Durban ICC · Exhibitor Guide
What South African Businesses Need To Know
For prospective exhibitors, Durban ICC is best approached as a two-building campus rather than a single venue. The main International Convention Centre (ICC) plus the adjacent Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) operate together as a combined precinct in central Durban, with same-level loading at both buildings. Headline numbers: 11,600 m² across the ICC convention halls (which can be configured into up to 22 halls), plus 9,270 m² combined across DEC Halls 1 and 2.
The most important commercial point is that Durban ICC does not publish a consolidated public exhibitor manual. Rules and pricing live across separate documents: a contractor induction procedure, branding guidelines, floor plans, parking rates and procurement RFQs. Stand-level pricing for power, internet, AV, furniture, cleaning and security is generally organiser-priced, not venue-priced. Plan your budget around the organiser's manual, not assumed venue rates.
Operationally, Durban ICC's strongest documentation is on safety and access. Every contractor needs an induction, an approved safety file, and a visible badge plus colour-coded wristband from build-up to breakdown. Hot work, overhead work and rigging all require permits. Get the safety file right, get the contractor register in by the Friday before set-up, and respect the 10 km/h site speed limit and same-level dock rules and most other things slot into place.
On This Page
Table of Contents
The Venue Layout
Floor areas, ceiling heights, and how the spaces are typically used.
Durban ICC's exhibition offer comes in two parts. The main ICC has 11,600 m² that can open as one venue or sub-divide into up to 22 halls, with same-level loading docks and dock doors over 6 metres high. The adjacent DEC adds 9,270 m² across two large halls (Hall 2 is column-free), with open plazas on both sides serving as same-level loading docks. Pick the building first, then the hall combination, then confirm finishes and rigging needs with the venue.
ICC Halls 1, 2 and 3
Floor area: Part of the 11,600 m² ICC offer, sub-dividable across 22 hall configurations
Ceiling: 10 m
Loading: Same-level docks, dock doors over 6 m high
The lower-ceiling family in the main ICC. Suited to standard trade-show formats, conference plus expo hybrids and shell-scheme heavy events. Service panels for electricity every 6 m across the floor.
ICC Halls 4, 5 and 6
Floor area: Part of the 11,600 m² ICC offer
Ceiling: 12 m
Loading: Same-level docks, dock doors over 6 m high
The higher-ceiling family in the main ICC. The taller volume helps for double-tier stands, branded archways and rigging-heavy activations. Same power-panel-every-6-metres pattern as Halls 1–3.
DEC Hall 1
Floor area: 6,000 m²
Building: Durban Exhibition Centre (separate building, same precinct)
Loading: Same-level loading via open plazas on both sides of the hall
The bigger of the two DEC halls. Best for large-format trade shows that need DEC's drive-on access and broader loading flexibility. Ceiling height not publicly published; confirm with venue before locking design.
DEC Hall 2
Floor area: 3,270 m² column-free
Building: Durban Exhibition Centre
Loading: Same-level loading via open plazas
The column-free hall in DEC. The Durban ICC public document set does not publish a single venue-wide floor-load number, but DEC Hall 2's column-free area is the obvious default for vehicle stands, dense product displays and exhibits where sight-lines or column avoidance matter.
Worth knowing — Durban ICC publishes hall areas, dock-door height, ceiling heights and power-panel spacing for the main ICC, but rigging-point capacities and per-hall floor loads are not in the public document set. Request the latest hall plot and load-bearing schedule from the venue or organiser before signing off any design with rigged or heavy elements.
What Durban ICC Is Best For
Use cases this venue serves well, and where a different choice would be smarter.
Durban ICC is the right venue for:
- Major KwaZulu-Natal and East Coast trade shows where the regional decision-maker catchment is the primary target market.
- Multi-format events that combine a conference programme in the main ICC with an exhibition floor in DEC, using the two-building campus to run parallel streams.
- Vehicle, machinery and dense product stands that benefit from DEC Hall 2's column-free 3,270 m² floor and same-level drive-on access via the open plazas.
- Tall stands and rigging-heavy activations that need 12 m of ceiling clearance — choose the ICC Halls 4–6 family.
- Events that depend on visible safety controls and venue-managed contractor compliance — Durban ICC's induction and accreditation regime is one of its strengths.
The Build Process
Move-in logistics, height limits, rigging arrangements, and build windows.
Move-in
Both the ICC and DEC have same-level loading docks, which simplifies move-in for almost any stand size. Loading docks are for loading and off-loading only; they are not parking. Limited overnight loading-dock parking is available at R150 per vehicle, only with prior approval and a windscreen decal from the event coordinator. All vehicles on site observe a 10 km/h speed limit. Coach access is via the main ICC entrance ramp on Bram Fischer Road. Parking inventory: about 1,000 underground bays at the ICC plus 340 at the DEC, with overflow on request.
Worth knowing — Durban ICC's public material does not list slot-by-slot loading-bay booking windows. Treat dock timing as organiser-managed: confirm your dock window in writing before the build, not on the day.
Key Practicalities
- Dock doors: over 6 m high across the main ICC. DEC loads via plazas on both sides of the halls.
- Speed limit: 10 km/h on site.
- Site access: all contractors must induct (valid 12 months), be on the EBMS register, and wear a visible badge plus colour-coded wristband from build-up to breakdown.
- Badge costs: R5 temporary, R10 long-term, R50 replacement.
- Contractor register deadline: at least one week before set-up and no later than 14h00 on the Friday before set-up.
- Branding plan deadline: 1 month before the event for venue approval.
- Permits: hot work (welding, grinding, cutting, open flame), overhead work and rigging all require permits and prior authority.
- Prohibited: permanent fixtures (nails, paint, double-sided tape), any adhesives, draping over air-conditioning vents.
Stand Height
Durban ICC publishes ceiling heights of 10 m in ICC Halls 1–3 and 12 m in ICC Halls 4–6 (DEC ceiling heights are not in the public document set). It does not publish a single venue-wide maximum stand height. Stand-height limits are typically organiser-set per event, with rigging certificates required for any suspended elements and structural-engineer certificates required for exterior banners fixed to the building.
Worth knowing — The 12 m ceiling in ICC Halls 4–6 is one of Durban ICC's strongest design assets. If your concept is rigging-led or double-tier, request those halls specifically rather than accepting whatever block the organiser offers.
Rigging
Suspended branding requires a rigging certificate from a suitably qualified rigger. Exterior banners fixed to the building require a structural engineer's certificate at the client's cost. Rigging-point capacities are not in Durban ICC's public document set; request the latest rigging plot from the venue or your contractor before designing flown elements. The branding guideline also bans drapes that cover air-conditioning vents in the Exhibition Centre halls, Coast of Dreams or Mystrals.
Build Days
Hard deadlines: a detailed branding plan must be submitted to Durban ICC 1 month before the event for approval; the contractor register must reach Khuselani Security at least one week before set-up and no later than 14h00 on the Friday before set-up. Inductions are valid 12 months and badges/wristbands must be visible from build-up to breakdown. Branding must be removed immediately after the event.
Worth knowing — Durban ICC's public document set does not publish per-event build-up and breakdown hour windows. Confirm yours with the organiser, not the venue, before locking crew rosters or freight ETAs.
Getting To Durban ICC
Address, public transport options, road access, and parking arrangements.
Location
The main Durban ICC sits at 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban, 4001, with the Durban Exhibition Centre at 11 Walnut Road, Durban, 4001 on the same precinct. The complex is on the edge of central Durban, walking distance to several conference hotels and a short drive to the Durban beachfront and uShaka Marine World.
By Public Transport
- Airport — King Shaka International: about 35 km north of the venue. Allow 30–45 minutes by road depending on traffic; the most reliable option is a pre-booked transfer or rideshare.
- Local transport: Durban's public transport network is car-led for most exhibitors. Pre-booked transfers and rideshare are typical from the airport and city hotels.
Worth knowing — Most Durban ICC visitors arrive by car or pre-booked transfer. Plan stand staffing around drive-in patterns and local hotel walk-ups, not commuter peaks.
By Road
Durban ICC is accessible from the N3 and N2 motorways via central Durban surface streets onto Bram Fischer Road. Build vehicles route to the same-level docks at either the ICC entrance or the DEC plazas. Coach access is the main ramp on Bram Fischer Road. The 10 km/h on-site speed limit applies from the gate; drivers should brief crews on dock dwell rules and the no-parking-on-dock policy before arrival.
On-site Services
Wi-Fi, catering, furniture, electricity and security at Durban ICC.
Durban ICC's public position is that the halls are air-conditioned, carpeted and supplied with complimentary Wi-Fi, with the centre fully Wi-Fi enabled. Four on-site generators provide full backup power for the centre, which is a reliability advantage during load-shedding. Dedicated exhibitor internet, AV packages, lighting/trussing, furniture hire, stand cleaning and stand security are not publicly priced as a venue tariff: treat them as organiser-priced or venue-quoted on request. The on-site business centre prints banners and marketing collateral.
Worth knowing — Durban ICC does not publish a public exhibitor-facing catering manual. Catering for a stand is generally negotiated per-event through the organiser or venue catering team, not via a self-serve order portal. Lock pricing in writing before the show opens.
Worth knowing — Service panels for electricity are spaced every 6 m across the ICC convention halls. Per-stand electrical orders are quote-based; CTICC publishes per-stand electrical figures publicly but Durban ICC does not. Provide a full load schedule with your stand-build pack.
Costs To Plan For
Indicative rates for stand space, services, rigging, and ancillaries.
Durban ICC publishes parking, badge access, overnight dock parking and a small set of branding rates. Stand space, per-stand power, internet, AV, furniture, cleaning, security and freight are not publicly tariffed: they are organiser-set or venue-quoted. The cost cards below mix published-rate items with planning allowances. Always reconfirm with a current quote.
Stand space — organiser package
Event-specific. Durban ICC does not publish a universal exhibitor stand price card. Ask the organiser for shell-scheme, custom-package and space-only rates as separate line items so you can compare like-for-like.
Stand space — venue base rate
Set per event by Durban ICC sales for the venue rental. Not publicly disclosed; the organiser's booking pack is the source.
Power
Power distribution via service panels every 6 m in the ICC convention halls; four on-site backup generators handle full-centre disruption. Per-stand electrical orders are quote-based through the organiser; no public exhibitor power tariff has been located.
Rigging
Suspended branding requires a rigging certificate; exterior banners require a structural engineer's sign-off at client cost. Rigging labour and per-point pricing are quote-based.
Wi-Fi / IT
Free venue Wi-Fi is open and centre-wide. Dedicated exhibitor internet is not publicly priced as a venue tariff; arrange via the organiser or venue technical team if your stand needs guaranteed bandwidth.
Furniture
Furniture, shell scheme and stand fit-out are organiser- or contractor-supplied. Durban ICC's public supplier directory lists categories of preferred contractors; engage early to lock availability.
Catering
Catering for the venue is centrally managed; per-stand catering and corkage rules are not publicly tariffed. Confirm in writing with the organiser before promising hospitality on the stand.
Stand cleaning / security
Stand cleaning and stand security are not part of the standard Durban ICC public tariff. Order both via the organiser or venue services where needed.
Insurance — public liability
No universal exhibitor public-liability minimum is published in the retrieved Durban ICC documents. Procurement RFQs show benchmark requirements ranging from R5 million for a generator contractor up to R20 million for shell-scheme and infrastructure work. Confirm the cover required for your stand class with the organiser.
Branding (published rates)
Public Durban ICC branding rates: rectangular welcome banner R20,000 per event; triangular welcome banner R5,000 per V-structure; main-ramp bollards R25 per bollard per event. Useful for sponsorship-style activations beyond your own stand.
Parking
ICC underground bays: ~1,000. DEC bays: ~340. Public rates (per vehicle): R26 (30 min–2 h), R39 (2–4 h), R54 (4–6 h), R65 (6–8 h), R72 (8–10 h), R91 (10+ h). Lost ticket: R195. Public-event flat rate: R54.
Durban ICC vs CTICC
How Durban ICC compares to CTICC on scale, audience reach, and character.
Durban ICC and CTICC are South Africa's two major coastal convention centres. Both run two-area campuses with same-level loading. The decision usually comes down to three factors:
Scale
Durban ICC: 11,600 m² in the main ICC plus 9,270 m² across DEC Halls 1 and 2 (Hall 2 column-free). Best for events that mix conference programming in the ICC with exhibition in the DEC.
CTICC: 11,399 m² in CTICC 1 plus 4,937 m² across Halls 5–7 in CTICC 2, with hall floor loads from 750 kg/m² to 3,000 kg/m². Best for flexible hall mixing, heavy exhibits, or simultaneous CTICC 1 + CTICC 2 use.
Visitor profile
Durban ICC: Strongest fit for KwaZulu-Natal regional decision-makers and shows targeting Durban's industrial, automotive, agriculture and creative-industry sectors. Useful for events that want a coastal alternative to Joburg or Cape Town.
CTICC: Strongest fit for Western Cape regional decision-makers and shows targeting Cape Town's creative, tech, mining-services and tourism sectors.
Environment
Sandton Convention Centre: Premium CBD setting with hotel links, Gautrain access, and a polished multi-level venue experience.
Gallagher Convention Centre: More pragmatic exhibition-shed feel, with easier large-vehicle access and stronger on-site parking convenience.
Durban ICC and Booth Exhibits
Booth has experience designing and building stands at Durban ICC across automotive, industrial, agricultural and creative-industry events. For ideas on stand design that works in Durban ICC's mixed ICC + DEC hall environment, see our project portfolio. To discuss a specific show at Durban ICC, contact the Booth team or see our South African exhibition stand design and build services.
Exhibitor Templates
Working planning templates for Durban ICC. Use as a starting point — adapt to your specific show and organiser.
Exhibitor timeline
6–9 months before open
Owner: Commercial lead
Signed exhibitor or sponsorship contract in place and latest Durban ICC floor plan obtained from the organiser. Confirm whether you're in the ICC or DEC and which hall family.
4–6 months before open
Owner: Project manager
Stand builder, freight agent and technical lead appointed. For DEC Hall 2 (column-free) bookings, lock vehicle dimensions and floor-load assumptions early.
10–12 weeks before open
Owner: Design lead
Final stand concept, scale plan and power schedule agreed. Escalate any rigging, gas, vehicle or covered-stand items — these need rigging certificates, structural engineer sign-off, and 1-month branding plan submission.
~6 weeks before open
Owner: Ops lead
Submit branding plan to Durban ICC for approval (1 month before event hard deadline). Order utilities, cleaning, security, catering and badges via the organiser.
30 days before open
Owner: Safety lead
Confirm public liability cover (no universal minimum published; aim for at least R10m unless organiser specifies higher). Structural and rigging certificates, fire-retardant certificates, and any City of Durban / eThekwini fire/safety approvals.
14 days before open
Owner: Logistics lead
Contractor register submitted to Khuselani Security by Friday 14h00 latest. Marshalling/dock window confirmed in writing, customs status checked for international freight, and crew lists plus badges submitted.
7 days before open
Owner: Stand manager
Toolbox talk with contractors complete, snag list prepared, and emergency contacts including Durban ICC safety officer (Ebrahim Yusuf, +27 31 360 1329) circulated.
Build-up
Owner: Stand manager
Electrical sign-off complete, aisles kept clear, accreditation visible across the build, and stand fully dressed before organiser cleaning cut-off.
Breakdown
Owner: Logistics lead
Repack freight, retrieve empty cases, remove all branding immediately after the event (Durban ICC rule), hand over freight, and vacate dock on time to avoid penalties.
Stand checklist
- Stand type confirmed: space-only / shell scheme / package / custom.
- Building confirmed: ICC convention halls or DEC.
- Hall confirmed against ceiling height and floor area; loading-door access checked.
- Latest organiser floor plan and stand number received.
- Power schedule calculated item by item; service-panel proximity checked (every 6 m in ICC).
- Internet requirement confirmed: free venue Wi-Fi or dedicated wired service via organiser.
- Structural review completed for any bridge, portal, header, rigged sign, raised deck or stand higher than typical event limits.
- Electrical contractor appointed and Certificate of Compliance scheduled.
- Fire-retardant certificates collected for branding fabrics.
- Public liability wording checked; aim for at least R10m unless organiser specifies otherwise.
- Dock window confirmed in writing; drivers briefed on 10 km/h, no-parking-on-dock and overnight R150 rules.
- Empty-case and storage method confirmed.
- Branding plan submitted to Durban ICC at least 1 month before event.
- Contractor register sent to Khuselani Security by Friday 14h00 before set-up.
- Catering / sampling permissions obtained from organiser and venue catering.
- Emergency exits and gangways shown on internal stand plan.
- Breakdown method planned; branding removal scheduled immediately post-event.
Risk assessment template
Temporary electrical installation
Initial risk: High
Control measures: Registered electrician, compliant cabling, no twin flex, no double adapters, and Certificate of Compliance before energisation. Use service panels (every 6 m in ICC) rather than running long cable runs.
Evidence: Electrical Certificate of Compliance.
Flown sign / truss / rigged AV
Initial risk: High
Control measures: Engineered design, competent rigger, safe working loads marked, secondary safeties fitted, and rigging certificate from a suitably qualified rigger before installation.
Evidence: Rigging certificate.
Combustible décor / drapes
Initial risk: High
Control measures: Fire-retardant materials with certificate of conformity, extinguisher provision, and no blocked exits. Drapes must not cover air-conditioning vents.
Evidence: Fire-retardant certificate.
Vehicle display
Initial risk: High
Control measures: Maximum 10 L fuel, battery disconnected, drip trays, visible extinguishers, hall load and door clearance check (DEC Hall 2 column-free is the natural default for vehicles).
Evidence: Vehicle method statement.
Covered / multi-level stand
Initial risk: High
Control measures: Detailed branding plan submitted to Durban ICC at least 1 month before the event; structural engineer certificates for exterior banners fixed to the building; rigging certificates for any flown elements.
Evidence: Durban ICC branding approval and engineer/rigger certificates.
Build-up crowding / blocked gangways
Initial risk: High
Control measures: Aisles kept clear, no obstruction of fire equipment, accreditation visible, work areas restricted to designated zones.
Evidence: Supervisor inspection log.
Hot work / sampling / demos
Initial risk: Medium
Control measures: Hot work (welding, grinding, cutting, open flame) requires permit and prior authority; overhead work requires hazardous-work permit, cordoned area and signage. Tools logged with security.
Evidence: Hot-work / overhead-work permits.
Late freight / missed slot
Initial risk: Medium
Control measures: Confirm dock window in writing; brief drivers on 10 km/h and no-dock-parking rules; arrange overnight R150 dock parking only with venue approval and decal.
Evidence: Dock window confirmation.
Theft / unattended valuables
Initial risk: Medium
Control measures: Lockable storage, nightly removal of valuables, stand security where needed (organiser-quoted at Durban ICC).
Evidence: Security order or internal SOP.
Quick Reference
All key venue specs in one place for fast lookup.
Total venue space
~20,870 m² combined: 11,600 m² ICC convention halls + 9,270 m² across DEC Halls 1 and 2
Main convention halls (ICC)
11,600 m² total, sub-dividable into up to 22 hall configurations across Halls 1–6
Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC)
Hall 1: 6,000 m². Hall 2: 3,270 m² column-free. Combined: 9,270 m²
Ceiling height
10 m in ICC Halls 1–3; 12 m in ICC Halls 4–6. DEC ceiling heights not in public document set.
Max stand height
Not publicly published. Approval-based per event; rigging certificates required for suspended elements.
Loading doors
Same-level docks at both ICC and DEC. ICC dock doors over 6 m high. DEC: open plazas serve as same-level docks.
Power distribution
Service panels for electricity every 6 m across ICC convention halls.
Floor loading
Per-hall floor-load figures not in public document set. Request from venue or organiser before designing heavy exhibits.
Power
Service panels every 6 m in ICC; per-stand electrical orders quote-based. Four on-site backup generators provide full-centre redundancy.
Wi-Fi / IT
Free venue Wi-Fi, centre-wide and complimentary. Dedicated exhibitor internet quote-based via organiser.
Air-conditioning
Halls are air-conditioned. Exhibition Centre halls, Coast of Dreams and Mystrals: drapes over A/C vents prohibited.
Public transport
Car-led; pre-booked transfers and rideshare are typical. No major rapid-transit links to the venue.
Airport
King Shaka International is about 35 km north (30–45 minutes by road).
Parking
~1,000 underground bays at ICC + ~340 at DEC. Public rates: R26 (30 min–2 h) up to R91 (10+ h). Public-event flat: R54. Lost ticket: R195.
Rigging
Rigging certificate required for suspended branding; structural engineer for exterior banners fixed to building. Rigging-point capacities not publicly tabulated.
Catering
Catering centrally managed by Durban ICC; per-stand catering and corkage rules are organiser/venue-quoted, not publicly tariffed.
Insurance
No universal exhibitor minimum publicly published. Procurement benchmarks: R5m (generator contractor) to R20m (shell scheme/infrastructure). Confirm with organiser.
Regulations
OHSA 1993 + SANS 10366 (event-safety standard cited by Durban ICC) + City of Durban / eThekwini fire and safety by-laws + National Building Regulations.
Address
ICC: 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban, 4001. DEC: 11 Walnut Road, Durban, 4001.