Those with a passing interest in technology shows are often shown pictures of beautiful-looking stands that would grace any catalogue. Sales personnel are groomed, primed, and bursting with information on a myriad of products. Everything, it seems, goes like clockwork.

On press day, the day before the show officially opens, the scene is somewhat different, with exhibitors and building contractors locked in a fight to have the stand ready in time and products on display.

JSP's stand is a case in point. Frantic last-minute dressing is underscored by a background noise populated by DeWalt buzzsaws going at full chat.

Come to CeBIT on this day and you're more likely to see staff's suitcases lining the rows than any polished products behind ubiquitous perspex.

Tempers fray, nerves jangle, and a multitude of mobile phone ringtones assault your ears, yet the same folks keep coming back year after year, populating over 20 halls of technology.