IFAT Munich 2026 Kicks Off: These Highlights Will Shape the Trade Fair Week
29.04.2026
For 60 years, IFAT Munich has been the global meeting place for environmental technologies. The next edition of the world-leading trade fair kicks off in just a few days, putting the spotlight for policymakers and industry on key future issues relating to water and raw material security. In 2026, IFAT Munich is not only attracting significant attention from business and politics, but also offering a diverse program with more than 400 events addressing the most pressing issues of our time.
More than 3,300 exhibitors and over 142,000 visitors are expected to attend IFAT Munich 2026. (Image source: © Messe München GmbH)
Overview of the key dates and program items:
- IFAT Munich will be opened on Monday, May 4 at 10:00 by Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider, EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall, and Bavaria’s Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber.
- The focus on Monday will also be on the Spotlight Area Hydrogen. It will showcase specific applications and prospects for the use of hydrogen in circular systems and will be opened at 13:30 by Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger.
- The European Water Industry Summit will take place on Tuesday, May 5. At 10:30 on the Blue Stage, a panel of distinguished experts will discuss water as a key strategic factor for resilience and sustainable growth.
- Also on Tuesday, May 5, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Boston Consulting Group will present their study on the competitiveness of German industry through the circular economy. Among the speakers on the Orange Stage at 12:30 will be Holger Lösch, Deputy Managing Director of the BDI.
- On Wednesday, May 6, the European top-level talk on the circular economy will examine the role of circular business models within the Clean Industrial Deal. Representatives from the European Commission, industry, and the financial sector will discuss how Europe can ensure its competitiveness in the long term.
Facts & figures about IFAT Munich 2026
IFAT Munich 2026 is impressive not only because of its line-up of representatives from politics and business, but also because of the many exhibitors and visitors from all over the world, enriching the trade fair with their topics. For environmental technology, the world-leading trade fair is both the central networking event and a knowledge hub. A few figures are impressive proof of that:
- Over 3,300 exhibitors, with more than 55 percent of them from abroad, are showcasing their solutions. More than 142,000 visitors from around 170 countries are expected—a clear sign of how important IFAT Munich is internationally.
- IFAT Munich occupies a total of 300,000 square meters of exhibition space—the equivalent of around 42 soccer pitches. A highlight in the outdoor area are the live demonstrations featuring more than 110 machines and vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-powered models live in action.
- Public transport is included in the ticket price, with well over 60 percent of visitors expected to use it. Added to that is the subway running a more frequent service as well as comprehensive logistics solutions on site.
- With tens of thousands of international guests, Munich’s hotels, restaurants, and beer gardens will be very busy. In addition, visitors can camp right on the exhibition grounds—an option that is already in high demand. More than 400 overnight stays have already been booked.
Source: Messe München GmbH
