Spot on Industrial Expertise: Center Stage at HANNOVER MESSE Features an Impressive Line-Up of Industry Leaders, Scientists and More

HANNOVER MESSE 2026 (April 20 to 24) starts with a new, clearly structured thematic and site concept. The main exhibition areas are Automation & Digitalization, Energy & Industrial Infrastructure, and Research & Technology Transfer. The topic of artificial intelligence is a common thread running through all exhibition areas.

  • February 13, 2026
  • 107 views
  • Picture: Deutsche Messe AG
    Picture: Deutsche Messe AG

One of the new highlights in the layout of the event is the new Center Stage in hall 25. Around 80 speakers from all over the world will provide exclusive insights into their work, share practical expertise, and offer clear orientation concerning the future of industry. Among them, there will be pioneers, company leaders, scientists, and politicians who have boldly and successfully broken new ground with their innovative spirit, thus contributing to the further development of industrial production.

Among the confirmed speakers are:

Cedrik Neike, Executive Board Member at Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries 
Responsible for the automation and industrial software business at Siemens, Mr. Neike is driving forward the merger between the real and digital worlds in manufacturing. The team at Siemens shows how artificial intelligence is already moving from a vision to industrial reality – and making for measurable gains in competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.

Armin Papperger, CEO, Rheinmetall 
Shifts in the global security order are presenting the defense industry with considerable challenges. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, drones, and hypersonic weapons are changing requirements at a rapid pace. In a panel discussion, Mr. Papperger will explain how Rheinmetall is responding to these technological and geopolitical changes in international competition.

Amy Webb, futurologist & CEO Future Today Institute 
Ms. Webb is one of the world's most influential futurologists. She will reveal how technological, economic, and geopolitical trends are merging – and why companies need to think in terms of scenarios nowadays, rather than relying on linear forecasts. On the Center Stage, she will explain the role that artificial intelligence, new data economies, and global risk dynamics will play in the industry of the next decade.

Dr. Pablo Erat, Director LightSpray, On AG 
The Swiss premium sports brand On stands for a new way of industrial thinking, in which product innovation evolves into platform innovation. With LightSpray, Dr. Erat is pushing ahead with a manufacturing technology that radically simplifies the production of sportswear: automated instead of manual, digital instead of fragmented, and local instead of being dependent on global supply chains. LightSpray shows how robotics, material science, and a bold innovative spirit are not only transforming products, but also redefining entire business models.

Further speakers will be announced shortly.
If you want to meet the industrial specialists at HANNOVER MESSE, you can register for a free ticket on the fair website: https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/application/registration/direct-entry-tickets-passes?code=OnhAp

Disclaimer: Content published by TIM Global Media, including text, images, and videos, is either created in-house or provided by Suppliers/Manufacturers with their approval. Suppliers/Manufactures warrant that their materials do not infringe third-party rights and agree to indemnify and hold TIM Global Media harmless from any related claims.

Share with: