The first international world exhibition in Vienna took place in 1837, and since 1921 there have been regular bi-annual meetings. The fair ground site has been systematically extended and modernised over the years, until 2001 when a complete restructuring was planned. Officially opened in spring 2004, the 15 hectare site contains exhibition halls, congress and conference centres, all in a stunning new monument visible across Vienna.

The building was designed by Architects Fritsch, and the Consulting Engineer was Chiari & Partners.

Colt provided Smokemaster smoke curtains, Meteor flap ventilators, EuroCO louvred ventilators for natural and fire ventilation, and a glazing system, all controlled by OPV controls. Solar C louvres integrated with FCO ventilators, and fixed and movable Solarfin louvres have been installed for reducing the heat load. Meteor MLS ventilators have been supplied with special insulated glazing, as well as Shadovoltaic PV louvres which generate electricity from the sun.