Hannover Messe

Since 1947 — the meeting point for industry

Hannover Messe was founded in 1947 as an export fair to promote West German reconstruction in the post-war era. From these humble beginnings, it has evolved over the decades into the world's largest industrial trade fair. The organizer is Deutsche Messe AG, a subsidiary of the City of Hannover and the State of Lower Saxony. With its exhibition grounds in Laatzen, it boasts one of the largest and most modern exhibition centers worldwide — over 463,000 m² of hall space and 58,000 m² of open-air grounds.

Think Tech Forward — the guiding theme 2026

The guiding theme Think Tech Forward connects four central technology trends shaping industry in 2026: automation, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the energy transition. Exhibitors will demonstrate how these technologies are increasingly merging — how robotics is becoming more flexible through AI, how digital twins accelerate product development, how hydrogen and renewable energies enable new business models, and how cyber-physical systems are transforming manufacturing.

Partner Country 2026: Brazil

Each year, a partner country takes center stage at Hannover Messe. In 2026, it is Brazil. With a prominent national pavilion, a multitude of Brazilian exhibitors, high-ranking delegations from politics and business, and a dense program of lectures, networking events, and cultural activities, South America's largest economy will present its industrial innovative capacity. Focus areas: automotive industry, agritech, mining, energy, digital economy.

Defense Production Area — Premiere 2026

For the first time in 2026, Hannover Messe will feature a dedicated focus area for defense and security technology: the Defense Production Area. Against the backdrop of changing geopolitical conditions and the growing importance of the European security industry, this area will bring together exhibitors from drone technology, military electronics, cybersecurity, protective equipment, and logistics. The area is primarily aimed at trade visitors and is equipped with special security measures.

Hall and Thematic Structure

The trade fair is divided into several major thematic areas: Automation, Motion & Drives (Halls 4, 5, 6, 7); Digital Ecosystems (Halls 8, 13, 16); Energy Solutions (Hall 12); Engineered Parts & Solutions (Halls 4–7); Logistics, Supply Chain & Materials Handling (Halls 19, 20); Future Hub and Research & Development (Hall 2). In addition, there are parallel trade fairs such as IndustrialGreenTec, Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, and other special formats.

International Meeting Point

With over 120,000 trade visitors from more than 150 countries, Hannover Messe is the most important international meeting point for the industrial world. Networking, contract negotiations, technological roadmaps, and political encounters characterize the trade fair week. High-profile political figures — the Federal Chancellor, the Federal President, the Minister of Economics, heads of state from partner countries — are regularly among the opening guests.