DACH+HOLZ International 2026 has broken its attendance record.
The event, held between 24 and 27 February, attracted 55,933 trade visitors, surpassing the previous record of 47,000 guests set in 2014.
A total of 564 exhibitors from 28 countries presented their products and services across 71,000 square metres of gross exhibition space in four halls and the outdoor area. Of the exhibitors, 22.7% came from international markets.
“Even though processes are becoming increasingly digital, our trade thrives on personal exchange. When the industry meets every two years at DACH+HOLZ International, a strong sense of community is created, and it is precisely this community spirit that will carry the industry into the future,” said Tobias Gröber, CEO & President of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen. “DACH+HOLZ International is and remains the ‘place to be’ for our industry.”
Peter Aicher, Chairman of Holzbau Deutschland, emphasised the importance of timber construction: “Forward-looking innovations, impressive new products and personal exchanges between product manufacturers and timber construction companies ensured that the exhibition halls were full. The positive mood in the industry was clearly noticeable.”
Beyond the headline figures, the show’s Start-up & Innovation Area 2026 was larger than in previous years and brought together the latest developments in the building trade. The Start-up & Innovation Award went to Fixpod GmbH for a patented timber construction connection solution that enables installation pipe transitions without the need for revision and improves processes and occupational safety. The system is now used by more than 300 timber construction companies.
Second place went to Benetics AI for its AI voice assistant designed for everyday use on construction sites, while third place was awarded to LeiKoSi GmbH and Lock Jaw Ladder Grip for solutions that improve ladder safety in the roofing trade.
The supporting programme was well attended throughout and addressed key future topics for the industry. Contributions on sustainability, including the role of skilled trades in sustainable construction, attracted significant interest, as did practical insights into the use of AI in business.
Looking ahead, the next DACH+HOLZ International will take place in Stuttgart from 7 to 10 March 2028.
