the event.

3. It is recommended that transport, inventory or exhibition insurance be taken out.

4. Proof of insurance must be provided to the organiser upon request.

20. Liability

1. The exhibitor shall be liable for all damage caused by themselves, their employees, agents or other vicarious agents.

2. This applies in particular to damage to

• buildings,
• exhibition facilities,
• technical installations,
• neighbouring stands,
• persons,
• vehicles,
• and the venue’s facilities.

3. The organiser shall only be liable for damage in the event of a breach of duty caused by wilful misconduct or gross negligence. This shall not affect liability for damage resulting from injury to life, limb or health, nor in cases where liability is mandatory under law.

21. Right to exercise control over the premises and measures in the event of breaches

1. The organiser shall exercise the right to control the premises throughout the entire duration of the event.

2. The instructions of the organiser and its representatives, the security service, the fire service, the emergency medical services and all competent authorities must be complied with immediately.

3. Should an exhibitor breach these Terms and Conditions of Participation, statutory provisions or official orders, the organiser is entitled to take appropriate measures at its reasonable discretion. These may include, in particular, a warning, an order to rectify a defect, a prohibition on specific activities, the shutdown of technical equipment, the closure of the exhibition stand or exclusion from the event.

4. In such cases, there shall be no entitlement to a refund of the stand fee or to compensation.

22 Contract language and language versions

1. The contract language is German.

2. The Terms and Conditions of Participation and the associated annexes may also be made available in other languages. These translations are provided solely for information purposes and to aid understanding.

3. The German-language version of the contract documents shall be solely authoritative for the interpretation of the contractual relationship and for all rights and obligations of the contracting parties.

4. In the event of discrepancies, contradictions or differing interpretations between the German version and a translation, the German version shall take precedence exclusively.

23. Final Provisions

1. The law of the Federal Republic of Germany shall apply, to the exclusion of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

2. If the issuer is a trader, a legal person governed by public law or a special fund under public law, Mönchengladbach shall – to the extent permitted by law – be the exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from or in connection with the contractual relationship. The same shall apply if the Exhibitor has no general place of jurisdiction in Germany, or if their place of residence or registered office is transferred abroad after the conclusion of the contract, or if it is unknown at the time the action is brought.

3. Any amendments or additions to the contractual relationship, as well as ancillary agreements, must be made in writing at the very least, unless a stricter form is prescribed by law. This also applies to any amendment or repeal of this written form clause.

4. The Exhibitor may only set off undisputed or legally established claims against claims of the Organiser. A right of retention may only be asserted in so far as it is based on the same contractual relationship.

5. Should any provision of these Terms and Conditions of Participation be or become invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be replaced by the relevant statutory provisions.

1. Scope

1. These Technical Guidelines supplement the Terms and Conditions of Participation for WESTGENUSS and set out all technical, organisational and safety-related requirements for the erection, operation and dismantling of exhibition stands.

2. They must be observed by all exhibitors, as well as their staff, agents and service providers.

2. Access during Erection and Dismantling

1. Access to the exhibition halls during set-up and dismantling periods is permitted only to persons holding a valid exhibitor pass or corresponding access authorisation.

2. The applicable set-up and dismantling times will be published on www.westgenuss.eu.

3. There is no entitlement to early access or extended set-up times.

3. Takeover of the stand

1. The allocated stand area must be checked for any obvious defects before set-up begins.

2. Any complaints must be reported to the organiser immediately.

3. Complaints made at a later date cannot be considered.

4. Stand construction

1. Exhibitors may erect their own stands subject to prior approval.

2. The exhibitor is responsible for the planning, construction, operation and structural stability of the stand.

3. All stand structures must comply with the applicable statutory safety regulations.

4. Structures that are not structurally stable must not be erected.

5. Stand height

1. The maximum construction height is 2.50 metres. For stands situated against building walls, the maximum height of the rear wall is 1.50 metres where emergency lighting is fitted.

2. Existing, permanently installed emergency lighting must not be obscured under any circumstances.

3. Structures exceeding these heights require the organiser’s prior written consent.

6. Fire safety

1. Only flame-retardant materials complying with building material class B1 or equivalent European standards may be used for all stand structures.

2. The organiser may request appropriate evidence at any time.

3. Decorations, floor coverings, fabrics and advertising displays must also comply with fire safety regulations.

7. Escape routes

1. Escape and evacuation routes must not be narrowed or obstructed.

2. Emergency exits, escape route signage, safety lighting, fire extinguishers, wall-mounted hydrants and other safety equipment must remain fully visible and accessible at all times.

3. Building over or covering these features is not permitted.

8. Electrical installations

1. All electrical equipment must comply with the applicable statutory safety regulations.

2. This applies in particular to

• refrigerators
• freezers
• coffee machines
• beer dispensers
• lighting
• screens
• computers
• cash register systems
• extension leads
• multi-socket adaptors
• adapters
• power supplies
• chargers
• cable reels
• power tools
• other electrical appliances.

3. All equipment must bear the CE marking.

4. Where required by law, electrical equipment must be tested in accordance with the relevant provisions of DGUV Regulation 3 and the applicable DIN-VDE standards.

5. Test stickers or suitable test certificates must be presented on request.

6. Equipment that has not been tested or is obviously defective must not be used.

9. Cables and wiring

1. Electrical cables must not pose a tripping hazard.

2. Cables must be laid correctly and, where necessary, covered.

3. Damaged cables must not be used.

4. Multi-socket sockets must not be connected in series.

5. Cable reels must be unrolled completely.

6. Temporary installations and unauthorised homemade constructions are not permitted.

10. Water

1. Water connections must only be used for their intended purpose.

2. Leaking connections must be reported to the organiser immediately.

3. Unauthorised alterations to water installations are not permitted.

11. Food preparation

1. The preparation of food using open cooking methods is strictly prohibited within the exhibition halls.

2. The following are specifically prohibited:

• Cooking
• Barbecuing
• Roasting
• Deep-frying
• Flambéing
• Baking with open heating systems
• Use of open flames
• Charcoal
• gas appliances

3. Exceptions require the prior written consent of the organiser and, where applicable, the relevant authorities.

12. Food hygiene

1. Food must be stored, handled and presented in a hygienically impeccable manner at all times.

2. Food requiring refrigeration must be stored in accordance with statutory requirements throughout the entire event.

3. The cold chain must not be interrupted.

4. All staff must comply with the necessary hygiene standards.

13. Alcohol

1. The serving of alcoholic beverages must take place exclusively in compliance with statutory provisions.

2. The exhibitor is solely responsible for obtaining any necessary licences or permits and must present them on request.

Further information is available at:

https://service.moenchengladbach.de/suche/-/vr-bis-detail/dienstleistung/1648/show

3. The provisions of the Youth Protection Act must be observed.

14. Music and Sound Systems

1. The playing of music and any other form of sound reproduction at the exhibition stand is strictly prohibited.

2. This applies in particular to music played via loudspeakers, televisions, monitors, computers, tablets, mobile phones, streaming services or other sound reproduction devices, as well as to live music, presentations and other acoustic performances.

3. Exceptions require the prior written consent of the organiser.

4. The organiser is entitled to have unauthorised sound systems prohibited at any time. The organiser’s instructions must be followed immediately.

15. Smoking ban

1. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all indoor areas.

2. This also applies to

• e-cigarettes,
• vapes,
• tobacco heaters and
• cannabis products of any kind.

16. Waste Disposal and Cleanliness

1. Every exhibitor is obliged to keep their exhibition stand and the immediately adjacent stand areas clean and tidy throughout the entire duration of the event.

2. Waste must be sorted in accordance with the on-site regulations and disposed of via the central waste disposal point set up by the organiser. The organiser’s instructions regarding waste separation must be strictly adhered to.

3. The disposal of the usual small quantities of residual waste generated at the exhibition stand in the course of normal exhibition operations is included in the stand hire fee.

4. The following, in particular, are not covered by the stand hire fee:

• larger quantities of waste,
• bulky or voluminous waste,
• packaging materials in large quantities,
• pallets,
• cardboard boxes in large quantities,
• organic waste and food scraps,
• cooking oils and fats,
• liquid food residues,
• glass in large quantities,
• special waste and hazardous waste.

5. The disposal of this waste shall be carried out separately on a cost-plus basis or in accordance with the organiser’s applicable disposal charges at the time, and shall be invoiced to the exhibitor.

6. Packaging materials, cardboard boxes, glass, plastic, paper, residual waste and other waste must not be stored or disposed of in the halls, the aisles or on the stand areas.

7. Exhibitors offering food or drink must collect food waste, organic waste, cooking oils, cooking fats and other liquid food residues separately and dispose of them properly via the designated collection points or in accordance with the organiser’s instructions. It is prohibited to pour oils, fats or food waste into washbasins, floor drains or other drainage facilities.

8. Hazardous substances, waste oil, cleaning chemicals or other environmentally hazardous waste must be disposed of by the exhibitor at their own expense in accordance with statutory regulations, unless the organiser provides separate collection facilities for this purpose.

9. The organiser is entitled to have any waste that has been stored or disposed of improperly removed at the exhibitor’s expense. Any further claims, in particular for reimbursement of cleaning, disposal or removal costs incurred, remain unaffected by this provision.

17. Advertising

1. Advertising activities are permitted exclusively within the rented stand area.

2. The distribution of promotional material outside the stand area requires the organiser’s prior consent.

3. Harassing or aggressive advertising is not permitted.

18. Animals

1. Animals are generally not permitted on the premises.

2. This does not apply to assistance dogs as defined by the relevant legislation.

19. Set-up and Dismantling

1. The exhibition stand may only be set up during the set-up times announced by the organiser. The exhibition stand must be fully set up, fitted out and ready for operation no later than 30 minutes before the start of the event.

2. Dismantling of the exhibition stand may only commence after the official end of the event and following authorisation by the organiser.

3. Early dismantling of the exhibition stand, the removal of goods, fittings or promotional materials, and leaving the stand area early during the official opening hours are not permitted.

4. In justified exceptional cases, the organiser may grant permission for early dismantling upon written application. There is no entitlement to such permission.

5. If the exhibitor begins dismantling their exhibition stand before the official end of the event without the organiser’s consent, or leaves the stand area prematurely, the organiser may claim lump-sum compensation for damages amounting to 250.00 euros. The exhibitor reserves the right to prove that no damage, or only significantly less damage, has been incurred. The organiser reserves the right to prove and claim any further damages.

20. Return of the stand area

1. After the end of the event, the stand area must be completely cleared and left in a clean and tidy condition.

2. Any damage must be reported to the organiser immediately.

3. The exhibitor is liable for any damage caused to the stand area or the venue’s facilities.

WESTGENUSS Food and Hygiene Guidelines

(An integral part of the Terms and Conditions of Participation)

Date: July 2026

1. Scope

1. These Food and Hygiene Guidelines apply to all exhibitors who, during WESTGENUSS, produce, store, transport, display, serve, sell or offer food or drink for tasting.

2. It supplements the Terms and Conditions of Participation and the Technical Guidelines and must be complied with by all exhibitors and their staff.

2. Personal Responsibility

1. Each exhibitor is personally responsible for complying with all food law regulations.

2. The organiser accepts no responsibility for the marketability of the products on offer or for compliance with food law requirements.

3. The exhibitor is liable for any breaches of statutory regulations and for any resulting damage.

3. Legal Basis

1. In particular, the applicable regulations must be observed, including:

• EU food law
• German Food and Feed Code (LFGB)
• Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV)
• Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
• Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs
• Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (General Food Law Regulation)
• Infection Protection Act (IfSG)
• Youth Protection Act
• where applicable, veterinary regulations for foodstuffs of animal origin

In addition, all official requirements must be complied with.

4. Registration of the business

1. Every food business must be duly registered or authorised with the competent authority, insofar as this is required by law.

2. The relevant supporting documents must be presented on request.

5. Documentation requirements

1. The following documents must – insofar as required by law – be available at the stand throughout the entire event:

• Proof of business registration or authorisation
• HACCP or in-house control plan
• Temperature records
• Cleaning and hygiene plans
• Traceability records
• Allergen information
• Evidence of staff training
• Veterinary documents, where applicable
• Required permits and certificates

2. The documents must be presented to the organiser or the relevant authorities upon request.

6. Exhibitors from Belgium and the Netherlands

1. Exhibitors based outside Germany must also carry the registrations and certificates required in their country of origin.

2. These include, in particular, the documents required by the relevant food control authorities.

3. Documents available exclusively in Dutch or French must also be provided in German or English.

7. Personal hygiene

1. All persons handling uncovered food must ensure they maintain impeccable personal hygiene.

2. In particular, the following applies:

• clean work clothing
• regular hand washing
• short and clean fingernails
• appropriate measures to protect uncovered food
• no working whilst suffering from infectious diseases as defined by the Infection Protection Act

8. Food hygiene

1. All food must be stored, transported and presented in a hygienically impeccable manner.

2. Food must be protected from contamination at all times.

3. Unpackaged food must not be displayed unprotected.

4. Suitable containers, covers or protective devices must be used.

9. Foodstuffs requiring refrigeration

1. Goods requiring refrigeration must be stored at all times in accordance with statutory requirements.

2. The cold chain must not be interrupted.

3. Refrigeration units must be sufficiently powerful and in working order at all times.

10. Production and preparation

1. The production or preparation of food using open cooking methods is not permitted within the exhibition halls.

2. The following are specifically prohibited:

• Boiling
• Frying
• Barbecuing
• Deep-frying
• Flambéing
• Open flames
• Charcoal barbecues
• Gas appliances
• Other cooking units with an open heat source

3. Only the portioning, plating up or serving of pre-prepared products, as well as reheating in approved appliances, is permitted, provided this has been authorised by the organiser.

11. Tasting sessions

1. Free product samples are permitted.

2. All food law requirements apply in full, including during tasting sessions.

3. Only food of impeccable quality may be served.

12. Labelling

1. All food on offer must be properly labelled.

2. This includes, in particular:

• Name of the food
• Allergen labelling
• Mandatory information in accordance with the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
• Alcohol content, where required by law

3. The information must be easily accessible to visitors.

13. Alcoholic beverages

1. All legal provisions must be complied with when serving or selling alcoholic beverages.

2. Alcohol must not be served to children or young people where this is prohibited by law.

3. The exhibitor is responsible for obtaining any necessary licences.

14. Traceability

1. The origin of all foodstuffs on offer must be traceable.

2. The relevant documentation must be kept to hand during the event.

15. Waste

1. Food waste must be disposed of regularly.

2. Waste bins must be kept clean and emptied regularly.

3. Perishable foodstuffs must not be stored on the stand area.

16. Inspections

1. The organiser is entitled to check compliance with these guidelines.

2. Irrespective of this, inspections may be carried out by the relevant authorities at any time.

3. The instructions of the inspecting authorities must be followed without reservation.

17. Measures in the Event of Breaches

1. In the event of breaches of food safety regulations or of these guidelines, the organiser may, in particular

• issue a warning,
• require the rectification of deficiencies,
• prohibit the sale of individual products,
• prohibit the serving of food or drink,
• temporarily close the exhibition stand,
• exclude the exhibitor from the event.

2. This does not preclude further measures by the authorities.

3. In such cases, there is no entitlement to a refund of the stand fee.

18. Final provision

1. These Food and Hygiene Guidelines form an integral part of the Terms and Conditions of Participation for WESTGENUSS.

2. By registering, the exhibitor acknowledges that they are bound by these guidelines.