A start to the year characterized by maintenance

For years, the trade fair has been regarded as an important meeting place for a sector that is rarely in the spotlight, but fulfills central functions for the industry. The combination with Pumps & Valves - the trade fair for industrial pumps, valves and process technology - creates additional interfaces. In 2026, an expanded combination will be added again for the first time: Logistics & Automation plus Empack Special. Four platforms, three halls, one common roof.

The exhibitors include well-known names: Atos, Boston Dynamics, ifm, Liqui Moly, Schaeffler Technologies, tesa and WIKA. There are also numerous industrial service providers such as Bilfinger, Ebert Hera, Piepenbrock, S.I.S. Group, SPIE Rodias, Weber Group, WISAG, Xervon and YNCORIS. The spectrum thus ranges from start-ups to global market leaders.

Focus areas: Digitization, security, EAM

For visitors interested in cloud-based enterprise asset management, the IFS Ultimo stand will be a central point of contact. The company will be presenting a SaaS EAM solution from IFS that focuses on maintenance and security and is designed to stand out thanks to its rapid implementation and high utility value. The theme of the trade fair gets to the heart of this claim:
"Secure the future - avoid downtime".

It is a slogan that shows what the event is essentially about: designing industrial processes in such a way that they remain reliable and efficient.

Award ceremonies and new stage

In 2026, the Maintenance Award will also go into another round. The jury and organizers are already preparing the new edition; more information will follow during the trade fair. At the newly created Pioneer Stage in Hall 7, visitors can also experience the participants and nominees from the last award ceremony - including WISAG, Bilfinger and Bayer as the current award winner. Start-ups will also be given space to present their approaches. The stage is set to become the central location for pioneering concepts.

Lectures, guided tours, research

In the SolutionCenter, located in Halls 4 and 7, numerous exhibitors will be presenting products, systems and developments. The focus is on technological trends and specific applications.

The GuidedTours organized together with the Fraunhofer IML offer two thematically different tours: practical tools and technologies to touch on the one hand, and data-driven and digital assistance systems on the other.

In the ScienceCenter, also in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IML, the topic will be
"AI, robotics & co. - real added value and practical applications for maintenance"
takes center stage. It is an attempt to combine scientific depth and industrial relevance.

This will be complemented by an open lecture by Prof. Dr. Lennart Brumby (DHBW Mannheim) in cooperation with WISAG. VAIS e. V. will also once again be involved with a panel discussion.

In addition to pump systems, the focus will be on industrial valves, sealing technology and measurement and control technology. Exhibitors include Arca Regler, Atlas Copco, Börger, EagleBurgmann, Flux, Fristam, John Crane, KSB, Leistritz, Netzsch, Ruhrpumpen, Sodeco and WP-ARO. The trade magazine Industriearmaturen will also be represented again. There will also be presentations and workshops designed to impart knowledge.

Social project

Easyfairs is setting a special example in 2026: Together with the SOS Children's Village Dortmund, the organizer is supporting the construction of a new residential group in the Huckarde district. Donations will be collected at the fair - for furniture, everyday items and toys. Easyfairs itself participates with its own donation. It is an attempt to combine business and social commitment.

Registration and admission

Registration is already open. As usual, admission costs 30 euros. Free tickets can be obtained from exhibitors. For many in the industry, the two trade fairs remain a place where technical developments, strategic considerations and personal encounters come together.