Visitor registration has opened for EuroBLECH 2026. The exhibition will take place in Hanover from 20 to 23 October. It will focus on investment decisions, resource efficiency and production resilience. The sheet metal working exhibition will combine machinery demonstrations and product launches. Its programme will also include specialist areas, guided tours and conference sessions. These activities will help manufacturers assess technologies against their operational priorities. The 28th edition of EuroBLECH will occupy eight exhibition halls. It will cover 15 technology sectors, including machinery, automation, tooling, forming, joining and surface technology. Digital production and subcontracting will also feature.
Organisers expect manufacturers, specialist suppliers and technology providers from across the sheet metal value chain. The 2024 event attracted 1,317 exhibitors and 38,946 visitors from 114 countries. According to the organiser, 81% of visitors were involved in purchasing decisions. This underlines the exhibition’s role in comparing equipment and suppliers. Confirmed exhibitors include Adige, AIDA, Amada, ArcelorMittal, Bodor, Bystronic, EAGLE, Ermaksan, LVD, Motofil, MVD, Prima Power, Salvagnini, TRUMPF, Valk Welding, Voortman and Yamazaki Mazak.
New areas for technology comparison
A central part of the 2026 format is the Innovation Zone | Advanced Manufacturing. This area will present machinery, automation, smart manufacturing, tooling and digital production technologies. The products must have been launched within the previous 12 months. For visitors, the format will provide a concentrated overview of recent developments. They will not need to identify new products across the entire exhibition floor. Additional specialist areas will focus on defined sourcing needs. The Job Shop & Subcontractors Market will bring together subcontracting partners. The Tooling & Forming Solutions Spotlight will cover tooling and forming expertise.
A separate Laser, CNC & Cutting Solutions Spotlight will address relevant cutting technologies. These areas aim to shorten the search for suppliers and technical capabilities. This will support visitors with specific production requirements. Guided Tours can be booked through the online ticket shop. They will cover smart manufacturing and resource-efficient production. Other tours will examine market opportunities in electronics, HVAC, aerospace and defence. EuroBLECH will also introduce Award Trails linked to its awards programme. These trails will direct visitors towards recognised developments in smart and sustainable sheet metal working. Moreover, a revived visitor app will support route planning, exhibitor bookmarks and on-site organisation.
Conference programme addresses shopfloor questions
EuroBLECH 2026 will add a conference-style programme on the NextGen Technology Stage in Hall 27. All sessions are included in the exhibition ticket. The programme will cover AI, automation, smart manufacturing and sustainability. It will also address energy efficiency, circular production and workforce development. The sessions will emphasise practical implementation questions. Planned sessions include From Smart Factory Hype to Shopfloor Reality. Another session, AI in Sheet Metal Production: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Next, will examine artificial intelligence applications. Other topics will cover energy efficiency and the economics of sheet metal production. They will also examine changing expectations among technology buyers. The stated focus is on where digital systems are already delivering value. Sessions will also consider how manufacturers can reduce waste and energy intensity. In addition, they will examine how suppliers can respond to customer requirements.
Procurement will receive dedicated attention during BME Buyer Day on Thursday, 22 October, at the Convention Centre. The programme is organised with Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik. It will include networking, presentations and panel discussions. Topics will include purchasing KPIs, supply chain management, steel market developments and economic security. CBAM and AI-supported product costing will also feature. On the final day, Careers Day will offer free admission to students, apprentices and young professionals. The event will provide access to employers and career information within the sector.
