EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine…: dates, what is exhibited and how to prepare
EMO is the world's leading trade fair for machine tools, cutting and forming systems, and metalworking technology. Held biennially in Hannover, it…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 21 September 2026
EMO is the world's leading trade fair for machine tools, cutting and forming systems, and metalworking technology. Held biennially in Hannover, it attracts buyers and engineers from across the manufacturing sector. For Spanish exporters of machinery or metalworking equipment, it is the primary platform to reach European and global customers in a concentrated three-day window.
Fact sheet
- Dates
- No date published
- City
- Hannover, Germany
- Venue
- Messegelände Hannover (Hannover Fairground)
- Organiser
- VDW (Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken / German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)
- Frequency
- bienal
- What is exhibited
- EMO exhibe la cadena de valor completa del mecanizado de metales, incluyendo máquinas-herramienta para corte y conformado, sistemas de fabricación, herramientas de precisión, flujo automatizado de materiales, tecnología informática, electrónica industrial y accesorios.
- Official website
- https://www.emo-hannover.com/
Source: VDW (Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken / German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)Data for 2026-09-14Verified on 21 September 2026
Sector imports in the country
USD · 2025| Chapter | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| 84 · Machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear… | 190,139,583,943 |
| 87 · Vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and… | 157,931,462,418 |
| 39 · Plastics and articles thereof | 50,984,461,100 |
| 73 · Iron or steel articles | 29,455,325,380 |
| 72 · Iron and steel | 27,419,591,290 |
| 76 · Aluminium and articles thereof | 22,894,419,815 |
| 88 · Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof | 20,346,172,655 |
| 40 · Rubber and articles thereof | 18,423,273,080 |
| 48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or… | 14,859,779,116 |
| 74 · Copper and articles thereof | 14,763,828,029 |
| 82 · Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base… | 7,071,970,318 |
| 83 · Metal; miscellaneous products of base metal | 6,414,928,050 |
| 89 · Ships, boats and floating structures | 4,199,514,627 |
| 86 · Railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts… | 4,181,430,294 |
| 47 · Pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material… | 4,013,401,650 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 21 September 2026
What you need to know to exhibit
EMO takes place every two years and occupies the entire Hannover fairground. The next edition is scheduled for September 2026. The fair is organised by the VDW, the German Machine Tool Builders' Association, which sets the industry standard for what is shown.
The entire metalworking value chain is present: machine tools for cutting and forming, manufacturing systems, precision tools, automated material handling, industrial electronics, and accessories. If your product or service touches this chain, there is a booth category for it.
Germany imported USD 190 billion in machinery and mechanical appliances in 2025, the largest import category in the country. Machine tools and metalworking equipment are core to German manufacturing, and German buyers attend EMO with purchase intent.
Booth space fills months in advance. Contact the VDW organiser through the official website to register. Most exhibitors book shared stands with Spanish industry associations or through German distributors already present in the market.
The fair runs for three days and typically draws over 100,000 visitors from more than 140 countries. Plan for staffing, technical documentation in German and English, and a stock of printed materials. Many deals are closed on the floor or in follow-up meetings within two weeks of the fair.
Common questions about EMO
Is EMO only for manufacturers, or can suppliers of components and services also exhibit?
Both. EMO exhibits the entire value chain: machine builders, tool makers, material handling systems, software, and industrial services all have dedicated halls. If you supply any link in the metalworking chain, you belong at EMO.
How far in advance do I need to book a booth?
The next EMO is in September 2026. Booth booking typically opens 12 to 18 months before the fair. Early booking offers better location choice and pricing. Contact the VDW organiser now to join their exhibitor waiting list.
What is the typical visitor profile?
EMO attracts production engineers, plant managers, procurement directors, and equipment buyers from automotive, aerospace, energy, and general metalworking sectors. Most visitors come with specific purchasing criteria and budget authority.
Do I need to hire a German distributor or agent before exhibiting?
Not required, but having local support simplifies logistics, follow-up, and compliance. Many Spanish companies exhibit through industry association stands or co-exhibit with a German partner. Direct booth rental is also an option if you have the resources to manage on-site operations.
What language should my booth materials be in?
German and English are essential. German is the working language of the fair; English covers international visitors. Technical specifications and brochures should be available in both.
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