The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026 is set to open on 3 March in Cologne, Germany, with around 2,500 registered companies from 53 countries exhibiting.
As many as 86% of exhibitors will be international. German exhibitors include F. REYHER Nchfg., fischerwerke, Heller Tools, Bosch and SFS Group, while international exhibitors include Ambrovit, Apex Tool Group, Stanley Black & Decker and Patrol Group. A complete overview of all exhibiting companies can be found via the exhibitor search on the official website.
This year’s show will also debut the EISENworkshop, a live-format feature in Passage 10/11 presenting tools, technologies and materials from exhibitors’ portfolios in a practical environment. Within a presentation area designed as a stylised workshop, international creators from various trades will deliver live DIY projects and provide practical user tips. The EISENworkshop is also intended to promote exchange between industry, trade and professional users.
Other events include the EISENforum in Hall 10.2, featuring lectures and panel discussions addressing current industry themes. Experts and industry insiders will cover market trends, technological developments and strategic issues, positioning the forum as a platform for knowledge transfer, professional exchange and discussion of key future topics in the hardware sector.
On the first day of the show (3 March), the programme will focus on AI and will be curated by digital expert Michael Atug. This will be followed by the BME Buyers’ Day on 4 March 2026, featuring an exclusive series of lectures for procurement professionals from the tool and hardware industry, with an emphasis on strategic and operational purchasing topics.
The eCommerce Day on 5 March 2026 will focus on digitalisation and online retail. Lectures from eBay, OBI and Picard, among others, will highlight current developments from both trade and platform perspectives.
The EISENaward powered by ZHH will be presented for the eighth time in 2026. The trade fair will open with the award ceremony at the EISENforum at 10:00 am on 3 March 2026. Outstanding product innovations will be recognised in cooperation with the German Hardware Trade Association (ZHH). A total of 64 products from 15 countries were submitted this year. The ten nominated products and three winners will be displayed in a special zone in Passage 10/11 throughout the duration of the trade fair.
Other highlights include the EISENparty, which will begin at 6:30 pm on the first evening of the trade fair as part of the official event programme.