In this guide
Some visitors assume Dortmund’s trade fair scene is a smaller echo of Düsseldorf or Cologne. That reading misses the point. The city’s calendar is shaped by its own industrial DNA—automation, logistics, and applied technology run deep here—and the 2026 lineup reflects that specialism rather than imitation.
The ten events in this guide span sectors from fashion to healthcare, but the centre of gravity is clear: SPS IPC Drives and Dortmund Tech Week anchor the autumn, while logistics appears twice in different seasons. That double presence is not redundancy; it signals how central freight and supply-chain thinking are to the regional economy.
Use this industry map to see where your sector sits, compare event scale, and decide which Dortmund shows deserve a place on your calendar—knowing that some dates remain unconfirmed and others refer to past editions.
Dortmund Events and Exhibitions: The 2026 Industry Map
- SPS IPC Drives — Automation giants gather for a 1,500-exhibitor showcase.
With 1,500 exhibitors, SPS IPC Drives is the largest event in this Dortmund set. It brings together names like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Beckhoff, making it a focal point for anyone in automation, motion control, or smart manufacturing. The November 2026 dates are not yet confirmed, so treat the month as a planning anchor rather than a fixed booking. If your work touches production lines, robotics, or industrial software, this is the Dortmund event where the sector’s direction is most visible.
Best for: Industrial automation and drive technology professionals
- Dortmund Logistics Expo — Logistics expo connects global freight leaders.
Dortmund Logistics Expo ran in September 2026 with 750 exhibitors, including DHL, DB Schenker, and Kuehne + Nagel. As a past edition, it shows the scale and profile the city attracts in freight and intralogistics. For professionals in warehousing, transport, or distribution, this event’s exhibitor mix indicates where the logistics conversation is heading. Since it already took place, use the record as a benchmark for future planning rather than a current opportunity.
Best for: Logistics managers and supply-chain strategists
- Dortmund Fashion Fair — Fashion fair brings 600 brands to Dortmund.
Dortmund Fashion Fair lists 600 exhibitors, from Adidas and Puma to H&M and Levi’s, covering sportswear, high street, and denim. The August 2026 dates are unconfirmed, so keep flexibility in your travel plans. For buyers and merchandisers, the event offers a concentrated look at collections and supply options outside the traditional fashion capitals. It also shows Dortmund’s retail and consumer-goods side, which balances the city’s heavier industrial profile.
Best for: Fashion buyers and retail sourcing teams
- Fachmesse für Logistik — Second logistics show adds spring timing.
Fachmesse für Logistik is scheduled for April 2027, with 500 exhibitors such as DHL, DPD, and Hermes. Its spring timing complements the September Dortmund Logistics Expo, giving the sector two seasonal touchpoints. The exact dates are unconfirmed. If your planning cycle favours spring, this event may suit you better than the autumn edition. The exhibitor list suggests a focus on parcel, courier, and contract logistics, useful for operators refining their service networks.
Best for: Logistics professionals seeking a spring alternative
- Dortmund Tech Week — Tech week draws 500 exhibitors across digital industries.
Dortmund Tech Week, with 500 exhibitors including Siemens, Bosch, Intel, Nvidia, and AMD, positions the city as a meeting point for hardware and software convergence. The November 2026 dates are unconfirmed. For engineers, product managers, and investors, the mix of industrial and consumer tech names suggests a broad agenda. It is one of two technology events in this Dortmund set, so compare it with Dortmund Digital if your interests lean toward enterprise software rather than hardware and systems.
Best for: Technology professionals and innovation scouts
- Dortmund Digital — Digital event focuses on enterprise solutions.
Dortmund Digital lists 400 exhibitors, including SAP, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, and Cisco. Scheduled for March 2026 with unconfirmed dates, it leans toward enterprise IT, cloud, and digital transformation. For CIOs and software procurement teams, this is a chance to compare platforms and services in one place. Because it is smaller than SPS IPC Drives, it may offer more focused conversations. Keep an eye on date confirmation if you plan to attend.
Best for: IT decision-makers and software buyers
- Dortmund Construction Fair — Construction fair showcases materials and building tech.
Dortmund Construction Fair, with 400 exhibitors such as BASF, Knauf, and Hilti, covers building materials, tools, and construction technology. The June 2026 dates are unconfirmed. For contractors, architects, and procurement managers, the exhibitor mix suggests a practical focus on products and applications. It is the only construction event in this Dortmund set, so it carries extra weight for the sector. Plan for a working visit rather than a broad trade-fair circuit.
Best for: Construction suppliers and project planners
- Dortmund Beer Festival — Beer festival blends hospitality with 300 exhibitors.
Dortmund Beer Festival brings 300 exhibitors, including Warsteiner, Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei, and Bitburger. The September 2026 dates are unconfirmed. While it has a consumer-facing feel, the exhibitor list points to opportunities for hospitality buyers, distributors, and packaging suppliers. It is the sole food and hospitality event in this Dortmund set, offering a different flavour from the city’s industrial shows. Use it to network with brewery representatives and explore regional beverage trends.
Best for: Food and beverage professionals and hospitality buyers
- Dortmund Health Fair — Health fair connects pharma and care sectors.
Dortmund Health Fair, scheduled for April 2027 with 300 exhibitors like Bayer, Merck, and Roche, covers pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and care services. The exact dates are unconfirmed. For healthcare managers, clinicians, and procurement specialists, the event offers a compact view of suppliers and innovations. It is the only healthcare event in this Dortmund set, making it a key date for the sector. Expect a professional audience focused on practical solutions rather than broad consumer trends.
Best for: Healthcare providers and medical suppliers
- Dortmund Energy Fair — Energy fair highlights utilities and renewables.
Dortmund Energy Fair lists 300 exhibitors, including E.ON, RWE, and Vattenfall. The October 2026 dates are unconfirmed. For energy analysts, utility managers, and sustainability leads, the event covers conventional and renewable energy themes. It is the sole energy event in this Dortmund set. While smaller than the automation and logistics flagships, it offers targeted networking for a sector undergoing transition. Check date confirmation before arranging travel.
Best for: Energy sector professionals and sustainability managers
Quick comparison
| # | Event | Dates | Industry | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SPS IPC Drives | November 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Automation | 1,500+ |
| 2 | Dortmund Logistics Expo | September 10-12, 2026 (past edition) | Logistics | 750+ |
| 3 | Dortmund Fashion Fair | August 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Fashion | 600+ |
| 4 | Fachmesse für Logistik | April 2027 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Logistics | 500+ |
| 5 | Dortmund Tech Week | November 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Technology | 500+ |
| 6 | Dortmund Digital | March 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Technology | 400+ |
| 7 | Dortmund Construction Fair | June 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Construction | 400+ |
| 8 | Dortmund Beer Festival | September 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Food & Hospitality | 300+ |
| 9 | Dortmund Health Fair | April 2027 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Healthcare | 300+ |
| 10 | Dortmund Energy Fair | October 2026 (exact dates TBD) (unconfirmed) | Energy | 300+ |
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.
Exhibitor Checklist for Dortmund Trade Shows
Exhibiting in Dortmund means preparing for a mix of industrial and consumer audiences. Start by clarifying which event fits your goals: SPS IPC Drives for automation, the logistics expos for freight, or Dortmund Digital for enterprise IT. Then work through this checklist:
- Confirm dates and venue with the organiser—many 2026 dates are unconfirmed.
- Review the exhibitor list to avoid direct overlaps and spot potential partners.
- Set measurable objectives (leads, meetings, brand visibility) before booking space.
- Plan your stand staffing around peak hours and sector-specific sessions.
- Prepare German and English materials to serve local and international visitors.
- Check logistics for shipping samples and equipment well in advance.
Given the range from 300 to 1,500 exhibitors, scale your presence accordingly. Smaller events like the energy or health fairs may reward a focused, conversational stand over a large build.
Visitor Checklist for Dortmund Events
Visiting several Dortmund trade shows in one trip requires a bit of planning. Use this checklist to keep your schedule realistic:
- Prioritise two or three events rather than trying to cover all ten—especially if dates cluster in autumn.
- Verify dates for any event marked unconfirmed before booking travel.
- Pre-register online to save time and receive exhibitor updates.
- Map exhibitors you want to meet and set aside buffer time for spontaneous conversations.
- Check entry requirements and badge collection details with each organiser.
- Plan for local transport between venues if attending multiple events in one week.
With events spread from March to October (and into 2027), you can space visits across the year. A spring trip might combine Dortmund Digital with the construction fair, while autumn suits automation, tech, and energy.
Transport and Accommodation Notes for Dortmund
Dortmund’s trade events take place across the city, but the supplied records do not specify venues. That means you should confirm the location with each organiser before booking accommodation. As a general guide, look for hotels with good access to public transport and the city centre, which typically offers a range of options for business travellers.
For arrivals, Dortmund Airport serves the region, and the main railway station connects to major German cities. If you are attending multiple events, consider accommodation that balances access to the city centre and any known venue clusters. Book early during major show weeks, as demand can be high. Use the event dates as a starting point, but treat unconfirmed dates as provisional and avoid non-refundable bookings until dates are firmed up.
| Consideration | Tip |
|---|---|
| Venue confirmation | Ask the organiser for the exact hall or address before booking. |
| Travel flexibility | Choose refundable fares if dates are unconfirmed. |
| Local transport | Check tram and bus connections to the venue once known. |
| Accommodation | Book near the city centre for flexibility across events. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Dortmund Trade Shows
Which Dortmund trade show is the largest?
Based on supplied exhibitor counts, SPS IPC Drives is the largest with 1,500 exhibitors. It focuses on automation and takes place in November 2026, though exact dates are unconfirmed. Dortmund Logistics Expo follows with 750 exhibitors. Keep in mind that counts are from the records and future editions may differ.
Are the 2026 dates for Dortmund events confirmed?
Most events in this guide have unconfirmed dates, except Dortmund Logistics Expo, which is listed as a past edition. Always verify dates with the organiser before booking travel or accommodation. Unconfirmed dates mean the month is known but the exact days are not yet fixed.
What industries are represented at Dortmund trade shows?
The calendar covers automation, logistics, fashion, technology, construction, food and hospitality, healthcare, and energy. Logistics appears twice, reflecting Dortmund's freight and supply-chain strengths. Technology also has two events, showing the city's growing digital sector. This mix gives a broad view of the regional economy.
How can I plan a visit to multiple Dortmund events?
Check the dates and group events by season. Autumn is busy with SPS IPC Drives, Dortmund Tech Week, and the energy fair. Spring and summer have fewer overlaps. Prioritise based on your sector, and leave buffer time for travel between venues. Confirm dates before finalising plans.
Do I need to speak German to attend Dortmund trade shows?
Many exhibitors and visitors speak English, especially at international events like SPS IPC Drives and Dortmund Digital. However, some local events may be primarily in German. Bringing a German-speaking colleague or preparing key phrases can help. Check the event language with the organiser.
What should exhibitors know about Dortmund trade shows?
Exhibitors should confirm dates early, review the exhibitor list for overlaps, and set clear objectives. The range of event sizes—from 300 to 1,500 exhibitors—means you can choose between broad visibility and focused networking. Prepare bilingual materials and plan logistics well ahead.
Ready to map your Dortmund trade show calendar? Start by noting the confirmed month for each event that fits your sector, then verify exact dates with the organiser before booking. Whether you exhibit or visit, Dortmund’s 2026 lineup offers a clear view of where automation, logistics, and technology meet.