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. 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.
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.
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.”
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.
HANNOVER MESSE 2027
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 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. Spain is Partner Country for the 2027 edition.
