Running a large-scale trade fair is no small feat. With thousands of attendees and tight schedules, a smooth and efficient entry process is essential to success. Taking on the challenge, we have introduced a gate that redefines the entry experience—combining ticketing, badge printing, and bidirectional access into a single, streamlined solution: the Axess SMART TERMINAL 600 BB.

Mastering the complexity of guest management at fairs

Organizers face a multitude of challenges to ensure a smooth event experience. They must manage visitor flow efficiently, prevent congestion at entry points, maintain accurate access control, and provide a seamless check-in experience with reliable badge printing. Conventional access systems often fall short of these demands, resulting in slower check-in and check-out operations and potential delays in overall event management. These delays can also negatively impact on the visitor experience from the very beginning. Long waiting times during the entrance phase create a poor first impression, potentially undermining the professionalism of the event and diminishing overall guest satisfaction. In a competitive event landscape, that first point of contact matters more than ever. The question many industry professionals face is: how can these challenges be overcome to deliver a seamless and professional experience from the very first moment?

The Rebirth of a Classic

Drawing on deep industry knowledge from partnering with fairs and convention centers, Axess has committed itself to developing solutions tailored to this complex issue. The Axess SMART TERMINAL 600 BB takes on the challenge in balancing contemporary needs with proven performance. Rather than being a completely new system, it is a strategically upgraded product that leverages decades of experience in access control while incorporating new operational modules tailored to today’s event requirements.

Equipped with the NFC-certified Axess SUITE READER 600 and the Axess BADGE BOX 600, it redefines access control for trade fairs and convention centers.

Axess SUITE READER 600: Next-generation ticket reader with optimized usability

Core features delivering value for organizers and visitors

By combining an optimized badge box with a modern, fully functional head unit for ticket scanning, the new gate supports the needs specifically for trade fairs with accredited visitors. Each gate now supports both check-in and check-out in a single, seamless workflow, allowing guests to pass through the gate bidirectional. Additionally, the system features touchless entry enabled by motion sensors, enhancing hygiene and speeding up visitor flow by minimizing physical contact. This contributes to a smooth, reliable and comfortable experience for attendees as well as organizers throughout the event.

A closer look at the upgrades driving efficiency

At the core of the gate is the Axess BADGE BOX 600, fully redesigned and connected via LAN to enhance operational efficiency. Unlike traditional systems that require manual image uploads or font adjustments at the printer, this connected solution enables badge design and management directly within the web-based configuration system—offering full flexibility and significantly reducing setup time.

Axess BADGE BOX 600: Efficient badge printing directly at the gate

The badge box can be loaded from the front, ensuring that access lines remain clear and operational flow is maintained. A built-in near-end sensor alerts when badge stock is running low, preventing interruptions during peak periods. With an extra-large storage capacity that accommodates a variety of badge formats, such as 3x4” or 2x6”, it offers a one-third increase in charging capacity, making it ideal for high-volume trade fairs and large-scale conventions.

A leap forward in access control and badge management for Koelnmesse

The Axess SMART TERMINAL 600 BB marks a major optimization in access control and badge management for modern trade fairs. Integrating innovative technology with practical design and a strong focus on the visitor experience, the system offers organizers a reliable, efficient, and scalable solution for managing high-volume events. As leading venues like Koelnmesse adopt the SMART TERMINAL 600 BB, the industry gains a benchmark for innovation in access management — proving that thoughtful design and technology can raise the bar in how large-scale events operate.