Freight Forest for the win

It's clear that people are creatures of habit. But just because something is comfortable doesn't mean it's good. RCG Event and Sponsoring Manager Vanyen Cerjan thought so too. Six months before the most important trade fair of the year, she threw out the usual concept and created a new trade fair presence in record time with the 'Freight Forest' - beautiful and sustainable to boot. But where does one find the courage to take such a risk? A guide in five steps. Copying allowed!

1. not afraid of the new

'Transport logistic' is the world's leading logistics trade fair and is held every two years in Munich. In the middle of the preparations, Vanyen received the concept for the 'Freight Forest' from the agency and had to swallow hard. “Of course we wanted to stand out, but throw everything overboard?” Vanyen lets the idea sink in for a moment: "I knew it would kill everyone. But it was the right decision!"

2. convince everyone else

The list of sceptics is long - from stand builders to organisers to colleagues. The tenor: not enough time, too expensive, no experience. Nevertheless, Vanyen managed to get the team and partners on board. “People understood and saw our vision right from the start, it had a solid foundation.” The rest happened step by step. "It was a trial and error project for the stand construction team and for us. Finding out what works and what doesn't is a great bonding experience.”

3. be authentic

For the RCG, sustainability is not just a buzzword, it is a lived reality - even in the ‘Freight Forest’. While most plants end up in the rubbish bin after the fair, Vanyen is pursuing a concept that will have an impact far beyond the fair. "We want to buy the trees. Then we can decide what happens to them. My aim is that our German colleagues will then plant them for charity.”

4. don't bend

Rail freight is big, rough and dirty. “We wanted to show our business as it is, without colouring it up or adding anything unnecessary.” Instead of plaster walls, there are real containers. Mesh boxes, pallets and straps also come straight from the terminal. The stand even has its own floor - normally a no-no. Although Vanyen and his team were shaking in their boots, the concept was approved. “There was no plan B for us!”

5. Celebrate your successes

Months after Munich, the 'Freight Forest' continues to grow, even winning the prestigious German Design Award 2025 in the category 'Excellent Architecture - Fair and Exhibition'. “I really celebrated the fact that we achieved that," says Vanyen, adding with a grin: "It was never about annoying anyone. That's why I'm so happy that the jury and my colleagues understood why we did it.”

Anyone who wants to experience the Freight Forest up close will soon have the opportunity to do so: From 2 to 5 June 2025, the award-winning exhibition stand will return to Munich for transport logistic and ensure that the RCG leaves a lasting impression.