“Back to the Future” with AMECKO

As an indispensable highlight of transport logistic in Munich, AMECKO once again staged the brand presence of Duisburger Hafen AG this year. The trade fair stand of the leading logistics company represented the motto “Shaping the Future” and impressed with contemporary design, exemplary brand communication, and innovative media technology that reminded more than a few people of the film “Back to the Future.”

Behind the Scenes

One particular behind-the-scenes challenge was mastered even before the first hammer blow on the Munich exhibition grounds. To ensure comprehensive firefighting water coverage in an emergency, the installation of a sprinkler system was required for both the upper and lower floors. But that was not all: especially in rooms with potential smoke development and higher temperatures—such as the stand’s own kitchen and the technical room—special, less sensitive sprinkler heads were needed to prevent the system from triggering unintentionally. The chef’s initial concerns about his steam oven were therefore quickly put to rest by project manager Martin Jennes.

Such precise execution details are only a small excerpt of the many tasks the AMECKO team had to deliver as part of the concept, detailed planning, production, logistics, media technology, content production, and the 10-day build/dismantle. In addition, the AMECKO team was continuously present—from decorating the rooms on the upper floor and the communication area on the ground floor, to the obligatory on-site service work, right through to the finishing touches—and also went above and beyond.

The flying containers

Building on the interaction and virtualization of the Port of Duisburg at transport logistic 2023, duisport raised the bar even higher in 2025. What previously was known only from the Big Apple in New York has now arrived at the trade fair stand.

The “flying 3D containers” are a custom-made solution featuring state-of-the-art LED technology and backlit system graphics. Two LED surfaces angled at 90°, which could be suspended directly from the rig thanks to their ultra-light weight of 12.5 kg/m², form the front and side wall of a container. The container’s three-dimensionality was completed by a floor, side and rear wall made of backlit graphics.

By positioning the “containers” as the centrepieces of the long-distance visibility level at the two corners of the stand, they became the ultimate eye-catcher for the flow of visitors. Passers-by were treated to an attention-grabbing 3D show presenting entertaining virtual content.

Visitors experienced the illustrations of freighters, trucks and container ships as oversized 3D objects that seemed to move above their heads. Alongside the impressively presented trimodality of the Port of Duisburg, the staging came to life through alternating films, photos and hard facts about duisport.

Visitors were informed about the range of services in no time. Perfect infotainment that reached its target audience quickly and, produced as a loop, encouraged visits to the stand all day long.

This innovative 3D illusion—from developing the storyboard and the complex programming through to a 1:1 rehearsal build in AMECKO’s rehearsal area—was ambitious, highly effective in the end, and more than paid off as a result.

The flying containers

Alongside the 3D innovation, sustainability was a key focus. Thanks to their modularity, the vast majority of the stand construction components were used repeatedly. This included the walls, ceiling structures, counter systems, partner displays, and all furniture. The stand’s “green” centrepiece—a living tree—was carefully maintained during the trade fair so that it could be replanted at the nursery after the event.

Even for new productions of additional components, reusability was the top priority. The principle of sustainable action is essential and close to the heart of both duisport and AMECKO.

Live communication at its best

After an elaborate overnight conversion, the stand surprised visitors on the second day of the trade fair with a stage structure as the centre for insightful communication. The fact that a panel discussion would soon take place here had already been effectively announced in advance via the 3D angles. The participants—including duisport’s CEOs as well as the directors of the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, Dortmund and Basel—showed, among other things, strong consensus on the topic of sustainable logistics. To extend the flow of information beyond the stage, the discussion was broadcast via a live camera on the stand’s large LED screen. In addition, the array sound systems discreetly integrated into the ceiling structure ensured consistent volume for the speakers across the entire stand area.

Capped off by a stand party with live music, freshly mixed cocktails and a live broadcast of the Nations League match, the day at transport logistic came to a close in great spirits. The many stand visitors stayed for several more hours, enjoying relaxed conversations and a lively atmosphere before the curtain also fell at the trade fair.