Dates

    20 Apr 2027

    City / country

    Kassel, Germany

    Venue

    Messe Kassel GmbH

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for International Trade Fair for Pipe and Sewer Technology

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The RO-KA-TECH is the leading trade fair for underground wastewater infrastructure, showcasing innovations and services from the pipe and sewer technology sector.

    It will take place on April 20, 2027, at Messe Kassel in Germany, organized by VDRK e.

    V.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Date: April 20, 2027
    2. 2Location: Messe Kassel, Germany
    3. 3Organized by: VDRK e.V.
    4. 4Focus on underground wastewater infrastructure
    5. 5Showcasing innovations in pipe and sewer technology

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into the latest technologies and solutions in the pipe and sewer sector, network with industry leaders, and explore new business opportunities.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products to a targeted audience, enhance brand visibility, and connect with potential clients and partners in the industry. The event is crucial for professionals in the pipe and sewer technology industry, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the latest innovations. It plays a significant role in advancing industry standards and practices.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Municipal decision-makers and planners
    Contractors and service providers in sewer technology
    Engineers and technical experts in wastewater management
    Suppliers of pipe and sewer materials
    Environmental consultants and regulators
    Academics and researchers in civil engineering

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of pipe and sewer technology
    Suppliers of wastewater treatment solutions
    Service providers for underground infrastructure
    Consultants in environmental engineering
    Technology developers for sewer inspection
    Distributors of construction materials for sewer systems

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Pipes and fittings for sewer systems
    Wastewater treatment technologies
    Inspection and maintenance equipment
    Environmental monitoring solutions
    Construction machinery for underground works
    Sustainable materials for sewer infrastructure

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Messe Kassel GmbH

    Wilhelmshöher Allee 253-255, 34131 Kassel, Germany

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    This edition

    2027

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The RO-KA-TECH is the leading trade fair for underground wastewater infrastructure, showcasing innovations and services from the pipe and sewer technology sector. It will take place on April 20, 2027, at Messe Kassel in Germany, organized by VDRK e.V. The event is crucial for professionals in the pipe and sewer technology industry, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the latest innovations. It plays a significant role in advancing industry.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Municipal decision-makers and planners, Contractors and service providers in sewer technology, Engineers and technical experts in wastewater management, Suppliers of pipe and sewer materials. Date: April 20, 2027. Location: Messe Kassel, Germany. Organized by: VDRK e.V. Focus on underground wastewater infrastructure. International Trade Fair for Pipe and Sewer Technology attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products to a targeted audience, enhance brand visibility, and connect with potential clients and partners in the industry. The event is crucial for professionals in the pipe and sewer technology industry, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the latest innovations. It plays a significant role in advancing industry standards and practices. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of pipe and sewer technology, Suppliers of.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Kassel, Hesse, Germany — central Germany, within the dense Hesse / Lower Saxony / North Rhine-Westphalia municipal water and wastewater engineering cluster

    Why it matters

    ROKATECH is a specialist German trade fair for pipe and sewer technology staged at Messe Kassel by VDRK e.V., the German pipe-and-sewer industry association. German municipalities and utilities operate one of Europe's largest sewer networks and face a substantial renewal backlog, so the show is a focused meeting point where network owners, engineering offices and trenchless-rehabilitation suppliers meet in one place rather than spreading across the wider water sector. For exhibitors it is a channel-building show with DACH municipal buyers; for visitors it compresses supplier comparison, technical standards updates and equipment demos into a single trip.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Trenchless rehabilitation at scale

    02

    Digital condition assessment and asset management

    03

    Climate adaptation and stormwater management

    04

    Tighter regulation, fourth treatment step and PFAS

    05

    Skilled-labour shortage and prefabrication

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    KSF

    Kassel Airport (Kassel-Calden)

    Closest airfield to Messe Kassel, but scheduled service is limited and seasonal; useful for private and general aviation. Confirm current routes before relying on it.

    About 20 km

    to venue

    20–30 min off-peak

    by car

    FRA

    Frankfurt Airport

    Main long-haul gateway for international visitors; direct ICE services from the airport station to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.

    About 200 km by road

    to venue

    2 h–2 h 20 by car; 1 h 15–1 h 45 by ICE to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, then 15–20 min local transfer

    by car

    HAJ

    Hannover Airport

    Good alternative with European connections; rail link goes via Hannover Hbf to Kassel.

    About 165 km by road

    to venue

    1 h 45–2 h by car; roughly 1 h 20–1 h 40 by train via Hannover Hbf

    by car

    PAD

    Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport

    Small regional airport, closest after Kassel-Calden; useful for charter or connecting services.

    About 85 km by road

    to venue

    About 1 h by car

    by car

    DUS

    Düsseldorf Airport

    Large international hub with broad long-haul coverage; rail connections to Kassel via Düsseldorf Hbf.

    About 250 km by road

    to venue

    2 h 30–2 h 45 by car; roughly 2 h 15 by rail via Düsseldorf Hbf

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Kassel south / Süsterfeld and city-centre fringe

    USD 70–110 / night

    Simple business rooms 15–25 min from Messe Kassel; book early as show-date availability is limited.

    source
    Mid-range
    Kassel city centre and Hauptbahnhof area

    USD 120–180 / night

    Best balance of tram/taxi access, restaurants and rail links for trade-fair visitors.

    source
    Premium
    Bad Wilhelmshöhe and historic city centre

    USD 190–300 / night

    Quieter, higher-service options close to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe ICE station and the Bergpark.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Tram / bus (KVV)

    Estimated costEUR 2.95–3.30 single-trip (KVV zone fare estimate)
    Best forKassel Hauptbahnhof or Wilhelmshöhe → Messe Kassel area, then short walk

    Kassel has a dense tram/bus network; day tickets are cheaper if you travel several times. Check KVV journey planner for the stop closest to the hall entrance.

    Taxi

    Estimated costEUR 15–25 taxi estimate (approx. 5 km)
    Best forKassel city centre → Messe Kassel GmbH

    Taxis are metered and readily available at hotels, the Hauptbahnhof and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe; short show-time queues possible.

    Rideshare / app taxi

    Estimated costUSD 12–22 equivalent in EUR (EUR 12–20 estimate)
    Best forHotel or station → Messe Kassel GmbH

    App-based services are less standard in Kassel than in larger German cities — treat as a backup to taxi and tram.

    Long-distance rail (ICE/IC)

    Estimated costEUR 25–90 depending on Sparpreis vs flex fare (estimate), plus EUR 3 local tram
    Best forFrankfurt Airport or Hannover Hbf → Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, then tram/taxi to the venue

    Deutsche Bahn connections to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe are frequent; book Sparpreis tickets early for lower fares.

    Airport taxi / transfer

    Estimated costEUR 30–45 taxi estimate (about 20 km)
    Best forKassel Airport (Calden) → Messe Kassel GmbH

    No dedicated show shuttle is published; pre-book return transfers given the airport's limited service.

    Car rental

    Estimated costEUR 45–90 per day depending on class (estimate), plus fuel and parking
    Best forFrankfurt / Hannover / Düsseldorf airports → Kassel via A7 / A49

    Useful if you plan side trips; Messe Kassel offers on-site parking — confirm daily rates and halls access with the venue.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 25–35 (taxi to Messe Frankfurt)
    Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Messe Kassel GmbH

    Frankfurt Airport connects directly to regional rail for Messe Frankfurt.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 25–35 (metered taxi, ~8 km to Messe Düsseldorf)
    Best forDüsseldorf Airport (DUS) to Messe Kassel GmbH

    Primary gateway for Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Schengen Type C short-stay business visaNationals of countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement who travel to Germany for trade-fair attendance, business meetings or contract talks (up to 90 days)$100.00Usually 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in individual cases — apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel
    Visa-free entry (90 days in any 180 days) with ETIAS pre-travel authorisationUS, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean and most other visa-waiver nationals—Online authorisation, typically minutes to a few days; validity several years

    Most EU/EEA and Swiss citizens travel with an ID card only. Visa-free business visitors can attend the fair, hold meetings and negotiate but must not take up employment in Germany.

    Germany accepts ATA carnets for temporary import of exhibition goods, stand equipment and product samples; check details with German customs (Zoll) and your chamber of commerce before shipping.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    April in Kassel is changeable spring weather: daytime highs typically 12–16 °C and overnight lows 3–6 °C, with roughly 40–50 mm of rain spread over 12–14 wet days. Expect wind and passing showers — bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking between halls.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Germany.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping and payments

    Restaurant and taxi tipping in Germany is typically 5–10% — state the total you want to pay rather than leaving cash on the table. Cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but cash remains common in smaller venues and bakeries.

    Business etiquette

    Punctuality matters, and German business contacts usually use formal address (Herr/Frau plus surname) until invited otherwise. A brief handshake on arrival is standard; small talk is short and business-focused.

    Sunday closures and local transport

    Most shops close on Sundays, so plan supplies on Saturday. Buy tram/bus tickets before boarding and validate them — fare inspectors operate on the Kassel network.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: KSF

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Kassel; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Germany is in the Schengen area. Nationals of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and most other visa-waiver countries may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business visits (trade-fair attendance and meetings) and won't need a visa for ROKATECH 2027; a pre-travel ETIAS authorisation for visa-exempt travellers is expected to apply. Nationals of countries without a Schengen waiver agreement need a Schengen Type C short-stay business visa (EUR 90 adult fee, typically 15 calendar days processing) and should apply at the German mission in their country of residence well before travel. Carry a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure, proof of accommodation, a return ticket and an invitation/registration confirmation from the organiser.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Apply at the German embassy/consulate or an authorised visa centre in your country of residence; carry registration/invitation from the organiser, accommodation proof, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000 cover) and return ticket. ETIAS is expected to apply to visa-exempt travellers for Schengen entry — complete it online before booking, and check the official EU portal for the current launch

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Kassel Airport (Kassel-Calden) (KSF): 20–30 min off-peak; Frankfurt Airport (FRA): 2 h–2 h 20 by car; 1 h 15–1 h 45 by ICE to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, then 15–20 min local transfer; Hannover Airport (HAJ): 1 h 45–2 h by car; roughly 1 h 20–1 h 40 by train via Hannover Hbf; Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport (PAD): About 1 h by car. Allow road or rail time to Messe Kassel GmbH; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Messe Kassel GmbH: Kassel south / Süsterfeld and city-centre fringe: B&B Hotel Kassel-Süd, Hotel Reiss; Kassel city centre and Hauptbahnhof area: IntercityHotel Kassel, pentahotel Kassel, Best Western Hotel Kurfürst Wilhelm I.; Bad Wilhelmshöhe and historic city centre: Schlosshotel Bad Wilhelmshöhe, Renthof Kassel, Hotel Schweizer Hof.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Kassel; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Messe Kassel GmbH.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Messe Kassel GmbH; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: April 2027

    Temperature: April averages in Kassel: daytime 12–16 °C, overnight 3–6 °C

    Seasonality: Changeable spring conditions with roughly 40–50 mm of rain over 12–14 wet days; expect wind and intermittent showers, and pack a waterproof layer.

    Packing: Changeable spring conditions with roughly 40–50 mm of rain over 12–14 wet days; expect wind and intermittent showers, and pack a waterproof layer.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 of the show (mid-show)

    Opening day carries the largest crowd and the official opening programme, while the final day is quieter and some exhibitors begin packing. Mid-show typically has the densest technical-forum and exhibitor-staffing coverage at Messe Kassel, giving a better balance of access to engineers, live equipment demos and follow-up conversations; if your priority is municipal decision-makers, plan the first two days.

    1

    Confirm passport validity and check Germany Schengen entry rules for your nationality — Passports should stay valid well beyond the trip; apply for a Schengen short-stay visa early if it is required for your country.

    2

    Register online for RO-KA-TECH and request your visitor badge — Use the official registration on rokachte.de and keep the confirmation email for badge collection.

    3

    Book flights to a German hub with onward connections to Kassel — Compare arrivals that allow a same-day rail or road transfer to Kassel.

    4

    Reserve a hotel in Kassel close to Messe Kassel GmbH — The show window is April 2027; book early for better rates near the venue.

    5

    Plan the airport-to-Kassel transfer by rail or road — German rail serves Kassel main station; add buffer time on the arrival day.

    6

    Download the hall plan and exhibitor list from rokachte.de — Shortlist the pipe and sewer technology suppliers you most want to meet.

    7

    Request B2B meetings with your target exhibitors — Email suppliers for appointment slots before the show floor opens.

    8

    Shortlist technical sessions and live product demonstrations — Review the programme for pipe rehabilitation and sewer technology themes.

    9

    Check local transport options within Kassel to the venue — Kassel has tram and bus services; plan routes and ticket options to Messe Kassel.

    10

    Prepare a packing list for a German spring trade fair — Late April in Kassel can be cool and changeable; bring layers plus business attire.

    11

    Organise meeting documents, business cards and a lead-capture method — Print datasheets and set up a note-taking app to record contacts on site.

    12

    Plan Day 1 arrival and badge collection at Messe Kassel — Arrive with time for security screening and venue orientation; contact organiser VDRK e.V. with access questions.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00–10:30

    Arrival, badge collection and orientation walk of the pipe & sewer technology halls at Messe Kassel

    Messe Kassel GmbH — entrance / main halls
    10:45–13:00

    Focused supplier block: trenchless rehabilitation, liners/CIPP, CCTV and condition-assessment equipment

    Rehabilitation & inspection stands
    14:00–15:45

    Technical forum / association sessions and standards updates (DWA practice, network sealing, stormwater)

    Forum / conference area
    16:00–17:30

    Second-pass supplier meetings, networking and lead follow-up before halls close

    Exhibitor aisles and catering area

    Side trips

    2

    Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe & Hercules monument (UNESCO World Heritage)

    Göttingen old town

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · standard

    EUR 90 / per person (adult, Type C short-stay)

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · standard

    EUR 20 / per person, per authorisation

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Schengen Type C short-stay business visa

    USD 100 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You need live equipment demos, technical talks and face-to-face supplier comparison without committing to stand space.

    Best for

    Municipal utilities, engineering offices, contractors and consultants scouting pipe, sewer, manhole and trenchless-rehabilitation suppliers, plus first-time visitors building a supplier shortlist

    Min. budget

    $550.00

    Timeline

    2–4 weeks for registration, flights and hotel; 6–10 weeks if a Schengen visa is required

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Kassel hotel rooms tighten inside 3 weeks of the show; book early for centre/Wilhelmshöhe properties.

    Ticket prices for the 2027 edition were not published on the official site at crawl time.

    exhibit

    You already have a German/DACH channel, reference projects or a distributor and can staff the stand for the full show.

    Best for

    Manufacturers, distributors and service providers of pipes, liners, CCTV/robotics, manhole technology and rehabilitation services targeting German and DACH municipal buyers

    Min. budget

    $3,000.00

    Timeline

    6–12 months (stand booking and allocation, stand build, freight/customs, staffing and travel)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Stand space, shell scheme and technical services must be confirmed with the organiser (VDRK e.V. / Messe Kassel).

    German municipal procurement cycles, not show footfall, determine return on stand spend.

    skip

    Your pipeline does not involve municipal networks or wastewater utilities, or the budget is better allocated to a broader water show such as IFAT Munich.

    Best for

    Vendors outside the pipe/sewer, municipal water and trenchless-rehabilitation value chain

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    4

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    VDRK e.V.

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