Hannover Messe 2026: Industry Points to a Competitive Future

A total of 110,000 visitors from all over the world took part in the trade fair for the manufacturing industry. Although the attendance figure was below the previous year’s level (2025: 123,000 visitors) – airline and public transportation strikes complicated travel – the quality of the encounters and the dynamic atmosphere in the halls clearly show: the technologies are in place, the approaches have been tested, and now it is a matter practicing them consistently.

Despite the difficult conditions in general, the trade fair once again presented highly international characteristics. Around 40 % of guests came from abroad. The countries contributing the most guests were China, Brazil, the United States, Japan and South Korea.

“This year’s Hannover Messe was both a technology show and a source of inspiration. The companies showed that Germany and Europe possess the necessary tools to remain competitive. What is crucial now is to decisively take advantage of this potential and put the pedal to the metal,” says Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG. The trade fair demonstrated that artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and energy infrastructure are at the heart of the industrial future and are key technologies for transforming industry.

Products and solutions presented include AI-supported production systems and tools that can automate processes and predict failures; humanoid robots that have already mastered complex motion sequences and will work in production and service in the future; and new solutions for energy efficiency and grid expansion that pave the way to a carbon-neutral industry.

The presence of representatives of the business and political communities was also striking. More board members of DAX companies and political decision-makers than ever before used the trade fair as a platform for exchange and orientation. Not only German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, but also Roland Busch (Siemens), Christian Klein (SAP), German Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche and Boris Pistorius, the Germany’s Minister of Defense, were present as well as international politicians like Canada’s Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly or Stéphane Séjourné from the European Commission.

Industry demands better regulatory conditions and delivers solutions

Inflated costs, excessive regulation and geopolitical upheaval are leading to growing uncertainty and are noticeably impacting companies’ competitiveness. Hannover Messe offered available solutions. Companies are investing in future technologies, driving innovation and opening new markets. Exhibitors reported intensive discussions, specific projects and overall international interest.

Partner country Brazil: impulses at the right time

Partner Country Brazil was a strong addition to Hannover Messe and a driving force at the right time. With a broad spectrum of industrial, energy and digitalisation topics, Brazil presented itself as a dynamic growth market and dependable partner for international cooperation. 

“Especially in a time of global upheaval and shifting trade relations, this partnership sends an important message: for greater diversification, more resilient supply chains and closer cooperation between Europe and Latin America,” said Köckler, adding that the Mercosur agreement, which will soon come into force, has given a significant boost to the partner country’s participation and provided new impetus for economic cooperation.

Innovations inspire exhibitors and visitors 

The new networking options proved popular, with the Masterclasses delivering added value for exhibitors. In compact, practical sessions, companies presented their expertise in a targeted manner and engaged directly with potential customers. The Center Stage established itself as a central platform for knowledge transfer, discussion and inspiration. It attracted around 30,000 visitors with a top-tier programme across all days. The consistently strong response shows that orientation and exchange around major transformation are in great demand. 

Hannover Messe 2027 is scheduled to take place from April 5 thorugh 8.

(Source: Deutsche Messe AG)