WEB EXCLUSIVE:K 2001 preview: General information

K 2001 is expected to attract close to 265,000 visitors and 2700 exhibitors from around the world. Make the most of your visit to Düsseldorf by planning ahead. 

Registration | Transportation | City Info | Dining | Important Contacts | Airport/Airlines
For a map of the Rheinbad Caravan Center

 It's K time again. K 2001 will hit Düsseldorf, Germany Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. To help you prepare for what is considered the world's largest plastics experience, IMM has gathered some helpful show information and a sample of what to expect from exhibitors. More expansive coverage is available at the K 2001 website (www.k-online.de), and at Messe Düsseldorf North America's site (www.mdna.com). 

It's been nearly 50 years since the K International Trade Fair for Plastics & Rubber was established, and each time it has opened its doors it's been bigger and better than the time before. K 2001 is expected to be no exception, playing host to some 265,000 visitors and 2700 exhibitors from nations all over the world. Approximately 48 percent of the visitors and 60 percent of the exhibitors are expected to come from outside Europe. The show will include major suppliers of primary and auxiliary equipment; machine and mold components; resins and compounds; and everything else related to the plastics industry. 

The show will again be held at Messe Düsseldorf, which now encompasses more than 1.6 million sq ft of space. Exhibits will be divided among 17 halls, which include two new halls—6 and 7. For those familiar with the Messe, keep in mind that some of the old halls have been renumbered to accommodate the two new halls into the consecutive numbering system. The show has been divided into machinery and molding equipment, raw materials and compounds, auxiliaries, semifinished products, technical parts, molds, and reinforced plastics. 

Generally, the halls have been divided to showcase each category (see the sidebar, right, to find out more specifics): 

Registration 
The exhibit floors at K 2001 will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visitors can register during those hours or before the show at www.mdna.com. Registration is free and provides attendees with a name badge and electronic chip card for requesting exhibitor information. Registration is required to enter the exhibit halls. 

But to get to the exhibitor halls, visitors must first gain entrance to the fairgrounds. This requires the purchase of a daily entrance pass, which also can be bought online prior to your arrival at the show. An entrance pass is required each day and is not replaceable by a name badge and/or electronic chip card. 

One-day entrance passes can be purchased for $27 each; three-day entrance passes are $57 each. Students and trainees can purchase a discounted daily admission ticket for $7. The price for a show directory and CD-ROM, which can be ordered online prior to the show, is $27. 

Transportation
Like any major city, Düsseldorf suffers its fair share of traffic congestion, sometimes making getting to and from the fairgrounds a challenge. To offsett this Messe is promoting the use of public transportation. 

All admission tickets, exhibitor and press passes, and admission ticket vouchers will entitle the bearer to free public transportation with the VRR (Rhine-Ruhr Transport Network) on show days. This includes all subways, trams, buses, and regional trains (second class) throughout the entire VRR zone at no additional cost. Exhibitor passes also serve as a VRR travel ticket two days before and two days after the show.  

• Getting to and from the airport: Düsseldorf's Rhein-Ruhr International Airport is one of Germany's busiest and most modern airports. As you move toward the exit, signs direct you to Treffpunkt (Meeting Place). This is an area with a snack bar where you can wait for your ride. Nearby, information counters direct you to the best public transportation to your destination. Timetables for buses and trains are posted in this area. Outside you will find taxi stands that are similar to ones in the U.S. Taxis have meters and drivers often speak fluent or at least broken English. Note that all taxis are a uniform, creamy beige color and the car is typically a Mercedes. It takes less than 10 minutes by taxi to travel from the airport to the fairgrounds. Cost is approximately $8 or DM 18. 

If you prefer the bus, plan on less than 10 minutes travel time from the airport to the Düsseldorf fairgrounds via Bus No. 896. 

 If you're traveling by car the North Rhine-Westphalia autobahn system is well connected and provides easy access to the fairgrounds. The best routes are via the A3 or the A44; there are clearly marked signs on each of these roads indicating routes to the Messe Düsseldorf. Follow the marked routes to the two main parking lots, P1 and P2. From there it is a short (and free) shuttle ride to the entrance. 

• Transportation to and from hotels: Taking a bus or train is probably the best choice for getting to the fair. Look for signs that read Bahn (train) and take either the U78 or U79 tram or bus No. 722 to get to the fairgrounds. 

Taking a taxi is probably the second best bet. It should be easy to hail a cab at any time, but try to give yourself a few extra minutes if you leave during rush hour. Rates vary depending on what part of the city you are traveling from but the following are approximate travel times and rates from a few designated areas to the fairgrounds: 

 

 

City Info
Düsseldorf is home to 575,000 people and extends along both banks of the world-famous Rhine River. It is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state. More than nine million people live within 30 miles of Düsseldorf and nearly 30 million live within a 90-mile radius. Because of its location and population, the city is one of Germany's leading centers of business, transportation, culture, and recreation. Visitors can take strolls along the Rheinüfer Promenade and watch the ships and barges go down the river. Visitors can also go exploring in the Old City (Altstadt), with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets and numerous shops, churches, restaurants, and bars. If upscale shopping interests you, stop by the Königsallee (also known as the Kö) just on the other side of the Old City.

Climate 
The weather in Düsseldorf is predictably unpredictable. The city is in northern Europe where rain can move in at a moment's notice, making an umbrella and raincoat a must. Expect crisp, cool weather in late October. 

Tips for Latecomers 
A show the size of K 2001 literally takes over the city, so if you haven't already decided to go and have secured a hotel, you may have a challenge on your hands. There are two official travel agencies for Messe Düsseldorf North America that are the prime contacts for people making reservations at anytime, regardless of how late it is. The tourism office in Düsseldorf can also help with last-minute rooms. In addition, the information booth at the fairgrounds will have up-to-the-minute information on hotels in and around Düsseldorf. 

Dining 
Dining out during K can be chaotic, so be sure to phone ahead to book a table. Most of the city's most popular restaurants and bars are located in the Altstadt and cater to fair-goers. While there, be prepared to try Rhenish sauerbraten, Blutwurst (black pudding), and Erbseusuppe (pea soup). 

Halver Hahn, which is a round cheese with caraway seeds and onion that is served on Roggelchen, a small, rye bread roll, is also a popular choice. For beer lovers, visitors are encouraged to try Alt, the mellow, dark beer still brewed according to the centuries-old top fermentation method. The Altstadt, the "longest bar in the world" is where numerous bars and traditional alehouses are located. 

• Wining and dining at (or near) the fairgrounds: There will be restaurants in every hall on the fairgrounds, as well as several sausage and crepe stands outside of the halls. Unfortunately, there are not many restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the fairgrounds. However, here are a few for those interested in getting some fresh air and a bite to eat. 

Schnellenburg. Described as being "on the fairgrounds' doorstep," this restaurant features views of the Rhine while serving up specialty steak and fish dishes. Rotterdamer Strasse 120, +49 (211) 13 13 67. 

Grill am Hain. Just a stone's throw from the fairgrounds, this french fry joint has been offering quality fare for 23 years. Am Hain 1, Kaiserswerther Strasse/Stokumer Kirchstrasse, +49 (211) 43 18 21. 

Intervallo. This spot offers good Italian food and is adjacent to the IGEDO Fashion House, which is next to the fairgrounds. Sansiger Strasse 111, +49 (211) 4 54 33 69. 

Trattoria Bistro Sansone. Easy access from the trade fair, this Italian eatery serves up safe bets in everything from antipasti to zabaglione. Niederrheinstrasse 333, +49 (211) 40 28 37. 

• Wining and dining beyond the fairgrounds: Düsseldorf has a variety of restaurants in a multitude of price ranges, so there's something for everyone. For a complete listing of bars, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife attractions, go to  

www.messe-duesseldorf.de/k-online/en/cityinfo.php3. 

Keep in mind that most Düsseldorf pubs and restaurants close at 1 a.m. Nightclubs and discos specifically for night people stay open later. As a general rule, remember that after 10 p.m. only cold food is available. Service charges are included in hotel and restaurant bills. However, it is not unusual to leave a modest tip. 

• Top of the line: As with any major city, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from for those who want to splurge a little. Here's the short list. 

Aalschokker. Discerning guests feast on starred Rhenish cuisine. The setting reflects flagship status: Guests enter the world of a classic cruise liner and dine in a spit-and-polish captain's stateroom. Part of the Im Schiffchen restaurant (see below). D-Kaiserswerth, Kaiserswerther Markt 9 (ground floor), +49 (211) 40 39 48. 

Canonicus. In a picture postcard half-timbered house in Düsseldorf's Gerresheim quarter, inspired chef Ingo Koethschneider dishes up a feast every time, offering superb flavors, often with hints of Asia, and winning wines in a setting that reflects devotion to detail. D-Gerresheim, Neusser Tor 16, +49 (211) 28 96 44. 

Hummerstubchen. Lobsters are just one motif. Chef Nothel's masterpieces, strongly French-influenced, draw responses like, "perfect blending of flavors, exquisite sauces." The restaurant also has a long, upper-crust wine list and prices are rated a tad over the top. D-Lorick, Bonifatiusstrasse 35, +49 (211) 59 44 02. 

Im Schiffchen. This spot is considered the best, triple star restaurant by many. Both Bourgueil-grafted classics and new creations are acclaimed by diners as "pure perfection." Solid gold vintages in grand settings sparkle with silver and gleam with crystal. Some say it's a bit steep while others say you're paying for the best. D-Kaiserswerth, Kaiserswerther Markt 9 (1st floor), +49 (211) 40 10 50. 

La Terrazza. This is the venue of choice for choosy business clientele. Diners have splendid views of the Kö from the second floor on Düsseldorf's Golden Mile. Gold-medal Italian fare is skillfully prepared and relatively affordable—as is the wine. Konigsallee 30, +49 (211) 32 75 40. 

Savini. Though this finely appointed restaurant does have its critics, it specializes in high-end Italian fare. Diners' views vary from "wonderful ravioli with truffles" to "meager portions/daylight robbery." The wine cellar, however, is beyond reproach. D-Hafen, Stromstr. 47, +49 (211) 39 39 31. 

Victorian. Scherrer's regal temple of delights on three floors offers excellent value for the money. The menu offers everything from earthy German casseroles to caviar. Level 1 has the French/American Victorian Bistro, Level 2 the one-star restaurant with french cuisine, and Level 3 houses two reception rooms. Konigstrasse 3a, +49 (211) 32 02 22. 

• Plain fare: Those looking for something a little heartier for less might want to check out one of these spots. 

Brauhaus Joh. Albrecht. Diners can find hearty meals with helpful prices here. D-Niederkassel, Niederkasseler Strasse 104, +49 (211) 57 01 29. 

Dorfschanke. Tasty food in Niederkassel's country-style setting. D-Niederkassel, Alt Niederkassel 49, +49 (211) 57 07 32. 

Hall's Restaurant. Impressive surroundings with persuasive prices. Oststrasse 37, +49 (211) 16 28 28. 

Hecker. Sound fare with an international flavor can be found here. Lambertusstrasse 10, +49 (211) 13 19 46. 

Schwarzes Schaf. A bold, bright setting with Momma's own cooking and a big breakfast menu to 4 p.m. D-Derendorf, Frankenstr. 1, +49 (211) 43 21 07. 

Zum Trompeter. Everybody's local pub/diner. D-Bilk, Furstenwall 66b, +49 (211) 39 36 98. 

• American fare: Here are two notable restaurants for those in need of something a little American. And, of course, there's always McDonalds. 

Stateside Bar & Restaurant. An American bar with creative cocktails, big burgers, and hop-to-it service. Altstadt, Berger Strasse 15, +49 (211) 3 23 88 15. 

Louisiana. Down South setting with deep South dishes. Bolkerstrasse 18, +49 (211) 86 58 90. 

Mc Donald's Altstadt. Neustrasse 16, +49 (211) 32 68 82. 

• Global kitchen: If variety is what you want, look no further. 

Bockers Landgasthaus "Zur Hutte." Lovely old country inn. Mettmanner Strasse 205, Ratingen, +49 (0) 21 02/84 37 57. 

California Roll. California sushi. D-Altstadt, Bilker Strasse 3, +49 (211) 32 41 05. 

Canonicus. A half-timbered house outfitted with designer furniture and accessories. The superb cuisine with a modern international flair is also a feast for the eyes. D-Gerresheim, Neusser Tor 16, +49 (211) 28 96 44. 

Citrus, Californian Bar & Restaurant. California cuisine and cocktails. Grunstrasse 5 (right by the Kö), +49 (211) 3 23 93 24. 

Confetti's. A VIP haunt with good Italian food. D-Oberkassel, Düsseldorfer Strasse 2, +49 (211) 57 26 66. 

Flachs-Kamm. New style, crunchy-fresh cuisine served up by the owner. Oberkasseler Strasse 65, +49 (211) 55 36 16. 

Haus Litzbruck. Indonesian and French cooking in the surroundings of an old hotel. D-Angermund, Bahnhofstrasse 33, +49 (0) 203/9 79 60. 

Hopper. Vegetable casseroles and more. Lanker Str. 8, +49 (211) 58 89 72. 

Koller's Kahn. Excellent Mediterranean cuisine with lots of fresh fish dishes prepared by a top-class chef. D-Golzheim, Robert-Lehr-Ufer 35, +49 (211) 4 91 04 49. 

Le Doc. Pleasant setting for international cuisine with a taste of France. Wine list includes only the best German whites plus French and Spanish reds. Sternstrasse 68, +49 (211) 48 53 47. 

Marche. Budget self-service restaurant in the Kö's prestigious Gallery. Pick-and-mix relaxed eating. Konigsallee 60, +49 (211) 32 06 81. 

Monte Cristo. A classic format with tasty tidbits and a scenic terrace overlooking the Hofgarten (just behind the Schauspielhaus). Gustaf-Grundgens-Platz 1, +49 (211) 35 78 33. 

Quaglinos. A rainbow of pasta, burgers, and salads to choose from. Rheinort/ Rathausufer, +49 (211) 3 23 07 65. 

Rheinturm Top 180. Exclusive international cuisine with a breathtaking view from 540 ft up. Stromstrasse 20, +49 (211) 8 48 58. 

Schorn. A friendly crowd plus sound meals that will do your soul good. The chef, F.J. Schorn, has a legendary wine cellar filled with delectable drops (mainly German). D-Bilk, Martinstrasse 46a, +49 (211) 3 98 19 72. 

Tomato. Greek and fish food. D-Oberkassel, Luegallee 50, +49 (211) 55 18 97. 

• Italian: Pizza and pasta are staples of these eateries. 

Carissima. Oberkassel's stand-up Italian eatery. Some single it out as serving the best pizzas in the city, while others pick the pasta dishes. Luegallee 17, +49 (211) 57 14 51. 

Caruso. Don't be daunted by the ambience; this is a superb Italian restaurant. Friedrichstrasse 145/Bilker Bahnhof, +49 (211) 33 61 92. 

Casa Tartufo. Rural specialties from the Piedmont district include an air-dried delicatessen, homemade pasta trimmed with truffles, and cheese fondue for two. Kanzlerstrasse 4, +49 (211) 6 58 16 60. 

Colopic bei Aldo. A busy Altstadt setting with typical Italian offerings. Mertensgasse 5-9, +49 (211) 13 47 40. 

De' Medici. Perfect homemade pastas and desserts in relaxed, cheerful surroundings. Gatto Verde, Rheinbabenstrasse 5, +49 (211) 46 18 17. 

La Galleria. This is a very popular place, especially for business dining. Kaiserstrasse 27, +49 (211) 4 93 01 24. 

Piazza Palmieri. Essential Italy: Everything from an espresso to a lavish four-course feast is served in style. Konigsallee 21-23, +49 (211) 32 94 11. 

Pigage. Former plain-but-good mainstay now offers the very best Italian food in Benrath. Benrath, Benrather Schlossallee 28, +49 (211) 71 40 66. 

Zucchero. Sunny scenes of Tuscany and the friendly padrone may have you fantasizing about your last holiday. Offerings include pizza, pasta, meat, and fish specialties. Heinrichstrasse 155, +49 (211) 61 27 57. 

• Seafood: Several choices are available for those craving seafood, some even offer up a choice of styles: German or international. 

Ab der fisch. Freshly prepared lunch and dinner menu changes daily. Reservations are recommended. Tussmann, corner Moltkestrasse 124 and Sudring 9, +49 (211) 48 25 20. 

Caruso. Noted for good fish dishes and tasteful wine. Düsseldorf-Bilk, Friedrichstrasse 145, +49 (211) 33 61 92. 

Fisch und Mehr. Everything a fish lover could dream of and more. Shellfish and other seafood are cooked German and international style. Also featuring light and tasty lunch menus. D-Kaiserswerth, Am Kreuzberg 3, +49 (211) 40 38 83. 

Fischhaus. Why not enjoy Neptune's culinary treasures on a generous outdoor terrace? Authentic Altstadt atmosphere. D-Altstadt, Berger Strasse 3-5, +49 (211) 8 54 98 64. 

La Bouillabaisse. Neustrasse 31, +49 (211) 13 41 40. 

Perle du Sud. Düsseldorf-Bilk, Sudring 9, +49 (211) 34 85 29. 

• Vegeterian: Those without a passion for sausage shouldn't fret. Several establishments focus entirely on healthy and vegetarian fare. 

Delicatessa im Carschhaus. D-Mitte, Heinrich-Heine-Platz 1, +49 (211) 83 97­0. 

Kostbar. Ratingen, Lintorfer Str. 14, +49 (21 02) 91 35 88. 

• Cafes, bistros, pubs, and bars: On the lighter and more casual side of things are the many cafes and bistros in the city. And there is certainly no shortage of places to stop off for a stein of beer. 

Bazzar. Heinrich-Heine-Allee 53, +49 (211) 32 24 45. 

Bim's Marktwirtschaft. In the heart of downtown on Karlplatz. Benrather-Strasse 7, +49 (211) 32 71 85. 

Cafe Bernstein. Oststrasse 158, +49 (211) 35 65 20. 

Cafe Bittner. Karlplatz 20-21, +49 (211) 3 10 98 40. 

Cafe Capella. Weissenburgstrasse 2a, +49 (211) 46 65 62. 

Cafe du Nord. Nordstrasse 53, +49 (211) 4 98 13 61. 

Cafe Extra Dry. Friedrichstrasse 125, +49 (211) 34 47 01. 

Cafe Heinemann. Bahnstrasse und Kö Center, +49 (211) 13 13 50. 

Cafe Muggel. Now featuring a notable array of delectable dishes. Dominikanerstrasse 4, +49 (211) 55 41 82. 

Cafe Othello. Collenbachstrasse 57, +49 (211) 44 61 48. 

Cafe Zentral. Beuthstrasse 1, +49 (211) 35 16 24. 

Da Forno. Schwerinstrasse 1, +49 (211) 4 98 11 44. 

Florian. Nordstrasse 56, +49 (211) 49 89 80. 

G@rden. An Internet Cafe: Data highway cruising, light meals, and Rhine panorama. Rathausufer 8, +49 (211) 86 61 60. 

Goldenes Einhorn. Ratinger Strasse 18, +49 (211) 13 12 83. 

Herr Spoerl. In the yard of the former Spoerl machine factory. Creative cooking in inspired surroundings. Bottled Fuchsenbier. Tussmannstrasse 70, +49 (211) 48 84 96. 

Mutt's. Pfalzstrasse 17a, +49 (211) 4 98 24 29. 

N.T. News flash nightspot for info updates. Konigsallee 27, +49 (211) 13 80 00. 

Ohme Jupp. Ratinger Strasse 19, +49 (211) 32 64 06. 

Paco's. Hermannstrasse 64, +49 (211) 6 79 85 81. 

Petitessen. A French bistro with light meals, the perfect wine to match, and in-house wine shop. A highlight: fresh oysters prepared seven different ways. Kaiserstr. 42, +49 (211) 4 93 16 240. 

Rheinpark. Kaiserswerther Strasse 228, +49 (211) 43 12 13. 

Schlonz. Ratinger Strasse 41, +49 (211) 32 51 16. 

Schnabelewopski. Bolkerstrasse 53, +49 (211) 13 32 00. 

Spoerl Deli. A brand new Herr Spoerl offshoot near Karlplatz. Creme cafe-au-lait and tasty nibbles from the deli counter, including soup and sandwiches to go or for takeout. Benrather Strasse 6a, +49 (211) 3 23 82 11. 

Tannenbaum. Tannenstrasse 3, +49 (211) 4 54 10 92. 

Zicke. Backerstrasse 5a, +49 (211) 32 40 56. 

Zur Uel. The "Uel" is an institution with mixed clientele, traditional pasta, meat dishes, and salads. Ratinger Strasse 16, +49 (211) 32 53 69. 

Bei Tino. Konigsallee 21, +49 (211) 32 64 63. 

Etoile in the Park Hotel. Corneliusplatz 1, +49 (211) 1 38 10. 

Mai Tai. Hunsruckenstrasse 18, +49 (211) 32 95 42. 

Poco Loco. Mertensgasse 2, +49 (211) 13 33 30. 

Karaoke! Torii-Bar in the Hotel Nikko, Immermannstrasse 41, +49 (211) 83 40. 

Important Contacts
MDNA travel agencies:
TTI Travel
10 East 23rd St., Suite 300
New York, NY 10010
(866) 674-3476 

Travel Technology Group
110 West Hubbard
Chicago, IL 60610
(800) 220-5914 

City of Düsseldorf Tourist Information Office
Düsseldorf Marketing Tourismus GmbH
Box 10 21 63
Immermannstrasse 65b
40042 Düsseldorf
+49 (211) 17 20 20

[email protected] 
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
During fairs: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Online hotel guide with a selection of hotels:
www.duesseldorf.de 

Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA) headquarters
150 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 781-5180
www.mdna.com
[email protected] 

Official Freight Forwarders of the MDNA 
Schenker Stinnes Logistics
123 Sivert Ct.
Bensenville, IL 60106
(800) 666-1714 

Birkart Group Fairs & Events
3401 Norman Berry Dr., #254
East Point, GA 30344
(888) 603-0559 

International Exhibits Transport Inc.
444 Madison Ave., 37th Fl.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 980-7010 

Airport/Airline Contact Information 
Flughafen Düsseldorf International Airport: +49 (0) 211 - 4 21 22 23
www.duesseldorf-international.de
Air Canada: +49 (211) 4 21-66 98
Air France: +49 (211) 4 21-62 72
Air Lingus: +49 (211) 4 21-64 76
Alitalia: +49 (211) 4 21-63 24
Austrian Airlines: +49 (211) 4 21-65 24
British Airways: +49 (211) 4 21-66 86
Condor Flight Service: +49 (211) 4 21-61 93
Hapag Lloyd Flight Service: +49 (211) 4 21-66 98
Iberia: +49 (211) 4 21-67 03
Japan Airlines: +49 (211) 16 79 10
KLM: +49 (211) 4 21-62 75
LTU Air Transport: +49 (211) 9 41 88 88
Lufthansa: +49 (211) 86 86-86
Olympic Airways: +49 (211) 4 21-63 75
Sabena: +49 (211) 4 21-62 84
SAS Scandinavian Airlines: +49 (211) 86 86-86
Singapore Airlines: +49 (211) 35 01 55
South African Airways: +49 (211) 32 06 11
Swissair: +49 (211) 4 21-62 91
Turkish Airlines: +49 (211) 4 21-66 48
Last Minute Service: +49 (211) 4 21-63 52 

City of Düsseldorf Transportation Contacts: 
Deutschen Bahn AG (train information): +49 (211) 1 94 19
Rheinbahn public transport information (bus and tram): +49 (211) 1 94 49
Düsseldorf taxi switchboard: +49 (211) 3 33 33 

Emergency Numbers in Germany: 
Police: 110
Fire: 112 

English Language News Links from Germany: 
Frankfurter Allgemeine (newspaper): www.faz.com
Deutsche Welle (television/radio media): www.dwelle.de/english