HIGH END 2026 in Vienna - A New Beginning with a Vision for the Future

Trade Show Trends That Are Transforming the Industry

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the grand premiere: In 2026, the audio technology industry’s most important trade show, HIGH END, took place in Vienna for the first time. 500 exhibitors, 1,000 brands, 23,000 visitors - those were the figures for this thoroughly successful relaunch in Vienna. The Austria Center Vienna (ACV) offers significantly more space than the MOC in Munich, higher-quality venues, better acoustics, and a wider variety of room sizes: plenty of space to make the biggest impact. As a renowned trade show contractor, we’ve had the privilege of supporting HIGH END for more than ten years. Over this time, we at Rappenglitz have naturally grown close to the HIGH END team, which is why we were especially happy to be part of the relaunch in Vienna.

A New Home, New Momentum, New Booth Design

The move to Vienna was no easy feat: the transition presented major challenges for everyone involved - from the planning and logistics to the on-site conditions.

“HIGH END has been with us for many years. The fresh start in Vienna was something special for everyone involved. We’re all the more pleased that, together with the HIGH END team and our long-standing clients, we were able to help shape this successful chapter. Projects like this show just how important trust, experience, and genuine partnership are in trade show construction”, said the Rappenglitz management team about the relaunch project.

The ACV impressed across the board: more spacious areas, a better layout of the demonstration rooms, and acoustics that finally met the standards of the HIGH END world. The listening rooms, which were spaced further apart, also ensured a much better mix of attendees. Instead of crowding into a single hallway, visitors discovered entirely new brands and products in a relaxed atmosphere.

From Luxury Systems to Entry-Level Hi-Fi

Just as in Munich, the large, heavy, and expensive high-end systems drew the most attention. But the new layout and a shift in how many manufacturers presented their products led to an exciting development: More and more brands displayed entry-level hi-fi systems right next to their high-end powerhouses. As a result, HIGH END Vienna became thematically broader and more accessible.

Rappenglitz Exhibition Stand Construction at HIGH END

Every project begins with the client’s specific requirements. Thanks to the close and excellent collaboration among our teams, every client request is transformed into a tangible concept that impresses with its design and creativity. In our design corner, an initial “shell” is created and finalized with the client - and in our in-house woodworking shop, that small shell is transformed into an impressive trade show booth. We had the privilege of creating more than 100 system booths and over 80 custom-designed sound booths for this exciting trade show. We’d like to thank both our long-standing and new clients for their trust and for the creative, exciting and seamless collaboration!

What We Took Away from HIGH END

• Flexible booth concepts are becoming even more important: Brands are showcasing everything all under one roof: from entry-level products to luxury systems.
• Acoustics are the decisive factor: high-quality listening rooms and sound booths are not just a nice-to-have, but the heart of every trade show presence.
• Compact presentation solutions for designer speakers, streamers and components are gaining importance.
• Zoning becomes strategic: the separation and simultaneous connection of product worlds must be architecturally well-thought-out.
• Well-planned visitor flow: Attract attention, for example, with graphic banners; make initial contact at a custom counter; and provide seating and rental furniture that invite visitors to linger and explore.
• The quality of materials and finishes speaks to the high-end target audience: every detail counts here. The finish is the first impression.

If you want to make a strong impression here, you need booth designs that convey exactly these values: quality, clarity, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Your Exhibition Presence at HIGH END 2027

HIGH END is more than just a trade show - it’s a stage for sound, design, and passion. Whether it’s a custom booth, a sound booth, or a complete solution from a single source: We’ll showcase your presence - executed with perfect craftsmanship, creatively designed, and tailored precisely to your brand.

We look forward to discussing your vision for HIGH END 2027. And of course, we’d be happy to show you our design corner as well. Contact us!