Anyone who visits VETERAMA at the Maimarkt grounds in Mannheim will see a perfectly organized classic car market featuring thousands of parts, vehicles, and booths. But before the gates open, a fascinating daily routine all its own begins on the grounds: the setup.
Weeks of planning before the first truck arrives
Long before the first exhibitors arrive in Mannheim, planning is in full swing behind the scenes. Space is allocated, access routes are coordinated, and electrical and utility plans are drawn up. Every single plot, every hall, and every access road on the Maimarkt grounds is carefully planned—to ensure that everything runs smoothly later on.
Our team is out on the grounds many weeks in advance, checking markings, distances, and safety routes. Together with partners, service providers, and the Maimarkt team, we gradually put together the layout for Europe’s largest classic car market.
When the empty lot becomes VETERAMA
A few days before the event begins, the scene changes dramatically: tents are set up, areas are signposted, and paths are marked. Forklifts, trucks, and service vehicles are in operation almost nonstop. Step by step, the seemingly empty site transforms into the familiar VETERAMA setting that many visitors have come to know over the years.
A lot is happening on the organizational front as well: signage is being installed, restroom facilities are being prepared, utility connections are being checked, and emergency routes are being inspected. Every screw, every sign, and every barrier has its designated place—so that exhibitors and visitors alike can easily find their way around later.
Anticipation before the first engine starts up
Perhaps the most wonderful moment during setup is the transition: when a quiet exhibition grounds transforms into a lively gathering place for classic car enthusiasts. Even before the first engines start up, the team’s anticipation is palpable. We know that in just a few hours, historic vehicles will be rolling through here, sought-after spare parts will change hands, and collectors’ hearts will be racing.
More than 4,000 exhibitors are preparing to travel to Mannheim—dealers and enthusiasts are gathering from all over Europe. Our goal is to provide them with a well-organized, reliable environment from the very first minute. Careful setup is the most important foundation for this.
A big thank you to everyone who makes this setup possible
Behind the scenes at VETERAMA are many people whom you hardly notice at first glance: setup crews, volunteers, security personnel, service and cleaning crews, and the technical and logistics staff. Without their dedication, VETERAMA as visitors know it would not exist.
With every booth we set up, every cable we run, and every sign we put up, our excitement grows: for meeting people, for conversations with like-minded individuals, and for countless special finds among parts, vehicles, and accessories.
We look forward to your visit to Mannheim
If you visit VETERAMA at the Maimarkt grounds in Mannheim, you’ll now know a little more about what goes on behind the scenes. While you’re browsing the aisles, marveling at vehicles, or searching for that long-sought-after replacement part, there’s a lot of attention to detail and a well-coordinated team working behind the scenes. We look forward to welcoming you soon at VETERAMA in Mannheim.
