BT 1

What BT 1 does

BT 1 (legal name: Starptautisko izstāžu rīkotājsabiedrība BT 1) is a Riga-based, privately held trade fair and exhibition organizer founded in 1995, self-described as the leading exhibition organizer in the Baltic states. The company operates a portfolio of more than 16 recurring annual exhibitions from the International Exhibition Centre Ķīpsala in Riga — including Riga Food (31st edition), Medbaltica, Riga Comm, Baltic Beauty, Zooexpo, Tech Industry, Balttour (33rd edition), Māja (construction), Kids Expo Riga, and Latvijas uzvarētājs (pet exhibition) — spanning food, medical, technology, beauty, construction, pet, family, and tourism verticals. Its platform serves both B2B exhibitors (medical professionals, food producers, construction suppliers, tech companies) and B2C consumers attending family- and lifestyle-oriented events, with single-event attendance reaching 10,000+ visitors and international participation from 12+ countries at flagship shows such as Medbaltica.

The company's underlying technology stack is functional rather than differentiated: a multi-language (Latvian, English, Russian) website with dedicated sub-sites per exhibition, an online booth-equipment rental catalog (Adeq) covering modular structures, furniture, lighting, AV, and electrical services, online visitor ticketing (also distributed through third-party platform BezRindas.lv), and conference-hall booking at the Ķīpsala venue. There is no evidence of AI/ML capability, proprietary data assets, or platform software productization beyond event operations.

BT 1's business model is event-driven revenue: per-square-meter booth rentals (€25/m² for standard Octanorm construction), unit-priced ancillary equipment and furniture rentals, transaction-fee ticket sales to visitors (e.g., €20 family ticket for Kids Expo Riga), and conference-hall rental. Distribution is direct via project managers assigned per exhibition (eight named in the data covering Medbaltica, Māja, Latvijas uzvarētājs, Kids Expo Riga, and venue operations), supplemented by a Lithuanian representative (UAB Autare), industry-association referrals, and an ecosystem of logistics (DB Schenker, TNT, DHL), hotel (Islande, Rixwell, Wellton), and catering (Expo Café) partners that monetize exhibitor relationships beyond booth space.

Name

BT 1

Legal name

Starptautisko izstāžu rīkotājsabiedrība BT 1

Website

https://bt1.lv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

BT 1 is the leading trade fair and exhibition organizer in the Baltic states, operating 16+ annual industry exhibitions at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga, Latvia. Founded in 1995, it serves exhibitors and visitors across food, medical, technology, beauty, construction, pet, tourism, and family sectors via booth rentals, equipment services, and ticketing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Fair & Exhibition Organization Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA), Conference & Trade Show Registration Platforms (THAHAFAB)

Keywords

• Trade fair organization
• Exhibition management services
• Booth rental services
• Event venue management
• Conference facility rental

Headquarters

HQ city

Riga

HQ country

Latvia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Exhibition booth rentals: Revenue from selling booth/exhibition space to participating companies and organizations. Pricing based on square meter rates for standard Octanorm booth construction.
2. Ticket sales: Revenue from selling visitor tickets to exhibitions and trade fairs. Family tickets and individual tickets available for various events.
3. Additional equipment and services: Rental of booth furniture, displays, audiovisual equipment, electrical connections, and other exhibition services. Pricing varies by item type.
4. Conference venue rental: Rental of conference halls and meeting rooms within the exhibition center for seminars and events

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

BT 1 organizes and operates trade fairs and exhibitions across multiple industry verticals (food, medical, business technology, furniture, beauty, pets, manufacturing, tourism, construction, children/family) at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga, Latvia. The company provides turnkey exhibition participation services including booth/space rentals, modular stand construction (Octanorm), additional equipment rental via the Adeq catalog, visitor ticketing, conference hall rentals, logistics coordination, and partner hotel reservations.

Product overview

BT 1 (Starptautisko izstāžu rīkotājsabiedrība BT 1) is the leading trade fair organizer in the Baltics, operating a portfolio of 16+ trade shows and exhibitions held at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga, Latvia. The core offering consists of industry-specific trade exhibitions including Riga Food (food industry), Medbaltica (medical/healthcare), Baltic Beauty (beauty), Riga Comm (business technology), Tech Industry (manufacturing/automation), and Māja (construction/home). BT 1 also operates consumer-focused events such as Kids Expo Riga (children's products and services), Latvijas uzvarētājs (pet exhibitions), and Balttour (tourism). The company provides comprehensive exhibition services including venue facilities, logistics partnerships (DB Schenker, TNT, DHL, PKS), equipment rental via Adeq catalog (modular stands, furniture, AV equipment), Expo Café catering, hotel reservations, visa assistance, and conference room facilities. The product portfolio functions as a platform of distinct annual exhibitions organized by industry vertical, supported by shared venue infrastructure and ancillary services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• RIGA FOOD The 31st international exhibition for food, beverages, food processing, technology, and packaging held at Ķīpsala Exhibition Centre — described as the most significant food industry event in the Baltics. Targeted at food producers, processors, hospitality businesses, technology developers, and investors across the Baltic region.
• MEDBALTICA The 19th international medical exhibition at Ķīpsala, the most important medical exhibition in the Baltics, bringing together healthcare professionals, medical associations, and medical product manufacturers. 11,063 visitors from 12 countries and 133 exhibitors participated in 2025.
• RIGA COMM The 15th Baltic Business Technology Exhibition and Conference at Ķīpsala, focused on technology partners and digital solutions for businesses across the Baltic region.
• RIGA FURNITURE AND INTERIOR International furniture and interior exhibition held at Ķīpsala Exhibition Centre, targeting furniture manufacturers, interior designers, retailers, and consumers.
• BALTIC BEAUTY The 21st Baltic Combined Beauty Project — an international exhibition and competitions for beauty professionals including cosmetics brands, beauty salons, and wellness service providers.
• ZOOEXPO International pet and zoo industry exhibition bringing together pet owners, breeders, and industry professionals across the Baltic region.
• TECH INDUSTRY International exhibition for machine building, metalworking, automation, electronics, and electrical engineering targeting industrial manufacturers and engineering buyers.
• BALTTOUR The 33rd international tourism fair held annually, connecting travel industry professionals, tourism businesses, hospitality providers, and consumers across the Baltic region.
• MĀJA (Home) International construction industry exhibition at Ķīpsala featuring building materials, construction solutions, renovation, and home improvement products for construction professionals and homeowners.
• KIDS EXPO RIGA Festival for children and parents featuring the sole children's products and services exhibition in the Baltics, including concerts, attractions, educational activities, and expert consultations.
• LATVIJAS UZVARĒTĀJS International dog and cat exhibition featuring various breed champions from Latvia and abroad, demonstrations, shows, and zoo-industry products.
• Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre (Venue Rental) The International Exhibition Centre Ķīpsala in Riga, Latvia, serving as the primary venue for BT 1 organized exhibitions and offering conference hall rentals (Hall No.1 capacity 150, No.2 capacity 100, No.3 capacity 350) for seminars and events.
• Adeq Stand Equipment Rental Online rental catalog offering Octanorm modular stand structures, display cases, furniture, lighting, TV screens, coffee machines, electrical connections, floor coverings, and booth customization materials for exhibitors.
• Partner Hotel Reservation Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 11,063 visitors from 12 countries at Medbaltica 2025
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Latvijas Ārstu biedrība (Latvian Medical Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association partner for Medbaltica medical exhibition, providing endorsement and member outreach for the healthcare industry event
• Latvijas Māsu asociācija (Latvian Nurses Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of nurses as partner for medical exhibition, supporting professional attendance and program development
• Latvijas Zobārstu asociācija (Latvian Dentists Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDentists association partner for Medbaltica, providing professional endorsement and member engagement
• Latvijas Farmaceitu biedrība (Latvian Pharmacists Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for pharmaceutical sector representation at medical exhibition
• Latvijas Ārstu rehabilitologu asociācija (Latvian Medical Rehabilitation Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRehabilitation professionals association as partner for medical exhibition
• DB SchenkerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational logistics partner providing freight forwarding, customs clearance, and exhibition cargo handling services
• TNT LatviaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpress shipping and logistics partner for exhibition freight, including special delivery services and customs formalities
• DHL LatviaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLogistics partner offering freight, express shipping, and customs services for exhibition cargo
• Latvijas Kinoģenētikas fonds (LKF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLatvian Cynology Foundation - co-organizer of Latvijas Uzvarētājs international dog and cat exhibition
• Latvijas Felinologu asociācija (LFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLatvian Feline Association - co-organizer of pet exhibition event
• Islande HotelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hotel 3 minutes walk from exhibition center, offering special rates for exhibitors and visitors
• Rixwell HotelsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel group partner offering discounted rates for exhibition participants at multiple Riga locations
• Wellton HotelsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiga hotel chain partner including Wellton Riverside, Wellton Centrum, and Wellton Riga - offering special rates for exhibitors
• Expo CaféminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCatering service provider operating at the exhibition center for exhibitors and visitors
• CalibraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet food brand supporting the pet exhibition as sponsor/supporter
• Latvia TravelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial tourism marketing organization promoting Latvia as destination for international visitors
• AutareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLithuanian representative office handling exhibition sales and participant recruitment in Lithuania

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Messe Frankfurt: One of the world's largest exhibition organizers with global trade fair portfolio across consumer goods, textiles, and mobility verticals. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the trade fair organizing space; would only compete in the Baltics on specific franchise shows.
• Koelnmesse: German exhibition organizer with major recurring trade fairs (food, home, furniture). Comparable operating model in organizing recurring industry-vertical shows at scale, though focused on Germany/global rather than the Baltics.
• GL Events: French-listed venue operator and trade fair organizer serving European markets. Comparable combined venue + exhibition organization model and shared verticals (food, hospitality, construction).
• Reed Exhibitions (RX, part of RELX): World's largest exhibition organizer running 400+ events worldwide. Comparable vertically-organizing recurring trade fairs but at a much larger scale across multiple geographies.

Regional players

• Stockholmsmässan: Sweden's primary exhibition centre and trade fair organizer. Regional Nordic peer with similar combined venue-and-organizer model, though serving a substantially larger domestic market.
• ExpoForum (St. Petersburg Convention and Exhibition Centre): Large Russian exhibition venue and organizer serving the post-Soviet region. Relevant regional peer given Russian-language accessibility of BT 1's website and likely cross-border exhibitor overlap with Baltic shows.

Direct peers

• Messukeskus (Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre): Finland's leading exhibition venue and organizer, operating its own convention centre and ~50 annual shows. Comparable vertical mix (food, healthcare, construction, tourism) and similar Nordic-Baltic operating model.
• Litexpo (Lietuvos parodų ir kongresų centras): Lithuania's national exhibition centre in Vilnius, organizing flagship trade fairs across industry verticals. Direct Baltic-region peer to BT 1 with overlapping verticals (food, construction, beauty) and a shared addressable exhibitor base.
• Estonian Fairs (Eesti Näitused) / Tartu Näitused: Estonia's principal trade fair organizer operating the Tartu Näitused venue. Competes with BT 1 for Baltic exhibitor mindshare and runs parallel shows in tourism, food, and consumer verticals across the same addressable market.

Emerging players

• Expo Georgia / TbilisiExpo: Caucasus-region exhibition organizer with growing trade fair portfolio. Comparable as a smaller emerging-market exhibition organizer building vertical-specific fairs targeting regional audiences.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/bt1.lv
• Facebookfacebook.com/BT1EVENT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-exhibition-company-bt-1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BT 1