In this guide
Start with the Groningen Industrial Expo 2026: with 550 exhibitors, it is the largest event in this set and the one to build a trip around. Its April 15-17 dates also anchor the busiest stretch of the calendar, making it the natural first booking for anyone planning a Groningen visit.
But the city hosts a wider spread than heavy industry. Construction, fashion, food, healthcare, technology and sustainability all appear across the ten events listed here, with exhibitor counts ranging from 100 to 550. That range matters for logistics: smaller shows mean shorter aisles and lighter booth builds, while the larger ones demand earlier freight planning and more accommodation buffer.
This guide treats each event as a logistics problem as much as a business opportunity. You will find a month-by-month view, notes on where to stay relative to the halls, ideas for after-hours networking, and a follow-up routine that works when you are carrying a stack of leads back to the office.
Groningen Events and Exhibitions: The 2026 Lineup
- Groningen Construction Expo — 400 exhibitors in construction, December dates
Groningen Construction Expo brings 400 exhibitors from construction to a December slot, closing the year with a sector-specific gathering. For anyone sourcing materials, equipment or subcontractor relationships, the density of suppliers in one hall is the draw. December weather in Groningen can complicate freight, so plan booth material arrivals with extra lead time and confirm loading access well ahead. The event suits contractors, architects and procurement teams who want to compare multiple suppliers without cross-country travel. With 400 exhibitors, the floor is substantial but walkable in a day if you pre-map your targets.
Best for: Contractors, suppliers, and project developers
- Groningen Fashion Expo — 100 exhibitors, focused fashion showcase in November
Groningen Fashion Expo is the smallest event in this set with 100 exhibitors, which makes it a focused stop for fashion buyers and designers. November timing places it after most spring/summer buying cycles, so expect a mix of immediate and forward-order conversations. The compact floor means less walking and more time per stand—useful if you are evaluating fabric quality or fit in person. For exhibitors, a smaller show reduces build complexity, but the November date means you should lock in freight and accommodation early, as the city’s late-year calendar fills with other business and leisure visitors.
Best for: Fashion buyers, designers, and retail buyers
- Groningen Industrial Expo 2026 — 550 exhibitors, the biggest industrial technology gathering
With 550 exhibitors, Groningen Industrial Expo 2026 is the anchor event of the year for manufacturing and industrial technology. The April 15-17 run gives three days to cover automation, robotics and production equipment from names including Siemens, Bosch, ABB, Schneider Electric and KUKA. That exhibitor list signals a serious industrial audience, so bring technical colleagues who can evaluate specifications on the spot. The size demands a logistics plan: book accommodation early, schedule freight delivery windows, and allow a full day just for the largest stands. This is the event to prioritize if industrial technology is your primary interest.
Best for: Manufacturing engineers, automation buyers, and plant managers
- Groningen Automotive Expo — 350 exhibitors in automotive, late April
Groningen Automotive Expo follows the industrial show closely, with 350 exhibitors and an April 25 date. For automotive suppliers, dealers and aftermarket buyers, it offers a dedicated audience without the broader trade-fair noise. The late-April timing means you may be able to combine it with the industrial expo if you are already in Groningen—but check dates carefully and plan freight separately, as booth materials for two events require distinct handling. The 350-exhibitor floor is large enough to justify a full day, especially if you are comparing parts, equipment or service providers across multiple stands.
Best for: Automotive suppliers, dealers, and aftermarket buyers
- Groningen Trade Fair — 300 exhibitors at a general trade fair in March
Groningen Trade Fair is a general trade event with 300 exhibitors, held in March. It suits buyers who want a broad view across categories rather than a single-sector deep dive. Because the exhibitor mix is wider, it can be useful for spotting suppliers you would not encounter at a specialist show. For exhibitors, the general audience means your stand needs to communicate your niche quickly. March weather in Groningen is unpredictable, so plan flexible travel and confirm freight arrangements early. The 300-exhibitor scale is manageable in a day if you prioritize your targets before arriving.
Best for: Cross-industry buyers and general trade visitors
- Groningen Food Fair — 300 food and beverage exhibitors in October
Groningen Food Fair brings 300 exhibitors from food and beverage to an October date. For retailers, hospitality buyers and distributors, it is a chance to sample products and meet producers in person—something a catalogue cannot replicate. The October timing sits well ahead of the winter season, so conversations often turn to holiday and new-year listings. Exhibitors should note that food samples and perishable displays require cold-chain planning; confirm what the venue allows before shipping. With 300 exhibitors, the floor is dense enough to justify a full day, especially if you are comparing categories such as dairy, bakery or specialty foods.
Best for: Food buyers, retailers, and hospitality suppliers
- Groningen Tech Expo — 250 technology exhibitors in May
Groningen Tech Expo gathers 250 exhibitors in technology for a May event. It is smaller than the industrial show but more focused on digital and IT solutions, making it relevant for software buyers, systems integrators and tech founders. The May date places it after the April cluster, so it can stand alone or follow the industrial and automotive shows if you are planning a longer stay. With 250 exhibitors, you can cover the floor in a day, but pre-book meetings if your targets include specific vendors. For exhibitors, the tech audience expects live demos, so test your connectivity and power setup in advance.
Best for: IT managers, software buyers, and tech founders
- Groningen Health Fair — 200 healthcare exhibitors in June
Groningen Health Fair is a June event with 200 exhibitors in healthcare. It serves providers, administrators and medtech suppliers who want to compare equipment, services and care innovations. The smaller exhibitor count means a more focused floor, but the healthcare sector often requires detailed conversations, so allow more time per stand than at a general fair. June is a pleasant month for travel in Groningen, but confirm accommodation early if your visit coincides with other city events. For exhibitors, compliance and privacy considerations may affect what you can demonstrate, so prepare your stand accordingly.
Best for: Healthcare providers, medtech suppliers, and administrators
- Groningen Digital Marketing Expo — 200 marketing exhibitors in August
Groningen Digital Marketing Expo takes place in August with 200 exhibitors. For marketing managers, agency teams and brand owners, it is a concentrated look at digital tools, platforms and services. August can be a quieter business month, which may mean more attention from exhibitors and shorter queues at popular stands. The 200-exhibitor scale is easy to cover in a day, leaving time for follow-up conversations. Exhibitors should plan for a digitally savvy audience that expects working demos and clear pricing information. If you are combining this with a summer visit, book accommodation early as August is also a holiday month in the Netherlands.
Best for: Marketing managers, agencies, and brand teams
- Groningen Sustainability Expo — 150 sustainability exhibitors in September
Groningen Sustainability Expo closes the calendar in September with 150 exhibitors. It focuses on sustainability, making it relevant for ESG teams, procurement officers and suppliers with green credentials. The compact floor allows for deeper conversations about certifications, circularity and energy solutions. September timing means it can inform end-of-year budget planning and 2027 targets. For exhibitors, the audience will ask for evidence, so bring documentation and case studies rather than broad claims. With 150 exhibitors, it is the smallest event in this set but potentially the most specialized—useful if sustainability is central to your role.
Best for: Sustainability officers, ESG teams, and green suppliers
Quick comparison
| # | Event | Dates | Industry | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Groningen Construction Expo | 2026-12-01 | Construction | 400+ |
| 2 | Groningen Fashion Expo | 2026-11-15 | Fashion | 100+ |
| 3 | Groningen Industrial Expo 2026 | April 15-17, 2026 (past edition) | Manufacturing and Industrial Technology | 550+ |
| 4 | Groningen Automotive Expo | 2026-04-25 (past edition) | Automotive | 350+ |
| 5 | Groningen Trade Fair | 2026-03-10 (past edition) | General Trade | 300+ |
| 6 | Groningen Food Fair | 2026-10-10 (past edition) | Food & Beverage | 300+ |
| 7 | Groningen Tech Expo | 2026-05-15 (past edition) | Technology | 250+ |
| 8 | Groningen Health Fair | 2026-06-20 (past edition) | Healthcare | 200+ |
| 9 | Groningen Digital Marketing Expo | 2026-08-15 (past edition) | Marketing | 200+ |
| 10 | Groningen Sustainability Expo | 2026-09-05 (past edition) | Sustainability | 150+ |
Event details reflect supplied records and have not been independently verified for this guide. Always confirm on the official event website before booking travel or stand space.
Groningen's Event Calendar: A Month-by-Month View
The ten events spread across the year, but they cluster in spring and autumn. Use this month view to spot potential overlaps and plan freight and travel in one sequence.
| Month | Event | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| March | Groningen Trade Fair | 300 |
| April | Groningen Industrial Expo 2026 (Apr 15-17) | 550 |
| April | Groningen Automotive Expo (Apr 25) | 350 |
| May | Groningen Tech Expo | 250 |
| June | Groningen Health Fair | 200 |
| August | Groningen Digital Marketing Expo | 200 |
| September | Groningen Sustainability Expo | 150 |
| October | Groningen Food Fair | 300 |
| November | Groningen Fashion Expo | 100 |
| December | Groningen Construction Expo | 400 |
April stands out with two events ten days apart. If you are exhibiting at both, plan separate freight consignments and allow time for reconfiguration. The autumn stretch—September to December—offers four events, but they are spaced enough to avoid direct clashes. For visitors, the spring cluster means more choice but also more competition for accommodation; the autumn events are more spread out.
Where to Stay Relative to Groningen's Venues
The event data does not name specific venues, so the practical advice is to confirm the venue for each event before booking accommodation. Once you know the location, apply these principles:
- Book early for the industrial expo. With 550 exhibitors, the April 15-17 event will absorb a large share of local hotel capacity. Reserve as soon as your participation is decided.
- Consider the city centre for smaller shows. Events with 100-250 exhibitors may leave more flexibility, and a central stay can put you within walking or short taxi distance of many venues.
- Check freight access before choosing a hotel. If you are exhibitor, your accommodation should be secondary to the loading bay. Confirm delivery windows and storage with the venue first.
- Use the autumn events for easier bookings. September to December events are less clustered, so you may find more choice and better rates.
For all events, ask the organiser for recommended accommodation or partner hotels—they often have block bookings. Avoid assuming that a hotel near one venue suits another; Groningen’s event spaces may be spread out.
After-Hours Networking in Groningen
Networking does not stop when the halls close. Groningen is a compact city, and many after-hours conversations happen informally. Here are practical ways to make the most of it:
- Ask exhibitors where they gather. At larger events like the industrial expo, exhibitor stands often have evening plans; a direct question can open doors.
- Use the smaller shows for deeper conversations. Events with 100-200 exhibitors, such as fashion, health or sustainability, have a more intimate feel and may lend themselves to dinner invitations.
- Plan around the April cluster. If you are attending both the industrial and automotive events, book one evening between them for a longer dinner with key contacts.
- Keep it simple. A central bar or restaurant near your hotel is often enough; the goal is conversation, not venue-hopping.
Remember that many attendees are also visitors to Groningen, so they may appreciate suggestions. Ask the organiser or your hotel for informal meeting spots.
Following Up After Groningen Trade Shows
Follow-up is where most value is won or lost. A disciplined routine after each event keeps leads warm:
- Capture notes on the day. Write down context—what you discussed, what they asked for, and any promised materials—before the details blur.
- Segment your leads. Separate hot prospects from longer-term contacts. For larger events like the industrial expo, you may have dozens; prioritize those with clear next steps.
- Send a tailored message within a week. Reference the conversation and include any promised information. Avoid generic brochures.
- Log everything in your CRM. Note the event name and date so you can track ROI and plan for next year.
- Schedule a follow-up call. Propose a specific time rather than leaving it open.
For exhibitors, review your booth performance while it is fresh: what worked, what did not, and which materials ran out. This informs your plan for the next Groningen event.
Groningen Trade Shows: Frequently Asked Questions
Which Groningen trade show has the most exhibitors?
Groningen Industrial Expo 2026 lists 550 exhibitors, the highest in this set. It covers manufacturing and industrial technology and runs April 15-17, 2026. For scale, the next largest are Construction Expo (400) and Automotive Expo (350). If you want the broadest supplier choice in one visit, the industrial expo is the one to prioritize.
When is the best time to visit Groningen for business events?
April is the busiest month, with the industrial expo (April 15-17) and automotive expo (April 25). If you want a single trip with multiple options, April offers the most choice. Autumn also has a steady run from September to December. Consider your industry focus and whether you prefer a large or small event.
How do I plan freight and booth materials for a Groningen exhibition?
Start by confirming the venue and its loading rules with the organiser. For large events like the industrial expo, book freight delivery slots early. Allow extra time for December events due to weather. Keep booth materials modular so they can be reconfigured if you attend two events close together, such as the April industrial and automotive shows.
Are there smaller, focused events in Groningen?
Yes. Groningen Fashion Expo has 100 exhibitors, and Sustainability Expo has 150. These smaller events offer a more intimate setting for detailed conversations. They are suited to buyers who want depth rather than breadth. Check dates carefully: fashion is in November, sustainability in September.
Can I attend multiple Groningen events in one trip?
Possibly, but it depends on dates. The closest pair is the industrial expo (April 15-17) and automotive expo (April 25), ten days apart. Others are spread across the year. Combining events requires separate registration and may mean different venues, so plan logistics carefully and confirm each event's location.
What should I do after a Groningen trade show?
Follow up within a week with tailored messages. Capture notes during the event, segment leads by priority, and log them in your CRM. For exhibitors, review booth performance and material usage. A disciplined follow-up routine turns conversations into business more reliably than waiting for contacts to reach out.
Your next step: open your calendar and block the April 15-17 window for Groningen Industrial Expo 2026, then check which other events align with your sector. Confirm venue details with each organiser before booking travel or freight, and build your follow-up routine before you go.