HANNOVER MESSE: Industry points the way to a competitive future
HANNOVER MESSE 2026 demonstrated that industry is delivering concrete solutions even in challenging times. Artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization play a key role in making production processes more efficient and boosting competitiveness.
A total of 110,000 visitors from all over the world took part in the world’s leading 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 percent 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.
Innovations that bring the future within grasp
HANNOVER MESSE this year clearly 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 that companies 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 high-caliber 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.
International politicians from Canada’s Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly to Stéphane Séjourné from the European Commission also visited the show.
Industry demands better regulatory conditions and delivers solutions
Leading representatives of industry made it clear that Europe is under pressure as a location for doing business. Inflated costs, excessive regulation, and geopolitical upheaval are leading to growing uncertainty and are noticeably impacting companies’ competitiveness.
But HANNOVER MESSE revealed with clarity that solutions are available. Companies are investing in future technologies, driving innovation, and opening new markets. Exhibitors reported intensive discussions, specific projects, and great international interest.
“The new HANNOVER MESSE concept is a success. The Center Stage was especially well received,” says Dr. Gunther Kegel, President of ZVEI (Association of the German Electrical and Digital Industry) and Chairman of the HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor Advisory Board. “This strengthens our profile as a place for high-level exchange, particularly with politicians,” observed Kegel. “HANNOVER MESSE sends an unmistakable signal in terms of content: we urgently need rapid deregulation so that we can assert ourselves as a location amid international competition, especially in the field of industrial AI. Companies have impressively demonstrated the potential of the technology. Now Berlin and Brussels need to eliminate barriers to progress.”
“HANNOVER MESSE and the companies from the machine and plant building sector strikingly demonstrated that they are meeting the challenges of a world characterized by multiple crises. Digitalization of our industry is progressing at a rapid pace, while AI and humanoid robotics represented the defining themes at this trade fair,” adds VDMA Managing Director Thilo Brodtmann. “Industrial SMEs want to supply technologies that will keep us internationally competitive in the future, and they can do it too. Politicians in Berlin and Brussels must contribute to this urgently. We need the far-reaching reforms that have been promised. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche have made corresponding announcements here at the trade fair, and they will be judged on them.”
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 digitalization 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
HANNOVER MESSE 2026 not only featured convincing content, but also an enhanced trade fair concept. The new hall plan provided clear orientation, enabling visitors to use their time more efficiently.
The new networking formats also proved popular, with the Masterclasses delivering real 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, and was a magnet for crowds. It attracted around 30,000 visitors with a top-tier program across all days of the fair. The consistently strong response shows that orientation and exchange around major transformation are in great demand. HANNOVER MESSE provides the right space for this.
HANNOVER MESSE 2027: even more efficient and attractive
Looking to 2027, HANNOVER MESSE continues its consistent path to further development.
For instance, the new “Europe Energy Week” will run parallel to HANNOVER MESSE. In cooperation with the event organizer dmg events, the show will bring together energy producers, industrial companies, infrastructure operators, and political decision-makers while promoting exchange around Europe’s energy future.
One key innovation concerns the duration of the trade fair: From 2027 on, HANNOVER MESSE will concentrate on the days that attract the most visitors, running run from Monday, 5 April, to Thursday, 8 April. This focus represents a targeted approach to attracting visitors and well-known figures while generating business. This makes the trade fair even more efficient and attractive for all participants.
Köckler: “HANNOVER MESSE continues to develop consistently and will be more focused, more efficient, and closer to industry. Thematically, the specific application of AI as well as its physical implementation are moving into focus. The combination of artificial intelligence with real machines and production systems will shape HANNOVER MESSE over the coming years and mark the next major step in the development of industry.”
