Halls
full of new products, robots working hand in hand with humans, huge
machining centres working at full speed, experts exchanging experiences
and ideas—this is what the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE 2026 trade fair promises
to be. This event has been setting the pulse of modern industry in
Poland and the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe for years.
The upcoming edition will be unique not only in terms of scale, but
above all thanks to new initiatives and thematic zones. The starting
point for creating the ITM 2026 concept is the belief that HUMANS are
the driving force behind all technological changes, and the fair
provides a space for close meetings of people connected by industry. The
focal point of the programme will be the thematic areas that have been
the heart of the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair for years: AUTOMA,
MACH-TOOL, WELDING and SURFEX.The
division into four exhibitions, referring to the historical names of
the fairs that accompanied the ITM fair in the past, is, on the one
hand, a nod to tradition and, on the other, a way to meet the
expectations of our exhibitors. We heard from them in business
conversations that they felt the need to identify more with a specific
industry. It was the companies we have been cooperating with for years
that inspired us to create EXHIBITIONS based on brands already
established among our exhibitors and visitors. Of course, the name of
the ITM trade fair remains unchanged—it is the umbrella brand of the
entire industrial bloc. Just like the slogan: INNOVATIONS, TECHNOLOGIES,
MACHINES, continues to define the core of this event, says Joanna Kucharska, Director of the Product Group of Grupa MTP.Automa-one of the four pillars of the exhibitionThe
AUTOMA Automation, Robotics and Pneumatics Exhibition is a space where
the largest suppliers of modern solutions in the field of industrial
process automation meet. Visitors can expect to see an exhibition of
industrial robots, cobots and the latest solutions in pneumatics and
control. The return of the zones that have been enjoying great
popularity will be a particular attraction for participants. One of them
is Pneumat Game, where you can feel the spirit of competition and test
yourself in the pneumatic version of classic slot machines. These
emotions and competitions for the maintenance staff will also be present
in the 2026 edition. The Collaborative Robot Zone will also return.As the exhibitors recall, a unique atmosphere prevailed in these spaces.Michał
Pniewski, who represented Schmalz—the main partner of the Collaborative
Robot Zone, emphasised that the common space created by the partners
was not only a place for presenting innovative technologies, but also a
platform for exchanging experiences.Visitors
came with specific needs, and the conversations at the stands were
substantive and often concerned real implementation projects. For
visitors, the zone was a place where they could see innovative
technologies and the operation of collaborative robots live. Interactive
presentations and the opportunity to ask detailed questions to experts
meant that participants left the stand feeling that they had gained new,
practical knowledge and found solutions tailored to their needs. We are
also pleased with the excellent cooperation between the zone's
partners—together we have created a professional and coherent space
showcasing the real possibilities of cobots, says Michał Pniewski.MACH-TOOL-the centre of working machinesOne
of the pillars of the fair will also be the MACH-TOOL Exhibition, a
space dedicated to machine tools and tools. This is one of those places
where industrial tradition meets its most innovative face. Visitors will
be able to see large-scale machining centres, modern milling machines,
lathes and numerically controlled grinders, as well as innovative
cutting tools in action. Visitors will be able to see large-scale
machining centres, modern milling machines, lathes and numerically
controlled grinders in action, as well as innovative cutting tools and
sheet metal processing technologies—from precision lasers and punching
machines to press brakes and lines for bending and thermal cutting. This
is where you will discover how advanced laser systems and process
automation are revolutionising the metal industry, ensuring speed,
precision and efficiency in production.Exhibitors prepare
numerous live shows, which have been a key element of this exhibition
for years—the noise of machinery and the smell of coolant are elements
that create a unique atmosphere in this part of the exhibition and show
industry at its most tangible.SURFEX-Exhibition of Surface Treatment TechnologiesThe
latest solutions in the field of painting, galvanisation,
thermo-chemical treatment, and protective and decorative coatings will
be on display at the SURFEX Exhibition. Companies operating in this
sector are announcing the launch of their flagship products, which allow
for increased durability and quality of components while reducing the
environmental impact of the processes. SURFEX is a space particularly
eagerly visited by representatives of the automotive, household
appliances, aviation and construction industries who are looking for
technologies that extend the life cycle of key components in their
production lines.WELDING-welding innovationsExhibitors
will present robotic welding stations, safety systems and solutions
that revolutionise material joining processes at the WELDING
exhibition—a place of welding innovations. This thematic space has been a
place for intensive business talks for years, but also for practical
presentations that attract both experienced welders and representatives
of the technical staff of large production plants.Demobuses and planned eventsThe
DEMOBUS zone, which debuted during the ITM 2025 edition outside the
exhibition halls, was very positively received by participants. The
outdoor exhibition allowed for the presentation of industrial automation
solutions in an accessible demonstration format, using specialised
buses. The demobus zone is an interesting addition to the fair, and
customers visited us with great interest. The most important condition
is good weather, and this year it was perfect. The location was also
perfect, as some people started or ended their day at the fair in the
zone. The very form of presenting solutions is attractive and generates
great interest, says Tomasz Dawid from Balluff.In
addition to the four main exhibitions, the organisers have also prepared
several new programmes. In 2026, the following areas will debut: the
Tool Zone, the Industrial Metrology Zone and the Industrial Application
Zone, in which a special place will be occupied by companies offering
solutions from the IT sector. There are also plans to prepare topics for
the arms industry and launch certified training for narrow groups of
recipients.A strong highlight of the programme remains the
'Women Factories of the Future' conference, which in 2025 attracted a
large group of participants and demonstrated that diversity and the role
of women in industrial processes deserve a strong voice. The
first edition of the 'Women Factories of the Future' conference proved
to be a hit—it demonstrated that women in technical and industrial
sectors not only support companies but actually co-create them. The best
proof of this were the speakers who spoke with great power and
authenticity on the DBR77 stage. Even though it was the first event of
this type at the ITM trade fair, it attracted great interest. There's
still a belief that the technical world belongs mainly to men—and we
wanted to show that women also play key roles in it, says Agnieszka Wnuk, conference coordinator and B2B marketing expert.The
organisers, in cooperation with DBR77, are planning the next edition of
the conference. Moreover, the prelude to this event will be a special
edition of the popular LinkedIn Local meeting addressed exclusively to
the industrial sector, scheduled for 9 October 2025 in Poznań. The
partner of the meeting is the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair. New graphic theme for the ITM trade fairThe 2026 edition also begins communication with a completely new graphic theme.The
starting point for the project was the assumption that humans are
always at the centre of industry. They are the driving force behind
change, the creators of innovation, and the guarantors that even the
most advanced technologies and machines will not be created without
human vision. The new identity, inspired by fingerprints, combines the
symbolism of human individuality with an industrial character. We hope
this will be a unique message for the entire industry, Joanna Kucharska reveals the secrets of the new concept.A meeting that connectsITM
INDUSTRY EUROPE 2026 promises to be not only the largest, but also the
most diverse industrial event in this part of Europe. Four days of trade
fairs, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors will meet again
in Poznań to discover modern technologies and solutions together. The
organisers pay special attention to the trust of participants. The
results of the satisfaction survey among those participating in 2025
confirm that nearly 85 percent of respondents would recommend the event
to others, and over 85 percent declare their participation in 2026. The
organisers' optimism is further strengthened by the latest market data.
The eurozone manufacturing PMI stood at 50.7 points in July 2025,
marking the first time in over three years that it has returned above
the threshold of 50.ITM
INDUSTRY EUROPE will be held on 26-29.05.2026 on the fairgrounds of MTP
Poznań Expo. The exhibition of the Modernlog and Subcontracting fairs
will be available simultaneously.
The analysis by Anima Confindustria's Research Office highlights a weak outlook: forecasts for declining revenue and exports, and suffering margins.The second half of 2025 begins with a less than optimistic outlook for Italian mechanical engineering companies. The results of Anima Confindustria's latest survey of member companies show widespread signs of a slowdown, with estimates in several cases predicting a reduction in revenue of more than 5% compared to the same period in 2024. Approximately one in four companies expects a significant decline, while growth prospects appear limited. This trend reflects the climate of market uncertainty and the operational difficulties many companies are facing in recent months.The export analysis captures a snapshot of the situation, characterized by signs of contraction. Only a small portion of companies anticipate significant increases in cross-border sales, while forecasts of stability or decline prevail. Specifically, 27.5% of the sample reported a possible decline of up to 5%, confirming that the slowdown in international demand continues to weigh on the sector's performance and restrict growth opportunities in foreign markets.Margins remain a critical issue: over half of the companies surveyed have seen a decline in the past year, with a significant portion reporting a reduction of more than 5%. Conversely, only a minority reported seeing improvements, a sign that pressure on margins remains widespread. The causes are linked to a combination of factors ranging from rising energy costs to the volatility of raw materials to geopolitical tensions, all of which are squeezing profitability and reducing investment capacity. Global geopolitical instability, with ongoing conflicts and escalating trade tensions between the world's major economies, is severely impacting supply stability and cost unpredictability, making operational management increasingly complex for companies in the mechanical engineering sector."In the current scenario," emphasized Pietro Almici, President of Anima Confindustria, "the Italian mechanical engineering industry is caught in a tight spot characterized on the one hand by geopolitical uncertainty, which weighs on growth forecasts, and on the other by the unpredictable US posture and the instability of the French government. The 50% tariffs on steel products imposed by the US government deal a further blow to our trade balance in the US, which, we recall, was the primary destination for the mechanical engineering industry represented by Anima in 2024. All these factors are generating growing concern among businesses, especially on the export front, for which this translates into a reduction in foreign trade. But of greater concern is the decline in margins for most of the mechanical engineering companies represented by Anima, caused primarily by an increase in production costs."It is therefore a priority to promote policies that favor the Italian and European industrial sectors: "For years, the EU has pursued a policy of 'ideas', without truly promoting the local manufacturing sector. Added to this is the recent agreement with the United States, the terms of which envisage hundreds of billions of euros being directed overseas. Now is the time to step back from this economic policy approach and understand whether European institutions truly have the will to support our businesses. To change direction, we need to appeal to the institutions to support the manufacturing sector and protect the production and trade of our products."ANIMA Confindustria is the industrial trade organization within Confindustria that represents companies in the mechanical and related sectors, a sector that employs 221,700 people, generates a turnover of €55.5 billion, and accounts for 59% of exports/turnover (data from the Anima Research Office). The macro-sectors represented by ANIMA are: construction and infrastructure; material handling and logistics; food production; energy production; industrial production; safety and environment.
The next JIMTOF international machine tool exhibition will be held in Tokyo Big Sight from Monday, October 26, to Saturday, October 31, 2026, with an additional weekday to accommodate trade needs.Organized by the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association in collaboration with Tokyo Big Sight, JIMTOF 2026 showcases advanced technologies and machine tools, attracting strong interest from both local and international users and buyers.To strengthen its image as an international technology fair, visitors will benefit from a variety of concurrent programs, such as themed conferences, interactive exhibits highlighting the latest technology trends, and special events for students.JIMTOF embraces digital transformation (DX) initiatives to increase its sustainability and facilitate trade visitors, such as e-invitations, on-site digital signage, and AI-based support for overseas visitors. Visibility and engagement are ensured through the "JIMTOF INSIGHTS" YouTube channel, which offers extensive manufacturing-related content, with a focus on the machine tool sector.Exhibition categories: Machine tools (metal cutting, metal forming) / Machine tool accessories / Machine tools (cutting tools and wear-resistant tools) / Diamond and CBN tools / Grinding wheels and abrasives / Gears and gear devices / Hydraulic, hydraulic, and pneumatic machines / Precision measuring machines and instruments / Optical measuring instruments / Testing machines / Controllers and related software (CAD/CAM, etc.) / Other machinery and equipment, raw materials, technologies, and specialized publications.by Marinella Croci.
