Hannover Messe: dates, what is exhibited and how to prepare
Hannover Messe is the world's leading industrial technology fair, held annually in Germany. It draws buyers from across Europe and globally to see…
Published on 16 September 2026Updated on 16 September 2026
Hannover Messe is the world's leading industrial technology fair, held annually in Germany. It draws buyers from across Europe and globally to see solutions in mechanical engineering, electrical systems, automation, and sustainable energy. For Spanish exporters of machinery, components, or industrial software, it is a direct channel to purchasing managers and integrators seeking qualified suppliers.
Fact sheet
- Dates
- 2027-04-05 → 2027-04-08
- City
- Hannover, Germany
- Venue
- Hannover Exhibition Grounds
- Organiser
- Deutsche Messe AG (con dmg events)
- Frequency
- anual
- What is exhibited
- Soluciones de ingeniería eléctrica, mecánica, digital y energía para una industria competitiva y sostenible.
- Official website
- https://www.messe.de/
Source: Deutsche Messe AG (con dmg events)Data for 2026-09-14Verified on 15 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 15 September 2026
Other fairs in the sector
- Advanced FactoriesBarcelona
- baumaMúnich
- EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)Hannover
- interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGINGDüsseldorf
What you need to know to exhibit at Hannover Messe
Hannover Messe is not a single fair but a portfolio of specialized events under one management and dates. The five concurrent fairs are: Hannover Messe (production and automation), EMAG (emerging technologies and startups), Energy (renewable energy and storage), Motek (production technologies and assembly), and Industrial Supply (components and materials). Check which aligns with your product before booking a stand.
Germany imported USD 190.1 billion in machinery and mechanical appliances in 2025, the highest in any product category. It also imported USD 50.9 billion in plastics, USD 29.5 billion in iron or steel articles, and USD 22.9 billion in aluminium articles. If you export any of these, you are selling into one of Europe's largest import markets for your sector.
The fair runs for four days. Most buyers work the first two days; trade media and public visits peak on days three and four. Plan your schedule accordingly: contact key prospects before the event, confirm meetings in advance, and reserve time for walk-in leads from competitors' stands.
Stand space and design fees are charged separately by Deutsche Messe AG. Budget for booth rental, construction or modular stand hire, electricity, wifi, and shipping. Many Spanish companies use shared stands through Spanish industry associations or trade promotion agencies (ICEX, regional chambers) to reduce cost and raise visibility.
Hannover Messe visitors expect technical depth, not flashy marketing. Bring product samples, certificates, and specs. Be ready to discuss lead times, MOQ, compliance with EU directives (machinery, EMC, REACH), and your production capacity. Buyers often shortlist at the fair and request formal quotes afterward.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to prepare a stand if I'm exhibiting for the first time?
Start by confirming which of the five concurrent fairs matches your product. Then contact Deutsche Messe AG or a trade fair agent in Spain for booth options and pricing. Reserve 8–10 weeks in advance to secure good placement and shipping timelines. Bring English and German collateral, ensure your product can be shipped in time, and arrange for a stand operator if you cannot staff it yourself for all four days. Create a pre-event prospect list using the fair's buyer directory and confirm meetings by email.
Do I need special certifications or permits to exhibit from Spain?
No. As an EU exporter, you can exhibit in Germany without additional permits. Your products must comply with relevant EU directives (CE marking for machinery, REACH for chemicals, etc.). Hannover Messe itself does not impose additional certification; however, bring documentation of compliance with your industry's standards. Check with the fairs' organizers if hazardous materials or restricted goods apply to your category.
How do I follow up after the fair?
Collect business cards and scan badges at the stand. Within 48 hours, send a thank-you email to each contact with a photo or spec sheet, a link to your website, and a proposal or next step. Sort leads by priority: confirmed interest, soft interest, and competitive research. Plan follow-up calls for two weeks after the fair. Most deals from Hannover Messe close within 60–90 days.
What is the visitor profile?
Hannover Messe attracts production managers, procurement officers, engineers, and system integrators from manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, chemical, and renewable energy sectors. The majority are from Germany and Europe, but international buyers from Asia, Americas, and the Middle East also attend. Roughly 60% are repeat visitors seeking new suppliers; 40% are first-time visitors or exploring emerging solutions.
Is the fair worth the investment for a small company?
Yes, if your product fits one of the five concurrent fairs and your target market is in Europe or global. A small stand (9–18 m²) or shared booth costs EUR 2,000–5,000 plus logistics. A single qualified lead from Germany or Benelux often pays for itself. However, if you sell only to Spain or have no capacity to handle new orders, the return is lower. Evaluate based on your growth strategy, not on stand size.
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