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ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE 2026 - man at the heart of industry

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.

Confidence in the Italian mechanical industry declines in the second half of 2025

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.

JIMTOF 2026, see you in Tokyo

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.

PROD&PACK, the largest trade fair in France dedicated to the entire production chain

From manufacturing to palletizing and packaging – returns from 18 to 20 November 2025 to Eurexpo Lyon.This event will bring together key players in the production, processing, and packaging industries, offering a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations and sustainable solutions. With over 750 French and international exhibitors (up 20% compared to 2023), Prod&Pack confirms its position as a strategic hub for supporting market transformation, focusing on industrial performance, sustainability, and adaptation to new regulations and usage patterns.The event highlights the transformations underway in the production, industrial processes, and packaging sectors, covering the entire life cycle of the packaged product. Organized into four complementary areas, designed to offer an integrated and comprehensive view of the supply chain:• Packaging and wrapping machinery and equipment.• Production and processing machinery and equipment.• Packaging, containers, and materials.• End-of-line, handling, storage, shipping, and logistics. The 2023 edition attracted 15,872 visitors, confirming the growing interest in this event, now a benchmark for industrial transformation.Special events:• AI VillageA new thematic area dedicated to artificial intelligence, presenting solutions applied to design, production processes, sustainability, and distribution. This strategic space is designed to intercept and anticipate technological developments in the sector.• Mini-Factory ShowroomAn exclusive area of nearly 800 m² will house five functioning mini-factories, simulating authentic packaging and wrapping lines using five key materials: wood, plastic, glass, metal, and paper/cardboard.• Innovation AlleyVisitors are welcomed by an immersive exhibition of concrete solutions for the packaging of the future.• Reuse VillageA thematic area organized in collaboration with Réseau Vrac & Réemploi to highlight the latest innovations in industrial reuse through demonstrations, practical solutions, and expert talks, in line with the AGEC law (the French law that aims to improve the transparency of information on waste-generating products and promote circularity). • Roundtables, meetings, and the National Conference on ReuseA high-level conference program will offer an up-to-date and in-depth overview of the challenges facing the sector today. The fair will also feature the third edition of the National Conference on Reuse, a unique opportunity to explore real-world case studies, hear firsthand accounts, and discover the ongoing projects that are transforming the industry.Prod&Pack: The History of the Show and Its EvolutionProd&Pack is a biennial event dedicated to the packaged product ecosystem, bringing together key players in the production, processing, and packaging sectors. Its first edition was held in November 2021 at Eurexpo Lyon, evolving from the previous Europack Euromanut CFIA show to meet the new needs of the packaging industry. In 2023, the event attracted over 15,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors, cementing its position as a leading event for innovation and sustainability in the packaging sector.The next edition will be held from November 18 to 20, 2025, at Eurexpo Lyon, with over 750 exhibitors and 16,000 visitors expected. Prod&Pack continues to be a strategic platform for anticipating technological changes and responding to the sector's environmental, economic, and social challenges.

US duties, Anima Confindustria: "The terms of the agreement create a climate of uncertainty that jeopardizes our companies' exports."

According to President Pietro Almici, the agreement between the US and the EU will impact the primary destination market for mechanical engineering, represented by Anima, but it is difficult to estimate the potential losses. "Finding outlets in new markets is essential.""The terms of the agreement between the US and the EU are creating a climate of uncertainty that risks causing the entire Italian and European mechanical engineering industry to lose a significant share of revenue in the coming months, also due to the devaluation of the dollar." These are the words of Pietro Almici, President of Anima Confindustria, who emphasizes the importance of the US for the Italian mechanical engineering industry. In 2024, the United States emerged as the primary export destination for the sectors represented by Anima Confindustria, with a turnover of approximately €4.4 billion. However, the terms of the agreement between the US and the EU - which also include a commitment from Europe to invest hundreds of billions of euros in the United States—not only penalize many European industrial sectors, but also involve a process that is raising significant concerns for the health and competitiveness of our market."In addition to the introduction of such high duties," Almici continues, "our concern is that the investments envisaged by the agreement, which Europe will be required to meet, could divert resources from supporting European industry and burden businesses, hindering the growth of certain sectors. Furthermore, the current lack of communication between American and European institutions on the matter makes the terms of the agreement difficult to fully understand. At this time, we can say with certainty that our companies will lose market share in the US, but it is difficult to make a precise estimate; the Anima Research Office will monitor the impact that the measures implemented by the US administration will have on the Italian industrial system, particularly for the sectors we represent."Indeed, it should be noted that these measures could have a knock-on effect on the entire Italian production system, affecting not only direct steel and aluminum producers, but also the numerous sectors dependent on mechanical engineering."While on the one hand," says President Almici, "it is essential to work to ensure constructive dialogue with the United States, in order to find solutions that foster cooperation and mutual competitiveness, on the other, we must remember all those emerging markets that are currently of great interest to the Italian mechanical engineering industry. In this sense, the treaty between the EU and Mercosur could represent a great opportunity for the entire manufacturing sector. The Italian mechanical engineering industry is ready to actively contribute to the development of strategies that can mitigate the effects of these protectionist policies, including by strengthening its presence in other markets."ANIMA Confindustria is the 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 (data from the Anima Research Office). The main sectors represented by ANIMA are: construction and infrastructure; material handling and logistics; food production; energy production; industrial production; and safety and environment.

IVS - Industrial Valve Summit presents the sixth edition of the event

The leading event for the industrial valve and flow control industry will offer exhibitors and visitors two additional pavilions and an additional day of exhibition space.The press conference introducing the sixth edition of IVS - Industrial Valve Summit, the most important international event dedicated to industrial valve technologies and flow control solutions, took place on July 10th in Milan, at the Sala Pirelli of Palazzo delle Stelline. The event, sponsored by Confindustria Bergamo and Promoberg, will take place at the Bergamo Exhibition Center from May 19th to 21st, 2026.Less than a year after the Summit's next edition, the organizers celebrated the milestone of IVS's first decade: an opportunity to look to the future, retracing a journey of vision and dialogue, connecting businesses, institutions, research organizations, international buyers, experts, and professionals from around the world. Launched in 2015 as a specialized event, the event is now internationally recognized as a reference platform for the industrial valve industry. Over the past ten years, the Summit has grown in size, quality, and strategic impact, helping strengthen the competitiveness of the national manufacturing district and the role of Italian manufacturing in global markets.The 2026 edition marks a further step forward in the event's development. The exhibition layout at the Bergamo Fair will expand to include two additional pavilions, and the program will extend over three full days open to the public, expanding from a two-day exhibition to a full-fledged valve week. The scientific conferences will begin on the morning of Tuesday, May 19th, and the pavilions will open their doors to the international valve audience. This evolution reflects the organizers' desire to meet the growing demand for content, networking opportunities, and qualified discussions.The IVS-Prometeia Observatory: "The Oil & Gas Valve Industry in Italy" The 2025 update of the IVS-Prometeia Observatory, "The Oil & Gas Valve Industry in Italy," was also presented. This report, produced with the contribution of the Confindustria Bergamo research department, provides a snapshot of the state of the Italian industrial valve sector, which remains a strategic segment of national manufacturing and a leader in the European competitive landscape. The industry comprises 139 companies, approximately 10,000 employees, and an annual turnover of €3.4 billion. With 36.6% of total European production, Italy remains the market leader in valves for the Oil & Gas industry, specializing in ball and plug valves, butterfly valves, and components and spare parts. Lombardy has established itself as the productive heart of the sector, contributing nearly two-thirds of national output, with Bergamo as its key industrial hub. Over 100 specialized companies operate within a 100 km radius of the city, generating more than 90% of the Italian turnover in the sector, recording €1.9 billion in revenue (55% of the total) and employing over 6,000 people.In 2024, Italian oil and gas valve exports grew by 16.9%, well above the global average (+8.5%), cementing Italy's position as the world's third-largest exporter. Growth was concentrated in Western Europe and the Middle East, where Italy outperformed the market average, particularly in the MENA region (+60%). In Saudi Arabia, the leading market, exports grew at twice the rate of competitors, with peaks in the ball and plug valve segment. This country accounted for nearly half of the overall increase in Italian exports in the sector in 2024.In the first quarter of 2025, a physiological normalization was observed (-6.8% compared to the previous quarter), while maintaining levels 10% higher than in the same period of 2024. The decline is concentrated in the Gulf countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia (-29% on a quarterly basis), which nevertheless remains in strong growth year-on-year (+30%).Globally, oil demand grew by only 0.7% in 2024, while natural gas rose by 1.8%, driven by demand in Asia. The start of 2025 is marked by falling energy prices and strong investment in the Middle East, but a slowdown in North America. At the same time, renewable energy continues to grow, with global investment double that of fossil fuels. Global O&G sector revenues fell by 5% in 2024, but remain 23% above pre-pandemic levels. Operating margins are holding up, as are capital expenditure (CapEx), albeit slowing. Forecasts indicate a 15% decline in core investment in 2025–2026.The Italian valve sector remains competitive thanks to its focus on markets with growing investments (Europe, Asia, MENA), while the United States - in decline - accounts for only 11% of national exports.Claudia Persico, Vice President of Confindustria Bergamo for Internationalization, stated: "We are very proud of the tenth anniversary of IVS, an event strongly supported by industry entrepreneurs and supported by Confindustria Bergamo, which immediately recognized its fundamental importance for promoting a supply chain of excellence internationally. The constantly growing numbers for the 2026 edition also confirm the effectiveness of the project, drawing attention to a cutting-edge sector, developing business opportunities and unique opportunities for scientific and technological exploration. Furthermore, it is a sector in excellent health, as confirmed by the Prometeia study, which is not suffering from the prospect of US tariffs and which encompasses many productions in Bergamo—in addition to valves, from heat exchangers to boilers, pumps, pipes, and fittings—and therefore takes on a cross-sectoral appeal."Luciano Patelli, President of Promoberg, commented: "IVS is the flagship event in the internationalization process of the Bergamo Fair, thanks to the presence of hundreds of companies and over 15,000 high-profile operators from around the world. We are honored to be part of this important event, to be able to do our part in supporting the economy and promoting our city in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, as well as in tourism and culture. The Summit will, as always, be hosted in Bergamo, whose province represents the Italian hub of the sector, a center of excellence both nationally and internationally. IVS is a strategic event, especially as an initiative to support the region's excellent industrial supply chains, and especially the SMEs that represent the vast majority of them."Francesco Apuzzo, President of Valve Campus, stated: "In anticipation of IVS 2026, the Scientific Committee aims to connect skills, technologies, and perspectives, consolidating a program already recognized as a benchmark for technical discussion among industry professionals. The program will offer relevant and strategic content, aligned with the transformations underway in the industry and open to new application scenarios. Special attention will be paid to emerging technologies and the opportunities offered by evolving markets such as hydrogen and LNG. The six thematic areas will range from regulatory updates to artificial intelligence to additive manufacturing. Finally, the round tables will offer highly specialized discussion opportunities, designed to meet the demand for knowledge from an increasingly knowledgeable and demanding technical community."