The most important industrial trade fairs in Europe

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Nuremberg, Berlin, Bilbao, or maybe Paris? Industrial trade fairs take place all across Europe. And if you operate in automation, engineering, or metalworking, you simply can’t miss the most important industrial events in Europe!

Although July isn’t typically associated with business event planning, it’s actually the perfect time to pause, take a breath, and look ahead. While most major trade shows for 2025 have already closed registration and exhibitor slots are nearly full, this is an ideal moment to start thinking long-term and seriously consider participating in next year’s industrial trade fairs.

If you run a manufacturing company or operate in automation, robotics, engineering, metalworking, or machinery, you simply can’t afford to overlook the most important industrial events in Europe.

Industrial Trade Fairs – Germany

It’s hard to imagine the European industrial landscape without Germany. Home to the highest number of renowned industry exhibitions, the German market—widely recognized as one of the most innovative—has been setting the standard for the entire continent for years.

If you’re a machinery manufacturer, a component supplier, or a company offering solutions for the industrial sector, German trade fairs should be at the top of your list. They offer direct access to decision-makers, market leaders, and future clients from around the world. And thanks to the geographical proximity of Poland and Germany, attending these events doesn’t involve the high costs associated with overseas travel.

Here are some key industrial trade fairs in Germany that are worth adding to your calendar.

Automatica Trade Fair – Munich

Looking for automation, robotics, and industrial digitalization all in one place? Automatica in Munich is the world’s leading event dedicated to smart production solutions. From powerful robotic arms to IoT sensors and advanced control systems – this is where you’ll find everything that drives the factory of the future.

Held every two years, Automatica attracts not only global industry leaders but also innovative startups. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your product to an international audience and build valuable connections with system integrators and end users alike.

SPS Trade Fair – Nuremberg

If your company specializes in industrial automation, control systems, sensors, or software for manufacturing, then SPS (Smart Production Solutions) in Nuremberg is an unmissable event. Recognized as one of the most important trade fairs for automation and control technology, SPS offers a comprehensive look at cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of industry.

What sets SPS apart is its strong focus on practical applications and real-world implementations. This isn’t just about showcasing the latest tech – it’s about presenting tools ready to be deployed on the factory floor today.

InnoTrans – Rail Transport Trade Fair in Berlin

When discussing industrial innovation, InnoTrans in Berlin cannot be overlooked. It is the world’s leading trade fair for rail transport technology, making it a must-attend event for companies involved in railway infrastructure, rolling stock, automation, safety systems, and more.

Held every two years, InnoTrans transforms Berlin into a global meeting point for railway operators, rolling stock manufacturers, component suppliers, and engineers. One of its unique highlights is the outdoor track display, where full-sized trains and rail vehicles are showcased. The event also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and the digitalization of public transport, reflecting the future of smart and green mobility.

EMO – Industrial Trade Fair in Hanover

EMO Hannover is the world’s premier trade fair for the metalworking industry, held within the renowned Hannover Messe exhibition grounds. The event showcases a vast array of CNC machines, precision tools, cutting technologies, and metal processing innovations.

What sets EMO apart is its massive scale and truly international audience. With exhibitors from dozens of countries and tens of thousands of professional visitors, EMO offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your solutions to a global market. Participation in this event can significantly enhance your visibility and open doors to new international business opportunities.

What are other trade fairs for manufacturing companies in Europe?

Although Germany is the undisputed leader in organizing industrial events, other European countries also offer valuable trade fairs for manufacturing, engineering, and technology companies. Therefore, it’s worth looking beyond Germany—especially if you are seeking inspiration or new markets.

Here are some notable examples worth attention:

Global Industrie – France (Lyon, Paris)

Global Industrie is one of the largest industrial events in France. These manufacturing fairs gather hundreds of companies from the automation, digitalization, and production sectors, making it an important point on the European event map.

BIEMH – Spain (Bilbao)

The Bienal Internacional de Máquina-Herramienta are international trade fairs for metalworking machines and tools. Each edition gathers thousands of professionals, focusing on robotics and advanced industrial technologies.

MSV – Czech Republic (Brno)

The largest industrial fair in Central Europe. An excellent place for Polish companies wanting to expand their operations into Czech, Slovak, or Austrian markets. The MSV industrial machinery fair is a good option for smaller manufacturing and tooling companies looking for relationships with local distributors.

Elmia Automation – Sweden (Jönköping)

The Scandinavian answer to the needs of the automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing markets. Increasingly, companies from Central and Eastern Europe are appearing here, which only confirms the growing importance of this event.

SIFER – France (Lille)

An event focused on the railway industry and the production of components for transport infrastructure. An interesting opportunity for companies supplying solutions for rail transport, infrastructure, and safety.

Therefore, it’s worth considering participation not only in German events—especially if your company is thinking about expansion to southern, western, or northern Europe.

Why attend fairs for innovative industrial solutions?

Participating in trade fairs is an investment in business relationships, innovation, and brand recognition. If you plan to expand into European markets, there is usually no better opportunity than a well-chosen industry event. The benefits of attending fairs include:

  • direct access to decision-makers and buyers,
  • the ability to demonstrate solutions in practice,
  • a chance to enter foreign markets,
  • networking with industry leaders,
  • gathering knowledge and inspiration.


Of course, attending fairs for innovative industrial solutions is not something you do lightly. Instead of trying everything on your own, take advantage of expert experience. Meliński Minuth is a trusted partner in organizing participation in industrial fairs. We design exhibition stands tailored to your brand and sales strategy, support logistics, assembly, and on-site coordination. We will ensure that your participation in the trade fairs truly pays off-regardless of the country, industry, or scale of the event.

Are you an exhibitor at industrial trade fairs in Europe?
Feel free to contact us!

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