POLARIS CONVENTION October 10 - 12, 2025
Hamburg, Germany
October 10 - 12, 2025
Hamburg, Germany

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

Polaris will take place from October 10 to 12, 2025, at the Hamburg Exhibition Center, specifically in Halls B1-B4, B7, and B5 . Access is via the East Entrance and the North Entrance , which will be located in Hall B1 .

More information will be available soon!

This year, in addition to the popular 3-day-ticket, we are also offering day tickets valid on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. For families, we also offer the Bring-your-kids-ticket, which allows one adult with several children to visit POLARIS on Sunday.

If there is a problem with your order (e.g. you have not received your ticket), please contact ticket@hamburg-messe.de!

There will be a box office on site every day. If we sell out beforehand, there will be no more tickets on site. We will, of course, announce if we get close to selling out!

Please note that we cannot guarantee the validity of tickets purchased outside of our official shop. We generally advise against purchasing tickets from third-party sellers at inflated prices. Instead, we recommend attending on Friday or Sunday, as tickets are usually available for longer periods for both days, and a great program awaits you on those days as well.

No, none of our tickets include a valid ticket for local public transport in Hamburg.

Children under 7 years are only permitted entry if accompanied by an adult or parent with a valid ticket, children of that age dont need a ticket of their own and can enter free of charge.
Children between 7 and 16 years require written consent from a parent or legal guardian to purchase tickets and enter the fair, admission is only permitted with an adult. Children which are 16 years and older may enter without an adult with a regular ticket. Tickets can be purchased online from age 18.

Note for families who want to come to Polaris on Saturday:

Since we expect a particularly lively and energetic atmosphere on this day, we recommend that all families with younger children visit us on Sunday to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
We also offer a Bring-your-kids-ticket for Sunday, which allows one adult with several children to enter at a reduced price.
If there is any uncertainty about the age of the children, a corresponding identification document must be presented.

Many of the titles are also suitable for children; for an assessment, you can refer to the USK ratings provided.

The Hamburg Exhibition Center is located in the heart of the city, with direct access to all public transportation options. Here you'll find all the information you need to get there.

Yes, there are lockers in two different sizes: 27 x 50 x 39cm (WxHxD) and 56 x 50 x 39cm (WxHxD). The deposit for use is €1.00. Please note that coins/loose change is required. Alternatively, you can use a chip for the lockers. Larger suitcases and bags can be left at the cloakroom for a fee.

Yes, that's not a problem. Please pick up a re-entry wristband when you leave. You must still be able to show your valid ticket if asked.

If you'd like to hand in a lost item, you can do so at the trade fair information desk and the POLARIS information desk. You can also ask about a lost item there if you've lost something.
The location of both information points will be announced soon.

No, unfortunately, there are no ATMs directly accessible within the halls or the exhibition area. However, there is one at the nearby Dammtor train station.

"Do you have mashed potatoes here?”
„Gibt es hier Kartoffelbrei?“

You can use this question to discreetly approach staff on site with any problem: Have you observed something strange? Are you feeling uncomfortable, harassed, or bothered? Is the crowd getting too much for you? Have you been attacked (verbally or physically)? This includes anything where help might be needed, even beyond sexual harassment (aggression, fighting, etc.) – this question ensures that you are removed from the situation quickly and without further questions, so that we can then decide together how the person can best be helped.

The following people understand our safe word: Staff (security personnel). The crew will offer you their assistance without further questions or comments and will escort you or the person seeking assistance to a safe environment.

Of course, the team on site also responds to the safe word of the past years: “Adventureland”/“Where is Adventureland?” „Abenteuerland“/“Wo geht es hier zum Abenteuerland?“!

Yes, the accreditation form is expected to be online in summer 2025.

Bag checks will be carried out upon entry to ensure that no dangerous objects can enter the halls.

Generaly speaking, it is not forbidden to take small amounts of snacks and drinks with you, as long as they are not planing to bring fully packed backpacks.

You will find out which creators can be found in program items and meet and greets in the program overview as soon as it is published.

Of course, no weapons or dangerous objects are permitted. Larger bags will be randomly inspected at the entrance. Any bags larger than a standard backpack should be stored in the lockers or left at the cloakroom.

Dogs are not permitted in the venue. The only exceptions are assistance dogs and service dogs.

No, smoking and the use of vapes are not permitted in any of the halls. Please use the outdoor areas.

Foldable handcarts or similar items may not be used during the event, as this would cause a disturbance to other visitors.

To avoid restricting other visitors, roller skates, skateboards, e-scooters, or other similar items are not permitted on the venue. Of course, you can leave them at the cloakroom upon entry for a fee.

More information will follow soon.

Exhibitors and press

Yes, the accreditation form is expected to be online in summer 2025.

Most important information can be found in the Special Conditions of Participation. A traffic guide is available here. Please note that these are still the links from 2024 and are for reference only. The new guides will be added here as soon as they are available.

You can find comprehensive FAQs for exhibitors at the following link: https://www.hamburg-messe.de/services/ausstellen/faq-fuer-ausstellende. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this information to optimize your trade fair preparation and clarify any possible ambiguities.

No, all products that will be sold during POLARIS must be suitable for all ages, without exception. They may not be presented or sold with censorship.

Creators, artists, cosplay and photography

The 2024 cosplay rules can be found here.
The revised rules are expected to be completed in April!

Registrations for 2025 are expected to open at the end of April.

There will likely be another contest in 2025. Information and registration will follow.

Yes, but creator registration is not expected to open until May.

Yes, you are welcome to livestream from the venue (without needing special permission). However, please make sure you have enough space around you and that you don't disturb any visitors.

Of course, you are welcome to bring a camera to the event and take photos. However, please always ask for permission to take photos and be sure not to disturb other visitors during their visit.

Extendable tripods for smartphones or selfie sticks may be used in the halls, unless they do not disturb other visitors.
Larger tripods for cameras or (mobile) softboxes as well as similar equipment are not permitted during the event, as they would disturb other visitors.

Foldable handcarts or similar items may not be used during the event, as this would cause a disturbance to other visitors.

Accessibility & barrier-free access

Yes, these are located at Gate B4.

Wheelchairs can also be borrowed if needed.

Definitely. If you have a "B" or "H" on your ID, your companion will receive free entry and will receive their ticket on site at the information desk at the entrance. A corresponding proof / appropriate identification must be presented upon entry to the exhibition grounds.

Absolutely! Here you'll find an overview map of the venue to help you find your way around.

Dogs are not permitted. The only exceptions are assistance dogs and service dogs.

Volunteer

As every year, we're happy to welcome new helping hands to the team!
If you'd like to become part of POLARIS and help ensure our visitors have a wonderful stay, please register at the end of May using the upcoming registration form.

POLARIS Convention app

With our POLARIS Convention app, you can experience the trade fair interactively via your smartphone, in addition to the program.
Within the app, you can collect points by scanning QR codes, network, and participate in competitions.

Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have at the POLARIS Info Center. The location will be announced soon.

No legal claims can be derived from this information overview. Subject to changes and errors, current status: March 14, 2025

Question not answered yet?

If you haven’t found an answer to your questions here, please contact us using the contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
For questions related to purchasing tickets, we recommend contacting our colleagues at Hamburg Messe und Congress:
ticket@hamburg-messe.de

Contact form