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Top 7 international trade shows to attend in 2026 - Part 1

2026 is a year with high promise for diverse industries. It is due to the period providing various opportunities. It includes attending diverse events. Which are the events to consider? Here are the top 7 international trade shows to attend in 2026:

CMT

What should you know about the event?

One of the top 7 international trade shows to attend in 2026 is CMT. It welcomes the entire tourism and related industries' value chains. These include hospitality, travel, lifestyle, wellness, automotive, leisure, transport, and hobbies. Diverse representatives represent these. They range from end consumers to hospitality associations.

Such attending members, spanning over 300,000 visitors and more than 2,200 exhibitors, take part in diverse causes. Among them is examining the latest travel trends. As a result, the event, held on over 124,000 m2, receives attendees from more than 100 nations. These include leading brands such as:

• Alois Kober;
  
• Amadeus River Cruises;
  
• Blaupunkt;
  
• Robert Bosch;
  
• Decathlon;
  
• DEKA Adhesives;
  
• EURA-Mobil GmbH;
  
• Ford Motor Company;
  
• Papaya Tours GmbH;
  
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites Germany eV.

What should attendees know about the event schedule?

CMT attracts diverse attendees and leading brands for varied causes. Among them is its comprehensive event schedule. This event, held since 1968, features a diversified and extensive schedule. These include a comprehensive exhibition that showcases a rich portfolio. The latter encompasses cycling trips, cruise trips, and others. Complementing the schedule are diverse live performances and screenings.

There is also the CMTrend, where innovators can showcase their innovations. There are also various awards, press conferences, subsidiary shows, educational events, and demonstrations.

Light + Building

What to know about Light + Building?

One of the top 7 international trade shows to attend in 2026 is Light + Building. It is a premier event that appeals to over 220,000 visitors and more than 2,700 exhibitors. It is due to the trade show presenting the latest lighting and building trends, innovations, and challenges. It results in the event becoming a lead presentation and showcase platform for various industries. Among them are:

• construction;
  
• lighting;
  
• interior design;
  
• manufacturing;
  
• skilled trades;
  
• engineering;
  
• architecture;
  
• wholesale;
  
• retail;
  
• realty.

Among the attending are leading companies such as ABB, Acolyte, Axis, Beckhoff Automation, and Covestro. They also include Danfoss, DEKRA, Eaton, MAHLE, Schneider Electric, and Siemens. TÜV Rheinland and VIVALUX also attend.

Overview of the event schedule

Light + Building is a leading event with an extensive event schedule. Each iteration features diverse pivotal and main themes. These often reflect the latest trends and challenges in the visiting industries. Examples include IoT, lighting, and sustainability.

Such themes are reflected in the event schedule through diverse means. These include the Design Plaza. Here, attendees can learn about the latest architecture, lighting, and design insights. It is done through trend presentations, talks on various topics and inspirational keynotes. There is also the ZVEI Technology Forum for building industry solutions and standards. The Exhibitor Stage features a similar role. There is also the IEECB&SC Conference. It discusses topics such as digitalisation and building optimisation on a district or city level.

Light + Building also features diverse awards that laud innovations and professional talents. One example is the Designplus Award. It honours innovative, high-quality, functional and sustainable IoT, energy and integration innovations. There is also the IALD Awards. They laud exceptionally innovative architectural lighting concepts.

The themes also affect the guided tours. These showcase diverse innovations and solutions tailored to attendees' interests. Examples include World-Architects. It provides architects, designers, specialist planners, and engineers with insights. The Special Areas play a similar role. It is done through dedicated specialised areas. There is also the Young Talents area. Here, innovative young designers can present their one-of-a-kind pieces and experimental concepts. Additionally, the event occasionally coincides with trade shows. One example is Prolight + Sound.

Salone Internazionale del Mobile

Why consider the event?

One of the top 7 international trade shows to attend in 2026 is Salone Internazionale del Mobile. It showcases the latest interior design and furniture trends, prototypes and innovations. These range from bedrooms to entrance corridors to outdoor spaces. It results in the event appealing to both the public and to diverse industries. These include:

• furnishing;
  
• designing interiors;
  
• Ho.Re.Ca;
  
• lighting;
  
• lifestyle;
  
• realty;
  
• retail;
  
• wholesale;
  
• manufacturing;
  
• wellness;
  
• woodworking;
  
• metalworking.

Diverse representatives of the value chains attend. Examples vary from suppliers to end users.

As a result, the event receives over 2,000 exhibitors and more than 300,000 visitors. Of them, over 60% are from abroad and attend on more than 210,000 m2 of event space. These include leading companies such as ABC Italia, Acerbis, Asnaghi Interiors, Calia Italia, and Colos. They also feature Daytona, Osram, and Swarovski Internazionale D'Italia.

Event schedule details

Each edition of Salone Internazionale Del Mobile is diverse and often novel. These include press conferences, special projects, roundtables, masterclasses and the comprehensive expo. Each of these sub-events focuses on diverse business and public goals. These include the press conferences showcasing the central themes of the editions. The Special Projects showcase the visionary concepts of diverse designers. Examples include the Library of Light. It showcased lighting and architecture in a live demonstration. Drafting Futures comprises a series of interviews. During them, leading architects, designers, and specialists present their insights, experiences and concepts. The Round Tables are diverse discussion panels that discuss the latest trends in the related industries. The Masterclasses allow professionals to expand their professional skills via hands-on presentations.

Furthermore, the event often coincides with diverse other related events. These include being a part of the Design Milano Week, a city-wide event comprising 1,000 sub-events. Additionally, the event coincides with other events such as Euroluce and EuroCucina.

Foire de Paris

Overview of the event

Among the top 7 international trade shows to attend in 2026 is Foire de Paris. It is a leading trade and public event that has been held since 1904. It showcases the innovations of professionals and companies from over 10 industries. These include:

• consumer goods;
  
• interior design;
  
• arts;
  
• crafts;
  
• furniture;
  
• food & beverage;
  
• lighting;
  
• construction;
  
• beauty;
  
• wellness;
  
• leisure;
  
• fashion;
  
• games;
  
• horticulture;
  
• water treatment.

These are represented by more than 600,000 visitors and over 3,500 exhibitors. These include both public and trade visitors. Among them are designers, artisans, automobile manufacturers, retailers, architects, and entrepreneurs. These include leading exhibitors such as Aiko, Renault, Dacia, Invicta, Weber, Jacuzzi France, and Withings.

Why is the event a must-attend?

Foire de Paris is an event with diverse and comprehensive sub-events. These include the Home & Co Paris. It showcases all the latest interior design, construction, appliances, furnishings, and horticulture solutions. More than 300 brands present them. The zone furthermore includes France Renov, where attendees can discuss renovations. The site also incorporates the Reno Bistro, where visitors can exchange DIY concepts. Another notable sub-event site is the World in Paris. It lauds international and overseas craftsmanship via an interactive world tour. These include demonstrations and workshops, live dancers, and tastings. Participants should also consider the Auto Mobil Paris. Here, diverse automotive models and concepts are displayed by various companies, including leading brands. Completing the expo is a digital wall for testing reflexes via an F1 simulation. There are also educational simulators for the importance of responsible driving.There is also the Fair Market, where attendees can engage in various sub-events. These include the Paris Junior Fair, dedicated to children. There is also the Sports Village and the French Amateur Pizza Championship. Similarly, there are the French Barbecue Championship and the Latte Art Competition.

The Foire de Paris also includes the Revelations of the Year competition. Here, exhibitors present their latest innovations and novel solutions. The Start-up Boost Competition plays a similar role.

What are some of the leading trade shows to attend in 2026?

As mentioned, there are many must-attend events to consider in 2026. Apart from the above, these include several others. If you would like to learn about them, stay tuned for the second part or consider contacting GETA Ltd.