Easyfairs is stepping up its expansion in technology-led events with the acquisition of Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail, two of France’s most established platforms for innovation in hospitality and retail. The move signals a shift towards building more connected, scalable ecosystems across Europe. Announced on 15 April 2026, the deal brings the Paris-based events into the Easyfairs portfolio, combining their strong local identity with an international network and a more d

With 1,700 exhibitors from 54 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 will showcase the full spectrum of innovation in the international textile industry – from new materials and recycling technologies to finishing solutions and high-performance textile manufacturing and processing technologies. And it will defy the geopolitical environment. By Urs Seiler || April 22, 2026 || Representative of Messe Frankfurt for Switzerland and Liechtenstein “Iran is directly im

Including a video interview: Following the turnaround of Olma trade fairs, Markus Streckeisen is the new Chairman of the Board. Will this put pressure on day-to-day operations? By Urs Seiler || St. Gallen, April 14, 2026 General Assembly of Olma Messen on April 14, 2026 with, from left: Thomas Scheitlin, Christine Bolt, Markus Streckeisen. The event industry, especially the trade fair business, is undergoing a transformation, a transformation which Olma Messen, according

The scene at the Hannover Messe in April 2024: Everyone was talking about digital transformation, which would radically change industry. But exhibitor Fespo was already a step ahead, presenting its research on biological transformation at its booth. At the Hannover Messe 2026, Physical AI will also play a central role for the first time. The area of defense technology will also be new. By Urs Seiler || April 14, 2026 || Representation of Deutsche Messe AG for CH/Li || T

The countdown to AERO at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Centre is on: Numerous Swiss companies, start-ups, and manufacturers will be exhibiting at the world's leading trade fair for general aviation. A wide range of products and services for business aviation and air sports will also be on display. This makes AERO one of the most important international meeting places for the industry. By Urs Seiler || April 7, 2026 They say great events cast their shadows before them. AE

Europe’s technological future will not be decided by innovation alone, but by who owns, scales, and controls the infrastructure behind it. A new whitepaper, “Digital Sovereignty: Technology Leadership Made in Europe” , from GITEX AI EUROPE in partnership with research firm LUE, argues that without decisive action, Europe risks remaining structurally dependent upon the systems shaping its digital economy. Set against an ICT market now valued at €1.02 trillion, the study outlin

The topic was taboo for decades: The decision to address the field of defense applications at XPONENTIAL Europe received broad support from the autonomous and unmanned technology sector, our supervisory board, and the political sphere. At the same time, there was public debate about whether and how defense belonged at the trade fair. Wolfram N. Diener has a clear position on this. by Wolfram N. Diener* || March 23, 2026 Just a year ago, we faced a pivotal decision: We, M

With Bangkok debuting in 2026 alongside Guangzhou’s global powerhouse, the Prolight + Sound brand is redefining its international focus and unlocking Southeast Asia’s booming entertainment technology sector. A Strategic Shift Towards Asia The Prolight + Sound brand is entering a new phase of international expansion, intensifying its focus on Asia’s growing markets. Following the conclusion of its Frankfurt event, the brand is now strengthening its presence across key regional

"The trade fair construction industry is under pressure," was a common sentiment at EuroShop 2026, and our mystery shopper noted the lack of immersive experiences. However, significant economic benefits are expected from the 81,000 trade visitors from 141 (!) countries and the 1,840 exhibitors from 61 nations in the retail and trade fair construction sectors. Visitors from the international trade fair construction industry, as listed below, were euphoric about the industry ga

The distinguished political gathering in Berlin signals a strong momentum for the Euro Defence Expo as members of industry, government and military leaders align on Europe’s ever-evolving security structures. As of today, 200 days until the opening of the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) , the new international trade fair for the security and defence industry has already sent a clear political message. At a Parliamentary Evening hosted at the Deutsche Parlamentarische Gesellschaft

Germany's largest and most global startup event: From AI gigafactories and sovereign cloud infrastructure to open source standards, GITEX AI EUROPE 2026 returns to Messe Berlin from 30 June to 1 July 2026 as the defining platform for Europe’s intelligent economy. It aims to unite startups, industry leaders, investors and policymakers for the acceleration of the continent’s next phase in technological development. by Archie Marshall || 5 March 2026 From 30 June to 1 July 2026,

Over many years, GITEX Global in Dubai has developed into the world's leading ICT trade fair, boasting over 6,800 exhibitors and 1,200 investors. The Swiss ICT industry made a strong showing at GITEX Global from October 13-17, 2025 , and not for the first time. The inaugural GITEX Europe in Berlin in June 2025, with 1,400 exhibitors and 600 investors, was also a success. Video: The Swiss Pavilion at GITEX Global in Dubai from October 13th to 17th, 2025. By Urs Seiler ||

The Chengdu International Industry Fair (CDIIF) is considered one of the most important industrial fairs in western China – and that is precisely what makes it strategically interesting for Europe. By Urs Seiler || February 26 , 2026 || Swiss Representative for the CDIIF The Xangtze River Economic Zone stretches from Shanghai to Chengdu. The Yangtze River Economic Zone stretches from Shanghai to Chengdu. The Southern Silk Road runs from Chengdu through Kunming to Myanmar an

Trade fairs are pillars of the knowledge society, going beyond being merely a park of exhibits. EuroShop must therefore also be judged on how well it answers the question of how much artificial intelligence the trade fair industry and the stand construction companies grouped in Hall 1 provide. By Urs Seiler || February 22, 2026 Image Copyright: EuroShop, Messe Düsseldorf. But help! I'm not an AI expert. But I'll take care of it! Joe Pine (pictured above), the originator o

With 4,636 exhibitors and participants from 170 nations and around 140,000 visitors, Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld 2026 reaffirmed Frankfurt’s role as a central marketplace for the international consumer goods industry. From 6 to 10 February, the city once again became the place where global networks strengthened and new business momentum emerged. Across the five days, Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds became a densely populated hub for dialogue and strategic positi