Important events coming up

With 50 years of driving the energy industry forward, the Offshore Northern Seas exhibition and conference (ONS) continues to foster international collaboration. The upcoming ONS 2026 is scheduled for 24 - 27 August at the Stavanger Forum. Over 1,000 companies will showcase clean energy technologies to more than 70,000 trade visitors. Covering the entire value chain, ONS 2026 will feature innovations in offshore wind, solar power, and hydrogen. The ONS Conference will explore global energy policies, while ONS Scale-Ups will connect scale-up companies with investors.

From 26 to 30 August 2026, gamescom will showcase the future of gaming. The event kicks off with the Opening Night Live on 25 August, featuring game trailers and exclusive announcements. Held at Messe Cologne, the previous edition attracted over 1,500 exhibitors and 34,000 trade visitors, with over 357,000 gaming enthusiasts attending. gamescom 2026 will include around 40 country pavilions and themed areas across 233,000 square metres. Special areas will focus on indie and retro games. B2B zones will emphasise industry collaboration, featuring the gamescom invest circle and gamescom dev conference.

IFA Berlin 2026 will gather professionals from over 140 countries at Messe Berlin from 4 to 8 September, featuring around 2,000 exhibitors and 220,000 visitors. The event will showcase the latest in home and consumer technology, highlighting trends in content creation and innovative concepts. Attendees can explore diverse offerings in areas such as Audio, Communication & Connectivity, Computing & Gaming, Home Appliances, Fitness & Digital Health, Home & Entertainment, Mobility, and Photo, Video & Content Creation. Additionally, IFA Next will spotlight startup innovations, while IFA Global Markets will facilitate international business connections.

Automechanika Frankfurt will be held from 8 to 12 September 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, gathering key players from over 170 countries. Nearly 4,500 exhibiting companies and over 100,000 professional visitors will attend. The show will showcase advancements in the vehicle industry. Leading companies will demonstrate their products and services, including parts, accessories, electronics, and automated driving technologies. Supporting events like Innovation4Mobility and Automechanika Academy will address industry challenges such as skilled labour shortages and sustainable mobility. The special area for Gen Z professionals, Ambition, will also feature prominently in 2026.

In 2026, Kind + Jugend will showcase a vast range of baby and toddler products from 15 to 17 September at Messe Cologne. Known as K+J, the event will feature over 800 exhibitors from around 45 nations, spanning 75,000 square metres. Over 15,000 trade visitors, including retailers and designers, are expected. Exhibits will cover prams, clothing, safety equipment, and more. Seven themed areas will be present, including Furniture & Facility and Toys & Education. The event will also feature a New Product Trail, a Start-up Area, and a Trend Space with expert lectures.

InnoTrans 2026 is set to take place in Berlin from 22nd to 25th September. The renowned transport technology exhibition will occupy Messe Berlin, featuring extensive outdoor displays and tracks. Approximately 3,000 companies will present innovations to over 170,000 industry professionals. The next InnoTrans Berlin will showcase world premieres across five segments: Railway Technology, Interiors, Railway Infrastructure, Tunnel Construction, and Public Transport. Key topics will include environmental and workforce challenges in the rail industry, with an extensive programme of forums and presentations complementing the exhibition of cutting-edge mobility solutions.

The 2026 edition of EXPO REAL will take place at Messe Munich from 5 to 7 October, gathering thousands of exhibitors and trade visitors. As a leading European event in real estate and investment, it will feature over 1,800 companies showcasing their offerings across more than 75,000 m² of exhibition space. The event will focus on four main product pillars: Hotel, Innovation, Logistics, and Retail, with an emphasis on smart solutions, digital transformation, and AI. Highlights include the Transform & Beyond programme and various forums and stages for discussion and networking.

From 6 to 8 October, CPhI Worldwide will take place at Fiera Milano for its 2026 edition. This prominent European pharmaceutical event will draw professionals from over 165 countries, promoting networking, learning, and collaboration within the industry. Featuring thematically organised zones, the expo will present top-tier products and solutions across areas like Machinery & Equipment, Excipients, API, and more. With over 130 sessions led by more than 180 speakers, participants will gain valuable insights into the industry’s future. The event will also host the prestigious CPhI Pharma Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in pharmaceutical development.

SIAL Paris, a pivotal event for the global F&B industry, is set for 17-21 October 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte Parc des Expositions. Approximately 7,500 companies from more than 200 countries will showcase their innovations. The event will feature 10 thematic routes, including Taste France, Italian Products, and Products for Catering, each highlighting unique food and beverage offerings. SIAL Innovation will present cutting-edge food concepts, while SIAL For Change will focus on sustainable practices. This edition promises a comprehensive exploration of new tastes and industry insights.

The inaugural edition of ISPO in Amsterdam will be held from 3 to 5 November 2026, hosted at Amsterdam RAI. This landmark event will feature approximately 2,300 exhibiting companies and attract around 25,000 professional visitors, offering insights into the latest trends and showcasing world premieres from renowned and emerging brands. A new concept will be introduced, including a global hosted buyer programme and the ISPO Leaders’ Summit, focusing on Participation, Sustainability, and Fair Trade. The event will cover a wide range of sports-related products and provide extensive networking opportunities.