OTWorld

Event Update

OTWorld 2026 is slowly approaching. The new in-person edition promises the return and improvement of programme events such as the Technical Forum for Rehabilitation. The 2026 edition has been scheduled for 19.05.2026–22.05.2026. Messe Leipzig will be the host venue of choice.

A Brief Overview of OTWorld 

As a respected international trade show for rehabilitation and care, OTWorld is where important advancements in disability equipment, care and convalescence are being presented. The trade show is a must-attend platform for the medical community in Europe. Over the decades, OTWorld has turned into the preferred networking space for specialists and engineers to shape the future of the rehabilitation sector. 

The upcoming edition of OTWorld in 2024 is set to become one of the most successful in its entire history. What this means is affordable hotels during OTWorld will be in high demand. Make your hotel reservation early to land the best deals on the market. GETA ltd is on standby to point you to the best hotels close to Messe Leipzig. It’s our job to make sure you don’t commute far, have good access to public transport and don’t pay a small fortune. We’re experienced when it comes to accommodation for exhibitions. That’s why you can trust us to serve you whether you’re alone or in a large group. Add to your hotel booking for OTWorld with one of our many bonus services. 

Why Your Visit Is Worth It 

OTWorld appeals to exhibitors, because it has a high level of internationality and attendance rates in the thousands. The international trade show presents companies with the right conditions to get face to face with decision makers and major buyers based in Europe and beyond. Elevate your brand, expand your client list and leave the event with many sales leads. The costs of exhibiting are a smart investment even during the pandemic. The return of OTWorld generated press and attention, and delivered almost pre-pandemic attendance numbers: 

• 18,800+ trade visitors travelled from 86 countries
• 440 international exhibitors represented 30+ countries
• 2500 congress delegates on site
• 300 experts presented at the congress 

Industry Relevance 

Established in 1973, OTWorld has been the driving force behind breakthroughs in rehabilitation care and disability equipment in Europe. The trade show takes place once every two years at Messe Leipzig with support from the Federal Association for Orthopedic Technology. The official stamp of approval gives OTWorld prestige and stimulates the growth of the event over its 50 years. Plus, you benefit from an interdisciplinary mindset. Every visitor here collaborates and sees each other as colleagues on equal footing. This level of friendliness and exchange of expertise between all the related disciplines ensures OTWorld maintains its status as an engine for innovation. 

You get to survey all innovations across the value chain. Exhibition booths display orthopaedics, rehabilitation, equipment for medical services, podiatry, shop fittings, raw materials, orthopaedic footwear technology, compression therapy, prosthetics and healthcare supplies. One of the biggest draws of OTWorld is the Technical Forum for Rehabilitation. The conversations that happen here circle around technical medical aids for every stage of human life from the moment of birth right until old age. 

The pandemic has certainly changed the course for in-patient care given the demands for higher hygiene practices and the challenges of caring for non-emergency patients during a pandemic. Of course, other major shifts such as supply shortages and the rising prices of raw materials affect all sectors. That’s what’s bringing so many decision makers to OTWorld. They’re looking for the best solutions in these trying times. At the same time, the focus slowly shifts away from intensive care patients to the care of patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities and injuries.

Who Are You Going to Meet? 

There’s a lot of interest in OTWorld from engineers and representatives of funding organisations, who are always on the search for new revolutionary products and solutions. There are also quite a lot of specialists and physicians in attendance – orthotists, prosthetists, podiatrists and chiropodists, orthopaedic shoe technicians, rehabilitation technicians, physiotherapists and doctors. That’s the entire professional community. 

As it’s based in Germany, the trade fair serves mostly as a meeting point for German professionals, but currently around 30% of visitors are foreign nationals. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine has managed to send in a delegation. That’s a sign of just how integral OTWorld is to the rehabilitation and care industry as a whole. They have three goals – research market trends, learn from the best in their field and meet with existing and potential business partners. Companies that rent booths at OTWorld include UNYQ, DARCO, Bauerfeind, McLean, GeBioM Group, SPRINGER, hp, DJO, Fior & Gentz. 

Another important group that makes an appearance are politicians and insurance representatives. In 2022, German Federal Health Minister Prof Dr Karl Lauterbach gave a speech where expressed his approval of and satisfaction with retail surgical stores and technical orthopaedic workshops for their excellent work during the pandemic. Other recognizable faces in the audience include Fabian Hambüchen, Dirk Nowitzki, Markus Rehm, Johannes Floors and Samuel Koch. All high-profile ambassadors for the disabled community, who demonstrate how integral access to medical aids is to leading a quality life. 

Additional Value of Attending 

There’s quite a lot to explore at OTWorld. The main pillar of the support programme is the World Congress, which is packed with so much material. Listen to keynote lectures from the biggest names in the industry, check out the latest scientific findings or work on your skills by signing up for the practice-oriented workshops. What you couldn’t see in person, you can review later since selected contributions will be uploaded to the OTWorld Media Library. Visitors can use their attendance at the World Congress to add credits for continuing professional development and receive appropriate accreditation, whether that’s ABC, AGOS, IQZ, SLÄK, ORS or ZVOS. 

OTWorld highlights the next generation of entrepreneurs and products in various ways. The most direct is the Start-up Zone, which provides ample promotion to new companies doing what’s never been done before. Outside the zone, organisers curate the next generation of products in special shows that cover insoles, treatment for cerebral palsy and lymphatic diseases.